Aws It 202105

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MAY 2021 / VOL. 24 / NO. 2
Inspection
Trends
THE MAGAZINE FOR MATERIALS INSPECTION AND TESTING PERSONNEL
AWS.ORG
Starting a Successful
Inspection Business
Challenges with the

Fillet Weld Root Region
PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN WELDING SOCIETY TO ADVANCE THE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND APPLICATION OF WELDING
AND ALLIED JOINING AND CUTTING PROCESSES WORLDWIDE, INCLUDING BRAZING, SOLDERING, AND THERMAL SPRAYING
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MAY 2021 / VOL. 24 / NO. 2
Inspection
Trends
THE MAGAZINE FOR MATERIALS INSPECTION AND TESTING PERSONNEL
Features
16 22
Cover photo: Measuring a fillet weld.

Starting a Successful Inspections Business: Am I a Welding
Inspector or a Businessman?
by Brent E. Boling / Starting your own business is not a quick or easy
INSPECTION TRENDS (ISSN 1523-7168 Print) task, and there are many issues to be considered. This article offers some
(ISSN 2689-0631 Online) is published quarterly by the
American Welding Society. Editorial and advertising insight and direction about what goes into starting a successful welding
offices are located at 8669 NW 36 St., #130, Miami, FL inspection business / 16
33166; telephone (305) 443-9353. Printed by LSC
Communications, Liberty Town, MO. Subscriptions
$30.00 per year for noncertified, nonmembers in the Root Opening Considerations for Fillet Welds
United States and its possessions; $50.00 per year in by Steven Altstadt and Robert Warke / When designed, fabricated, and
foreign countries; $20.00 per year for noncertified
members and students; $10.00 single issue for
inspected properly, fillet welds have been demonstrated to be an
nonmembers; and $7.00 single issue for members. economical alternative to other welded joint types or mechanically
American Welding Society is located at 8669 NW 36 St., fastened connections in many applications. This article covers the
#130, Miami, FL 33166; telephone (305) 443-9353.
Periodicals postage paid in Miami, Fla., and additional challenges and risks associated with the fillet weld root region / 22
mailing offices.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to
Inspection Trends c/o American Welding Society, 8669
NW 36 St., #130, Miami, FL 33166.
Readers of Inspection Trends may make copies of articles Departments

for personal, archival, educational, or research
purposes, and which are not for sale or resale. Permis-
sion is granted to quote from articles, provided custom-
ary acknowledgment of authors and sources is made. Editorial........................................4 Mark Your Calendar ..................30
Starred (*) items excluded from copyright.
News Bulletins .............................6 Certification Calendar ...............32
AWS MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the American Welding Society is to advance
the science, technology, and application of welding and Print and Product Showcase .....10 Technology Notes ......................33
allied joining processes worldwide, including brazing,
soldering, and thermal spraying. The Answer Is.............................14 Advertiser Index ........................34
AWS DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
STATEMENT NDE School Profiles ...............26
AWS values diversity, advocates equitable and inclusive
practices, and engages its members and stakeholders in
establishing a culture in the welding community that
welcomes, learns from, and celebrates differences among
people.
AWS recognizes that a commitment to diversity, equity,
and inclusion is essential to achieving excellence for the
Association, its members, and employees.
May 2021 / Inspection Trends 3

