History
The roots of the American Welding Society stretch back toLocation
The American Welding Society's first headquarters were located in''Welding Journal''
The publication currently known as the ''Welding Journal'' was born in October 1919 with a different name. The ''Journal of the American Welding Society'' was its original title – and it had just one issue under this name. In the first publication, American Welding Society President Comfort A. Adams wrote, "The American Bureau of Welding is the authoritative body to establish the facts. To make the most use of the facts, however, requires another sort of machinery and the organization that does this is the American Welding Society. Its function is not to supply the knowledge but to spread it and assist in putting it to practical uses. It is the Society, for instance, which publishes this Journal, which will push matters of importance to welding and which will open out new fields for its use. It holds regular meetings to discuss matters relating to welding, to act upon the recommendation of the Bureau and to initiate further activities. This division of the work, while it has created some confusion on account of the similarity of the names, is a logical one, and will be found effective in operating as was clearly indicated by the experience with the old Welding Committee." Operating costs were too high for the Journal, and it was not until 1922 that the publication was reborn under its current name thanks to advertising earnings. The society explained the advertising move in their first issue of the newly named ''Welding Journal''. "Advertising is also included in this issue, as it was impossible to continue monthly publication without increased revenue. The dues from members of which the National Organization retains half (the other half being returned to local sections) is barely sufficient to pay the ordinary expenses of the Society. Moreover, several members of the Board of Directors feel that these advertisements are of interest to our members and add to the value of the Journal." Since the move to advertising, the ''Welding Journal'' has been published continually and continues to be an resource for issues and advancements concerning all types of materials joining, metal fabrication, and construction. It is offered as a benefit to members of the Society, and includes information of the latest products, trends, technology, and events; including articles covering everything from testing and inspection, maintenance and repair, design, training, personal safety, and brazing and soldering. The ''Welding Journal'' has earned more than 60 editorial and design awards, including multiple Charlie Awards from the Florida Magazine Association (FMA), and Tabbie Awards from the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI). The Society now also publishes the ''Welding Journal en Español'' – a free quarterly publication containing tailored articles written by and for Mexican and Latin American professionals. The ''Welding Journal en Español'' has a circulation of 10,000 printed copies and 40,000 digital copies. Along with this publication, the ''Welding Journal em Português'' is a magazine distributed in Brazil to coincide with the Brazil Welding Show that takes place every two years in São Paulo, Brazil.Certification
The American Welding Society offers a number of certification programs that recognize and document expertise and knowledge in specific welding-related disciplines, including: * Certified Welding Inspector * Senior Certified Welding Inspector * Certified Welding Educator * Certified Radiographic Interpreter * Certified Welding Supervisor * Certified Welding Sales Representative * Certified Welding Engineer * Certified Welder * Certified Robotic Arc Welding Since the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program was introduced in 1976, AWS has certified over 100,000 welding inspectors alone, plus thousands more working professionals across the other certification categories. Certification is accomplished through testing and evaluation of corresponding procedures. The Radiographic Interpretation Certification, for example, includes a detailed general knowledge exam, a test of specific information from the AWS code book on radiographic quality and interpretation, and a practical exam testing the individual's ability to read radiographic films. Most AWS certifications are typically renewed after a period of three years, and are required to satisfy re-certification requirements every nine years. Welders are required to take a qualification test at aEndorsements
Endorsements are supplemental inspection credentials available to all AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) and Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWIs) to enhance an individual’s credentials. The examinations offered as endorsements to the CWI/SCWI programs are also offered as stand-alone exams to non-CWIs/SCWIs who wish to enhance their educational background. Below are the available endorsement certifications that AWS offers . * D1.1 Structural Steel * D1.2 Structural Aluminum * D1.5 Welding * D15.1 Railroad * D17.1 Aerospace * API 1104 Pipeline * Structural Drawing Reading * Structural Bolting Inspection * ASME Pressure Piping B31.1 and B31.3 * ASME Pressure Vessel Section VIII, Div. 1Accredited Test Facilities
The American Welding Society also certifies the Accredited Test Facilities (ATF) which play an integral part in the operation of their Certification program. The ATF program establishes minimum requirements for test facilities, their personnel and equipment to qualify for accreditation to test and qualify welders. This program is open to all qualified test facilities that may be a part of an independent laboratory, manufacturing plant, educational institution, or other entity. American Welding Society ATFs are listed on the official AWS website and advertised in the American Welding Society's ''Welding Journal'' magazine. The ATF program requires that a facility implements a quality assurance program that meets the requirements established in the AWS QC4-89, Standard for the Accreditation of Testing Facilities. The requirements include that the facility has a Quality Manual that controls the activities related to the testing of welders in the facility according to AWS QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders. The facility must also have a CWI on staff or contracted to perform the welder qualification tests. The American Welding Society explains the benefits of the ATF program on their website by writing "Entrusting welder certification to ATF specialists makes good business sense for contractors and fabricators. Companies are increasingly realizing the shortcomings of self-qualification and switching to AWS Accredited Test Facilities to test and qualify their welders. ATFs help them to save money, improve productivity, and reduce liability by entrusting their welder certification to the experts."Certified Welding Fabricator
American Welding Society certifications are not only available to individuals. Companies may also become an official AWS Certified Welding Fabricator (CWF). The American Welding Society describes the program as being "designed to recognize those select companies who prove they have the resources, procedures, and personnel to apply a quality management system to the welding fabrication activities." TheMembership
As of April 2015, the American Welding Society had approximately 73,000 members around the world. The Society offers four types of membership options: * Individual member * Welder member * Corporate member * Student memberAWS codes and specifications
AWS publishes codes on multiple aspects of welding and materials joining. The code books are assigned specific letters and numbers for easy reference, and many welders will refer to a specific code letter/number combination when referring to the code book. Different welding methodologies, inspection methods, and metals are published under different codes. For example, AWS B1.11 explains how to visually examine welds; AWS B2.1-1-004 explains weldingSections
The American Welding Society extends its reach into local communities through the use of their local sections and student chapters. The Society is composed of 250 sections around the world, and AWS describes them as "the very heart and foundation of AWS." Section members have the opportunity to network, gain knowledge, and get answers to welding questions from Section members with years of experience. Professional Development Hours may be earned by attending technical meetings, and other planned activities may include educational seminars, plant tours, social events, student programs, community projects and more.List of American Welding Society sections
AWS Foundation
The American Welding Society Foundation was founded in 1989 to support research and education in welding and related technologies. It is committed to annually awarding fellowships to deserving graduate students for important research in areas important to the requirements of industry. Accordingly, each year the AWS Foundation administers two $25,000 grants – matched in kind by the participating universities. The award of scholarships to vocational and undergraduate college students is also a high priority.AWS awards
The Image of Welding Awards, presented by the American Welding Society and WEMCO, an association of welding manufacturers, recognize individuals and organizations that have shown exemplary dedication to promoting the image of welding in their communities. Starting in 2015, the awards will now be known as the Excellence in Welding Awards. Recipients of this award will receive a zinc die-cast, 24k gold statue designed by New York firm, Society Awards.Standing committees
The American Welding Society also has several standing committees, or partner organizations, which help promote and advance different facets of the welding industry. These include: * BSMC – Brazing & Soldering Manufacturers Committee * ITSA – International Thermal Spray Association * RWMA – Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance * WEMCO – An association of Welding ManufacturersOfficers
See also
*References
{{Authority control American engineering organizations Welding organizations Non-profit organizations based in Florida Organizations established in 1919 Organizations based in Miami