The Importance of the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ)

When we weld we generate enough heat in the welding arc to melt the filler metal and base material.  Or just the base material is we are welding autogenously (as in GTAW without filler).  The edges of the base material melt and combine with the filler metal to create what is called the composite zone.  […]

5 MORE Questions You Should Know for the CWI Exam

And fundamental principles for the fabrication of steel structures

Today we’ll cover 5 more very important concepts that are governed by the AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code (Steel). If you missed our last post with the first five questions simply click here.  These concepts can show up as questions in the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Exam. As stated in our article from last week, […]

5 Questions and Answers You Must Know for the CWI Exam

And fundamental principles for the fabrication of steel structures

If you have taken or hope to take the CWI exam you probably have searched for some practice exam questions.  In practicing for the code book portion of the test you may have come across a few questions for which you could find the answer, but didn’t really understand the importance of the question or […]

What To Do When Welding Codes Are Not Clear

Or when the code does not provide enough information to make an important decision

If you are a CWI, welding engineer or serve in a capacity that requires you to use and interpret welding codes, you probably have run into instances where the code is not very clear.  Many of the questions we receive from our readers deal with interpreting codes and standards.  Many times it is not about […]

21 Changes to PQR Essential Variables that Require WPS Requalification

​Have you ever seen a welding procedure specification with established amperage ranging from 200 to 550 amps? Or voltage ranging from 21 to 29 volts? Or some other variable with a huge window? This is all too common, but extremely dangerous. Why? Because changes to essential variables beyond that which is reasonable will affect the […]

7 Areas of Study for Aspiring Welding Engineers

Welding engineering is a complex field that requires expertise in many different engineering disciplines.  The welding engineer must take advanced courses in metallurgy (including welding metallurgy), material science, mechanics of materials, thermodynamics, chemistry and fundamentals of all welding processes.  Welding engineers are tasked with many different activities which include but are not limited to:   […]

The Relationship between Heat Input and Weld Size

Heat input is important because it has an effect on cooling rates which in turn can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the weld and heat affected zone. It also plays a role in susceptibility to distortion.  High heat input can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others.  A common misconception is that […]

Rule of Thumb for Fillet Weld Sizes

Many fabricators can lower their welding costs significantly if they paid close attention to weld sizes.  If a print calls for a ¼” fillet weld and in production you make a 5/16” fillet weld, you are overwelding by 56%!  If the print calls for a 3/16” fillet, the 5/16” fillet weld you deposit would be […]

Effects of Voltage on Weld Quality

Voltage is one of the most important variables in a welding procedure.  It is also one that is sometimes misunderstood.  You may ask five welders what effect voltage has on a weld and you may get five different answers.  This is because voltage can do a lot of things, some good and some bad. Understanding […]

Welding Engineering Topics for Non-Welding Engineers

Today we are faced with a tremendous shortage of welding professionals.  This includes welders, fitters, cutters, inspectors, supervisors, robotic technicians and welding engineers to name a few.  Although every fabricator can benefit from having a welding engineer on staff, most welding engineers tend to work in specific industries such as Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Automotive […]