Editorial May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/26/21 8:16 AM Page 4
Editorial
Publisher
Annette Alonso, aalonso@aws.org
Editorial
Getting a Certified Welding
Inspector Certificate Is Just Editor
Carlos Guzman, cguzman@aws.org
the Beginning
Senior Editor
Cindy Weihl, cweihl@aws.org
Managing Editor
Kristin Campbell, kcampbell@aws.org
Associate Editor
John Chen Alexandra Quinones, aquinones@aws.org
Associate Editor
Katie Pacheco, kpacheco@aws.org
Did you just receive your first American Welding Society (AWS)
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certificate in the mail? Education Editor
Congratulations! Roline Pascal, rpascal@aws.org
I know that feeling of passing a certification exam after weeks or
even months of intense learning. I hate to interrupt you — and I
should have let you enjoy looking at the certificate and the wallet
card a little longer — but as many of us know (and if you didn’t
know, you should know now or after reading this), this may just be Design and Production
the beginning. This will be the beginning of a continuous, exciting
Managing Editor, Digital and Design
wave of new opportunities, the beginning of another round of
Carlos Guzman, cguzman@aws.org
intense self-learning and improvement, or the beginning of
loosening up. Your choice. Production Manager
During my trip to college, after years of hard work in high school, Zaida Chavez, zaida@aws.org
I thought studying hard was a thing of the past. However, after
classes started, I immediately realized I was wrong. After four years Assistant Production Manager
preparing myself as a welding engineer, I received my degree. I Brenda Flores, bflores@aws.org
thought I knew everything about welding. I was wrong again because
I could not solve any real problems. But by that time, I was smart Advertising
enough to realize that learning would never end, and whatever I
achieve down the road is going to merely be the beginning of Media Sales Executives
another adventure. Lea Owen, lea@aws.org
So, looking at your CWI certificate, I would encourage you not to Sandra Jorgensen, sjorgensen@aws.org
loosen up. Instead, build on it with more hard work, training, and
discipline while gazing at a higher goal — even if it seems out of Subscriptions Representative
Marandi Gills, mgills@aws.org
reach at the moment. For example, you could obtain an AWS Senior
Certified Welding Inspector (SCWI) or ASNT Nondestructive Testing American Welding Society
Level III certification, grow your expertise in another industry you 8669 NW 36 St., #130
have never touched, share your expertise by writing articles for the Miami, FL 33166-6672
Inspection Trends or Welding Journal magazines, seek to grow the (800/305) 443-9353
revenue of your company, or mentor a student to take his or her
education to a higher level. Copyright
Let your welding inspection certification, be it CWI, SCWI, or Copyright © 2021 by American Welding Society in both
Certified Associate Welding Inspector, inspire you to start working printed and electronic formats. The Society is not responsi-
again, keep working, and achieve more in your life! ble for any statement made or opinion expressed herein.
Data and information developed by the authors of specific
articles are for informational purposes only and are not
intended for use without independent, substantiating
investigation on the part of potential users.
John Chen, senior technical advisor, KBR, Houston, Tex., is an AWS CWI, a
member of the AWS B1 Committee on Methods of Inspection, a principal
reviewer for the Welding Journal, and an American Society for
Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) NDT Level III. Currently, he serves as the
secretary/treasurer of ASNT. The views in this article are his own and do not
reflect those of ASNT or ASNT Board of Directors.
4 Inspection Trends / May 2021

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News Bulletins
18 at the Lincoln Electric Welding Technology and Training

Nine-Year CWI Recertification Seminar Center in Euclid, Ohio.
Hosted at AWS World Headquarters The two-day session covered the process of writing and
qualifying welding procedure specifications (WPSs) that are
compliant to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Sec-
tion IX — Welding, Brazing, and Fusing Qualifications, metallur-
gically sound, and meaningful to the welder. The program in-
cluded live demonstrations on the welding of a coupon; test
specimen location and preparation; tension, bend, and Charpy
testing; evaluation of the test results; and generation of the
procedure qualification records and WPSs.
Participants earned 16 professional development hours
toward all recertifications and each received a hard copy of
the 2019 edition of the ASME BPVC Section IX.
Nine-year CWI recertification seminar attendees were

