By K. Erickson and C. Mankenberg The Answer Is The Society is not responsible for any statements made or opinion expressed herein. Data and information developed by the authors are for specific informational purposes only and are not intended for use without independent, substantiating investigation on the part of potential users. Q: When conducting welding from both sides on square groove butt sheet-to-sheet welder performance qualification testing in accordance with AWS D1.3, Structural Welding Code — Sheet Steel, what type of testing would be required? A: The standard indicates to perform bend testing on two test samples for each assembly (Table 4.4 and subnote “a”). Although not specifically rquired by the code, since the joint is being welded from both sides, it would be good practice to perform two bend tests that would incorporate one bend from each side of the weld in the bend radius area. Q: What is your perception of the welding industry and the employment forecast as a CWI for the next ten years? A: (From Ken Erickson) I will provide the IT “The Answer Is” readers with my short version thoughts and feelings looking forward into the next decade. First and foremost, I strongly believe that the welding industry and CWIs will be in higher demand years from now than they are today, which in turn will result in more employment opportunities and higher pay packages. As current CWIs age and retire they will not be replenished as plentifully in the job market to meet the growing demand. Like so many other industries, employers will search out and look for CWIs with knowledge and experience in specific fields and/or applications. Inspectors, in turn, will become more specialized and thus will be somewhat limited when venturing out to a new industry or welding field. CWIs should focus on obtaining a broad range of training and experience that can encompass numerous employment objectives and opportunities. Employers and project specifications 18 Inspection Trends / January 2011 will demand and mandate that both welders and inspectors be currently certified and must provide any certifications upon employment. Inspectors should add to their certification and experience résumés, whenever possible, as this will lead to greater financial gains and employment independence. With the energy industries exploring both solar and wind power, you can anticipate that new standards and possibly new welding inspection credentials may be developed that will incorporate manufacturing and erection phases in regard to this expanding industry. In addition, nuclear power may once again be looked at to meet the increased energy demands and both welders and CWIs will play a large part in meeting these construction demands on longer-term projects. It would also be highly advisable for CWIs to add some other NDE certifications to their résumés such as liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, and/or ultrasonic inspection to further entice potential employers. These types of projects will encompass all forms of nondestructive examinations. Industrial safety as related to welding, inspection, and overall construction will also become more demanding and individuals will need to also have and maintain current OSHA and other applicable training and certifications of completion prior to being considered for employment. Inspectors will be required to be computer literate and able to generate and provide accurate and detailed reports encompassing digital photography and video to satisfy new requirements for project customers and clients located worldwide. More emphasis will be placed on individuals to develop and implement proven programs and procedures involving the need for inspectors beyond just from a welding standpoint. The technology we are all experiencing today will have a significant impact on tomorrow’s CWIs. National standards incorporating welding and inspection will continue to grow, expand, and become more detailed. There will be more demand for CWIs to be an integral part of this growth to satisfy the future needs of all industries. Reader Comments on Q&A Related to Covered Electrodes Ken Erickson was right on in his answer regarding covered electrodes (The Answer Is, page 42, IT Fall 2010). As CWIs, we may see covered electrodes being pulled from a rod oven, but we have no clue as to their history. I’m a big fan of the #10 can. My favorite line in the answer: “The welder should be provided every opportunity to complete a satisfactory weldment and the filler metal is a large part of this process.” Paul W. Cameron CWI and Senior Welding Engineer McNeilus, an Oshkosh Corp. company Dodge Center, Minn. Inspection Trends encourages question and answer submissions. Please mail to the editor (mjohnsen@aws.org). KENNETH ERICKSON is manager of quality at National Inspection & Consultants, Inc., Ft. Myers, Fla. He is an AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector, an ASNT National NDT Level III Inspector in four methods, and provides expert witness review and analysis for legal considerations. CLIFFORD (KIP) MANKENBERG is a construction supervisor for Shell International Exploration & Production, Houston, Tex. He is an AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector and an ASNT National NDT Level III Inspector in five methods.
Inspection Trends - January 2011 - Winter
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