Looking back and reflecting is important. However, looking forward is just as vital. In 1998, American Welding Society (AWS) leaders and the Department of Energy called on 25 industry representatives from the welding community to develop a strategic vision for the future that could be used for long-range planning and as a guideline for research/development by industry and the federal government. Five major challenges were identified as needing to be overcome by 2020. As we approach the end of 2015, how we are doing? The first challenge: “Welding will be better integrated into the production cycle, eliminating the occasional impression that it is a barrier to a smooth manufacturing process on the factory floor.” Over the past 15 years, manufacturers all over the world have embraced lean manufacturing principles. They have also learned welding is no different than any other process in manufacturing. Today, using tools such as production preparation, welding is fully integrated into the production cycle. Whether you are in the automotive or heavy-equipment segment, manufacturers today have learned the skill of integration of welding into production flow and managing cycle times to tact times. Another advancement in the integration of welding into the production cycle is in the area of managing information flow. Several major welding equipment manufacturers now incorporate information gathering and arc monitoring right into the welding machines. Currently, as a welding engineer at Vermeer Corp., Pella, Iowa, I can view the welding operation at my company no matter where I am by using my smart phone. The second challenge: “Training of welders and welding technologists will be more comprehensive and scientific.” Today, the welding industry all over the world is embracing and seeing the benefits of using virtual reality and motion tracking cameras. In addition, companies and employers have seen the need to improve training and provide credentialing through thirdparty certifications for welders and welding technicians. For example, AWS has a long history of providing industry recognized, nationally and internationally transportable, standards-based credentials. However, in a recent study conducted by the Deloitte Institute, 54% of industry executives in manufacturing conclude the shortage of skilled production workers (which includes welders) is a barrier to expansion and growth in their markets. In that same survey, 63% of those executives believe that by 2020 the skill gap will be worse than it is today. I can tell you, observing through my travels to many countries around the world, this skill gap issue is a global concern. The welding industry is very much aware of the need to improve trainee skills. Still, the challenge we must overcome is the lack of young people choosing to embrace a career in welding and the welding field. The third challenge: “The welders’ environment must become more attractive.” For decades, the environment of welding has been described as “dark, dirty, and dangerous.” Today’s environment has changed. Now, welding is high technology that’s clean, well organized, safe, and a great career. Many machines are actually computers that generate a welding arc and can weld. Also, welding utilizes robotic and automated, manual and semiautomatic, laser, and hybrid processes. Even in the traditional welding processes, companies have embraced the principles of 5S, workplace organization, and excellent industrial hygiene. The fourth challenge is closely related to the second and third: “The residue of the image of welding as the ‘weakest link’ in a fabrication environment will be eliminated.” Through AWS efforts and its 71,000 individual members and volunteers, we have been improving the image of welding. Which brings us to the fifth and final challenge: “New materials development will increasingly incorporate weldability.” Universities and industry have invested millions of dollars in research and development into new materials and improved weldability. Automobile manufacturers today are using new, ultrahigh strength microalloyed steels and aluminum in the new generation vehicles focusing on the reduction of weight to meet emission targets. Materials are being designed at the nanotechnology level with the desired mechanical properties and ability to be welded together and to dissimilar materials. Overall, I would have to say that we are on target and have been successful in following the vision that was cast almost 20 years ago. However, we should not stop after looking back. It is time for us to once again look forward and cast a new vision for welding into the next 20 years. It is time for us to develop a new strategic vision for the future of welding as we look toward 2035. EDITORIAL A Vision for Welding David J. Landon AWS President “It is time for us to once again look forward and cast a new vision for welding into the next 20 years.” 6 WELDING JOURNAL / DECEMBER 2015 WJ
Welding Journal | December 2015
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