recently in Miami, Fla.
New Test Tank under Construction at
Phoenix Bayou Vista Yard
On February 17–22, the American Welding Society
Phoenix International
(AWS) hosted a nine-year Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
Holdings, Inc., a marine serv-
recertification seminar at its world headquarters in Miami,
ices contractor, has an-
Fla., taught by Paul Lynn Sturgill. Sturgill is an AWS Senior
nounced the construction of a
Certified Welding Inspector, ASNT Level III VT Instructor,
new test tank at its Bayou
3-A Certified Conformance Evaluator, and owner of Sturgill
Vista, La., facility as part of its
Welding & Code Consulting, Ellettsville, Ind. The seminar
strategic growth initiatives for
was conducted following COVID-19 protocols.
2021. The one-atmosphere
Members of the class included (in alphabetical order):
dive tank will measure 13 ft 6
Ryan Alexander, Charles L. Beitelspacher, Steven A. Berke-
in. outside diameter  40 ft
meier, Bartlomiej Bobek, Raymond Carrara, Brent Allen
height and hold 39,700 gal.
Chambers, Arthur Dudley, Kent Emmert, Frank J. Kamlan,
This tank will be utilized for
Michael T. Latz, Keith T. Marcum, Mark J. Mayo, Rickey L.
multiple subsea applications,
O'Steen, Jeffery K. Potter, Luis A. Suazo, Toby R. Sumrall,
such as underwater weld test-
Steve W. Swan, Kent D. Vanmoorlehem, Chet R. Wahl, Riley
ing (both wet and dry habitat
R. Wyers, and David Q. Young.
conditions), underwater non-
destructive examination ap-
AWS Holds Qualification of Welding Pictured is a 3-D image of plications, and performance
Procedures 2021 Workshop the Phoenix test tank to trials including underwater
be built in Bayou Vista, La. welding certifications and un-
derwater tooling calibration
and testing.
Some features of the tank will include an open walkway en-
circling the top to maintain a fully accessible workspace and
viewports around the tank to monitor activities both inside
and outside of the dedicated dive control station. Core samples
as well as geotechnical and civil engineering requirements are
being completed, and groundbreaking is currently underway
for the foundation. Phoenix plans to have the tank completed
by the fourth quarter of 2021.
Regarding the new tank, Phoenix Area Manager Troy
The workshop covered a diverse range of topics, including Turner stated, “The tank will play an essential role in con-
the importance of WPSs, understanding qualification vari- ducting diver certifications, training, development, and test-
ables, avoiding the common mistakes in WPS qualification, ing, as well as the development and application of new un-
and many more. derwater technologies that Phoenix has become known for.
It will also be available to our clients who require specific un-
The American Welding Society presented the Qualifica- derwater testing for any equipment or materials prior to
tion of Welding Procedures 2021 workshop on February 17– project execution.”

Zetec Names President

Zetec, Snoqualmie, Wash., a global
provider of nondestructive examina-
tion services, has hired Dave Whitley
as president. He brings extensive exec-
utive, management, strategic, and
omni-channel distribution experience
across several industries. Prior to join-
ing the company, Whitley was presi-
dent and CEO of True Brands, a whole-
sale distributor of beverage and bar-
Dave Whitley ware products, where he was responsi-
steps in as ble for the strategic direction, business
Zetec’s president.
development, and overall operation of
the company. Preceding that, he was
president and CEO at Global Harvest Foods and was chief op-
erating officer at Nuprecon.
Apellix Starts NDE Company

Apellix, Jacksonville, Fla., has launched Apellix NDT, a
nondestructive examination (NDE) field services company.
It will operate using the Apellix Opus X4 NDT systems.
The field services company is now conducting projects fo-
cusing on ultrasonic inspections (UT) of above-ground storage
tanks and vessels.
Using computer-controlled drones with precision flight,
the company performs UT measurements on tanks as high
as 60 m. The system can measure up to 100 locations per h,
reporting real-time results to the engineer who is safely on
the ground.
A typical inspection of a tank includes a visual, surface, and
volumetric inspection, all three of which are completed with
the Opus X4 NDT system. In addition to the UT and other

