Structural Steel Welding Certification
The AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Certification endorses a welder’s ability to provide reliable welds of sound quality. In the construction industry, structural welders must deposit reliable welds that endure repeated stresses and strains. However, forming a clean weld is not enough, as some defects are not distinguishable through visual inspection alone.
If a weld joint or welded material breaks or bends, the consequences can range from component damage to catastrophic failure and loss of life. To enforce quality control and ensure a structure or product meets industry standards and legal codes, a manufacturing or construction company may employ a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) to assess the condition of components, such as:
- Pipes
- Valves
- Brackets
- Beams
- Pipelines
- Pressure vessels
Testing For Certification
Construction and manufacturing companies may require a potential hire to have proof of welding certification, such as the AWS Certified Welder certification. Welders can earn certification by testing at a designated AWS facility or through an employer. In both cases, the welder demonstrates their proficiency for a CWI or another qualified individual.
Along with laying a sound weld, the test also requires the welder to follow a specified welding protocol, standards, and other requirements a professional will encounter on the job. ATS provides the perfect venue for certification tests:
- Well-lit observation booths
- Available equipment for popular welding methods
- A stock of pipe and plate coupons for purchase
We also have qualified CWIs on staff who can observe the welder. This observation lasts from weld station setup and equipment calibration through the testing process that determines if the weld passes certification. This last stage involves a combination of visual inspection with nondestructive or destructive tests designed to quickly verify if the welder’s output can withstand the stresses and conditions required of professional-grade work.
