In the 90s, the high-purity and ultrahigh-purity industries went through a boom and were then transformed by outsourcing. Now, we’re trying to reclaim the industry domestically.
In the 90s, the high-purity and ultrahigh-purity industries went through a boom and were then transformed by outsourcing. Now, we’re trying to reclaim the industry domestically.
What ups the game for end users, contractors, and organizations like AWS is $52.7 billion being poured into the industry from the U.S. government to stimulate semiconductor plant growth and regain balance in our current supply chain. Also, in contrast to the 90s, semiconductors play a huge part in our everyday lives, much like welding, but often both get taken for granted.
Mike Lang, AWS CWI, ASNT Level II VT/PT/RTFI, shares his thoughts about semiconductor manufacturing after nearly four decades in the industry.
Tubing’s Role
Semiconductor manufacturing is largely dependent on gases conveyed via high- and ultrahigh-purity stainless steel tubing, most of which requires autogenous orbital welding for joining. The materials are also a consideration because you are now dealing with electro-polished interior finishes that require special end preparation, cleaning prior to welding, and workplace protocols.
Our Challenge
Who is going to do the work? We skipped a generation in this scope of work mainly due to outsourcing. Whether it be an open- or closed-shop posture, there simply are not enough skilled workers experienced in this scope. These days, we struggle with finding a traditional welding workforce, so where do we find one with specialized skill sets? It’s telling when you go to a semiconductor job site and there are both postures of labor involved. It indicates that we are in trouble labor-wise; basically, we are in an all-hands-on-deck mode for staff projects. The same concerns apply to management. How many business leaders are still around from the 90s boom? These experienced people are a vanishing breed in short supply.
Solutions
This is where AWS can find opportunity! Organizations such as SEMI have taken the lead in codes and practices to govern semiconductor-related work. It is now a perfect time for AWS to reach out to SEMI and collaborate on training and qualification of the welders who join the tubing industry and the fitters who prepare the fitups prior to welding. Also, an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) endorsement is much needed to cover this scope.
In Closing
Changing times call for changing ways. As companies race to well-subsidized work, we, as the welding industry, need to prepare. It is critical to balance the semiconductor supply chain in the United States, and welding will need to play a huge role.
This article was written by Mike Lang (quality manager at Houston Mechanical, Cajun Industries, Deer Park, Tex.) for the American Welding Society.
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