ment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) as its

newest associate.
Based in Dordrecht, Netherlands, the company special-
izes in advanced custom services in the field of nondestruc-
tive examination (NDE), particularly in weld inspection
where it aims to improve welding quality and productivity
through the application of innovative NDE techniques.
EEMUA looks forward to working with UT Quality Eu-
rope in supporting the association’s aim of helping improve
the safety, environmental, and operating performance of in-
dustrial assets.
EEMUA associates are engineering consultancy firms, in-
spection companies, risk management consultants, and oth-
er companies providing professional services to owners/op-
Ultrasonic thickness measurements and locations on an
in-service, above-ground storage tank.
erators of industrial assets.
data, high-definition video and images are provided for post- Dynamic Infrastructure Reveals
flight analysis with artificial intelligence, machine learning, Technological Advancement in Drone
computer vision, and other NDE 4.0 techniques and tools. Photos Analysis
“Starting a nondestructive testing company enables us
to leverage the Apellix NDT platform that can provide a
Dynamic Infrastructure, New York, N.Y., has released an
20x or higher productivity enhancement, allow work on in-
image processing and artificial intelligence platform that auto-
services assets, and help keep workers safe all while pro-
matically analyzes drone photos collected during bridge in-
viding a breadth and depth of data never before available”,
spections in just several hours. This provides inspection engi-
said Apellix Founder and CEO Bob Dahlstrom.
neers with a quick and accurate analysis of the captured drone
visuals for approval and maintenance recommendations.
EEMUA Welcomes UT Quality Europe as Drone asset inspections can yield between 2000–7000
an Associate photos, ranging from a few to dozens of gigabytes, with ex-
tensive overlaps between the photos. It can take days to an-
UT Quality Europe has joined the Engineering Equip- alyze each and every photo to find all the defects and then

IT News Bulletin May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/26/21 7:46 AM Page 9
Automated detection in Dynamic Infrastructure’s drone photos.
summarize them in the proper template. The company,

which specializes in analyzing digital information of civil in-
frastructure, facilitates the quick execution of digital jobs for
bridges, dams, tunnels, walls, and large civil infrastructures Brookes Bell has initiated a metallurgy, fuel testing, and non-
around the globe while meeting international and local stan- destructive examination laboratory.
dards and regulations.
cludes certifications in magnetic particle testing, ultrasonic
Military Veterans Transition into NDE thickness testing, ultrasonic shear-wave testing, phased ar-
ray ultrasonic testing, and Creaform laser profilometry.
Careers, Brookes Bell Opens Laboratory, Kenny Greene, president and lead instructor of Warrior To
and More Inspector, is tasked with creating a NDE and pipeline integrity
trade school. He noted Olympus is supportive, “as we help
• Olympus, Waltham, Mass., a manufacturer of nonde- meet the needs of military veterans and civilians and join their
structive examination (NDE) equipment, is supporting commitment to training tomorrow’s inspectors.”
training school Warrior To Inspector’s mission to help tran- • Brookes Bell, a global technical and scientific consul-
sition retiring military veterans into a NDE career by provid- tancy, has opened its laboratory in Bidston, Wirral, Liver-
ing advanced inspection instruments for its ultrasonic in- pool, UK. The virtual opening included a walk-through intro-
spection courses. duction with technical leads of the company’s enhanced and
Located in Bellemont, Ariz., Warrior To Inspector helps new departments, including metallurgy, fuel testing, NDE,
veterans find jobs through its three-semester, full-time NDE and paint sample inspections. The 8000-sq-ft facility has
program that offers classroom and field training on real- spaces for advanced testing and inspection, engineering
world jobsites. This ASNT CP-189-compliant program in- workshops, training, and offices.
— continued on page 33

IT Print Product May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 5:16 PM Page 10
Print and Product Showcase
Analyzer Delivers Instant

Material Analysis and Alloy
Identification
ed and collated frame-by-frame with

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gineering Considerations and Laboratory
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The ICON™ flexible software applica- bon data to their analysis. The LIBS unit
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tion takes advantage of the modularity is about the same size, weight, and com-
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olympus-ims.com
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The WI2200 weld inspection sys- (RVI) interface allows users to record patented sample sensor that allows
tem for tube and pipe manufacturing videos, take snapshots, and tag areas of Class 1 operation (subject to laser safety
is an updated version of the WI2000 concern. Remote sensor data is collect- officer approval); an intuitive Android

Portable OES Gives Rapid

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play for easy results viewing; a rugged 300C. It is lightweight and compact, flow accelerated corrosion on elbows
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tapered, narrow snout for welds or diffi- tings. TIts technical specifications in- nal pipe size (4.5 in.) to flat. The scan-
cult-to-access test locations; a full-fea- clude multiple charged-couple device ner’s one-dimensional flexible linear ar-
tured report generation and cloud data optics in Paschen-Runge mounting, op- ray probe can adapt to the scanned
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based data merge and reporting tool can Hitachi Ltd. single probe. The versatile tool is able to
join the analyzer and XRF data to pro- hitachi.com scan both the straight and elbow as-
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film of water on the specimen surface.
SciAps Inc. The ElbowFlex™ scanner is capable of The scanner can also work with stan-
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pipe elbows in oil and gas, petrochemi- and gel. At 2.5 lb, it is easy to handle,

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consumables. tion. Its smart fundamental parameter
calibration corrects for sample matrix
Zetec Inc. effects, while its system health check
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smooth operation. The analyzer weighs
XRF Handheld Analyzer 2.8 lb. A miniaturized footprint and
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The Niton™ XL5 Plus handheld x-ray use in harsh environments; wireless
fluorescence (XRF) analyzer identifies Thermo Fisher Scientific connectivity for faster image transfer
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models allow for data to be quickly
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YOU'VE GO
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IT AI May 2021 CG.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 5:19 PM Page 14
The Answer Is By Albert J. Moore Jr.
out by using some basic definitions metal is 3000°F or slightly above the
Q: I understand the need to preheat and equations. melting temperature of the steel.
the base metal before welding. Modulus of elasticity — “E” is Meanwhile, at a location about 1 in.
There are beneficial aspects of 29 000 000 for carbon and low-alloy away from the arc, the temperature of
preheat like reducing the problems steels. It is equal to the slope of the the steel is still at the ambient temper-
with cracking, but how does it
straight-line portion of the stress ature, say 75°F. The thermal gradient is
reduce distortion? Thanks for any
information you can provide. strain diagram. It is a measure of the 2925°F (3000° – 75°F) over a distance
stiffness of steel. of 1 in. or 2925°F/in. The metal heated
to some temperature above ambient
A: Preheat is a subject that many (75°F) is trying to expand. Meanwhile,
welders don’t fully understand or ap- stress all the cold steel surrounding the arc is
preciate. They know they have to pre- E = 29 000 000 = still at 75°F, and it is preventing the
strain
heat before welding, but they may not hot steel from expanding. The cold
realize that all metals do not respond steel is restraining the steel that is
to heat and heat treatment the same heated. The steel at ambient tempera-
way. When the base metal is loaded (i.e., ture is restraining the steel that is try-
We preheat carbon and high- stress is applied), the metal stretches. ing to expand. The hot steel is pushing
strength, low-alloy steels to reduce the If the applied load is small, the metal outward, and the cold steel is prevent-
cooling rate and minimize the proba- will stretch (strain) a small amount. If ing the expansion. As the steel is heat-
bility of developing a hard, brittle mi- the applied load is removed, the atoms ed, it exerts a force, that is, it pushes
crostructure in the heat-affected zone. will shift back into their original posi- on the surrounding metal. The applied
The microstructure we are trying to tions and the dimensions are the same load is said to be a compressive force
avoid is martensite, which is prone to as they were before the load was ap- on the surrounding base metal. The
delayed cold cracking if sufficient plied. If the load is increased beyond a maximum force that can be exerted by
monatomic hydrogen is present. If the certain limit, the atoms in the atomic the hot steel is equal to the yield
cooling rate is slow enough to avoid lattice slide past each other. Even if strength of the steel. Once the force
the formation of martensite, delayed the load is completely removed, the equals the yield strength of the steel
cold cracking resulting from nascent atoms will not shift back into their (at that temperature), the atoms start
hydrogen can be avoided. original position. The metal is said to to slip past each other. As the steel be-
Base metals that do not utilize car- have yielded (i.e., the load has exceed- gins to cool because the welding arc
bon as an alloying constituent to in- ed the yield strength of the metal). The has moved to another location, it con-
crease hardness and strength typically base metal has been permanently de- tracts. That contraction produces a
do not require preheat other than to formed. The applied load can be an ex- tensile force on the surrounding steel.
ensure the surfaces to be welded are ternal load. For example, a floor beam The maximum tensile force is once
not wet. of a bridge is subject to an applied ex- again equal to the yield strength of the
In the case of minimizing distor- ternal load every time a heavy tractor steel. All the steel that was heated be-
tion, one needs to understand why trailer drives over it. The beam will de- yond a certain temperature and al-
metals distort due to welding. Let’s ex- flect under the load, but once the trail- lowed to cool is now in tension. Just
pand that question to include any er is off the bridge, the beam will re- like a very strong spring in tension, all
thermal process that involves a mov- turn to its original shape. If the trailer the heated steel is now cooling toward
ing point heat source, such as welding, is grossly overloaded, the beam may be ambient temperature, and it is pulling
oxyfuel cutting, plasma cutting, etc. permanently deformed (i.e., bent be- inward with a unit force that is equal
Distortion can be caused by ther- cause of the overload). The beam does to the yield strength of the steel.
mal gradients between the weld, base not return to its original shape be- What we need to know is, how hot
metal adjacent to the weld, and the cause the yield strength has been ex- does the steel have to get to reach the
base metal far enough away from the ceeded, and the atoms have slid past yield strength? It is only the steel that
weld that it doesn’t see a significant each other and do not return to their has been heated sufficiently to exceed
temperature increase from the moving original position. The beam is bent. the yield point that is a concern be-
point heat source. If the thermal gradi- The applied load can be the result cause steel has been deformed and is
ent can be reduced and if the mass of of a thermal gradient. Let’s say you now exerting a force equal to the yield
metal heated to a high temperature is have a point heat source (a welding strength on the surrounding steel.
minimized, the distortion can be mini- arc) that heats the base metal directly We are going to make several
mized. The question is, how much of a under the arc sufficiently to cause it to assumptions to calculate the approxi-
thermal gradient is required? Let’s find melt. The temperature of the molten mate temperature that produces a

IT AI May 2021 CG.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 5:19 PM Page 15
stress equal to the yield point of the contracts on cooling. However, because in excess of 615°F is much narrower
steel. the T is less than 265°F, the stress due than in the first case. Perhaps only a
When a base metal is heated, it ex- to expansion is less than that yield 2-in.-wide band experiences tempera-
pands. When it cools, it contracts. We strength of the steel, and expansion is tures in excess of 615°F. The force con-
are going to assume the expansion is completely recoverable. Only the re- tributing to the distortion is still T 
linear over the temperature range we gions that experience temperatures in W, but W is only half of what it was in
are concerned with. The coefficient of excess of 325°F have reached the steel’s the case where the base metal was
expansion can be used to calculate how yield point. The steel exerts a tensile 60°F at the start of welding.
much expansion or contraction takes stress on the surrounding steel once it Preheating the base metal mini-
place as the temperature changes. has cooled to ambient that is equal to mizes the area adjacent to the weld
The modulus of elasticity is an ex- the yield strength of the steel and is de- that experiences a thermal gradient
pression of the stiffness of the base formed. It is important to remember it high enough to reach the base metal’s
metal, in our case carbon steel. We use isn’t simply the maximum temperature yield point. The area that contributes
the basic definition of the modulus of attained by the steel, it is the tempera- to distortion is reduced, thus the total
elasticity, “E,” as a starting point. We ture differential that is key to the prob- distortion is reduced.
know the yield strength of the steel. We lem of deformation. I repair a fair number of large steel
know the coefficient of expansion of We know that the steel will heat up castings that can weigh as much as 60
the steel. So, we make a couple of sub- and expand as the welding arc (or the to 80 tons. They are machine parts
stitutions, and we get the following: cutting tip) travels down the length of that experience fatigue cracks because
the joint. The heat will dissipate into they are subject to cyclic loading. They
the adjacent base metal causing it to are machined to some pretty tight tol-
stress YS expand as the temperature increases. erances because they move on bearing
E = 29 106 = = In our example, any of the base metal surfaces. The welded repairs have to be
strain T Ce heating up above 325°F has exceeded engineered to minimize any distortion
the yield strength and permanently that might result from the welding op-
deforms. Let’s assume any region of erations. The discussion in this article
What is the yield strength of ASTM the plate within 4 in. of the weld will is one of the factors I consider when
A572 Grade 50? From ASTM, it is 50 experience temperature excursions developing a repair procedure. If dis-
ksi. above 325°F, and thus it has under- tortion is not considered, I can have a
What is the coefficient of expan- gone permanent deformation. All of successful weld, but the part will not
sion for steel? Ce  6.5  10-6. this metal acts like a very large stiff work because of excessive distortion.
Make the substitutions and re- spring that is in tension once the steel Heating the part and maintaining that
arrange the terms to solve for T as is cooling from the maximum temper- high temperature during the entire
follows: ature. The tension of that “spring” is welding operation is one way of limit-
equal to the yield strength of the base ing the thermal gradient and minimiz-
metal times the cross section affected. ing the distortion that would result if
50 103 Now, consider what happens if the high preheat was not used.
T= = 265 F entire plate that includes the joint to
29 106 6.5 10–6
be welded is heated to 350°F before
The Society is not responsible for any state-
welding is initiated. The entire work ments made or opinion expressed herein. Data
piece has expanded uniformly. The and information developed by the authors are
From the math, we see that a ther- thermal differential (gradient) needed for specific informational purposes only and
are not intended for use without independent,
mal gradient of 265°F is sufficient to reach the yield point of the steel is substantiating investigation on the part of po-
temperature differential (T) to reach still 265°F. That means the base metal tential users.
the yield strength of the A572 Grade must reach a temperature of 615°F be-
50 high-strength, low-alloy steel. fore it reaches its yield point. The heat
ALBERT J. MOORE JR.
If the temperature of the steel is will dissipate faster as the temperature (amoore999@comcast.net) is president
60°F, any portion of the plate that increases. The band of base metal that and owner of Marion Testing & Inspec-
reaches a temperature of 325°F (60°  experiences temperature in excess of tion, Canton, Conn. He is an AWS Senior
265°F) has reached the yield point of 615°F is much narrower than the first Certified Welding Inspector and an ASNT
the steel and permanent deformation case where the base metal only has to NDT Level III. He is also a member of the
AWS Certification Committee and the
will take place. Any region of the steel attain a temperature of 325°F to reach Committee on Methods of Inspection of
plate that heats up to a temperature the yield point of the steel. Therefore, Welds.
less than 325°F expands on heating and the band of adjacent base metal heated

Feature 01 Boling.qxp_Layout 1 4/26/21 7:28 AM Page 16
Feature
Starting a Successful Inspections Business:

Am I a Welding Inspector or a Businessman?
Insight and direction about what goes into starting a By Brent E. Boling
successful welding inspection business
If you’ve got the skills and knowl- are looking to be independent and not ing the drain plug? Most people ap-
edge to become an American Welding answer to others; others just think proach starting a new business simi-
Society (AWS) Certified Welding In- they can make much more money with larly: backward. Having just the desire
spector (CWI), you may be interested their own business. There is a lot more but no plan, facts, or goals usually in-
in being your own boss. How do you to starting a business than people take dicates the idea is nothing but a pipe
make a move from being an in-house the time to consider. In the welding in- dream.
welding inspector to a third-party con- spection sector, it needs careful atten- This article offers some insight and
tracted inspector? What is required tion and guidance from someone who direction about what goes into start-
legally to go into business for yourself has been there before. ing a successful welding inspection
as a consultant? When you perform an oil change on business.
A recurring theme in our welding your vehicle, do you start by pouring
inspection world today is inspectors the new oil before removing the old,
wanting to be their own boss. Many used oil, changing the filter, or replac- Decision Making
Many of us have experienced just
how fluid life can be, changing geo-
graphic locations (often more than
once in our life) education majors, or
occupations (or at least occupational
responsibilities). And then along
comes the big one: starting your own
business — Fig 1. This is not a decision
to be taken lightly, much like deciding
to become a CWI — especially if you
had to pay for it yourself. Hopefully,
you did it with much counsel and in-
tensive family discussions. Neither the
decision to become a CWI nor starting
your own business is a quick or easy
task — there are many issues to be
considered.
None of us knows what drives
someone else to make a particular de-
cision, and we don’t know what some-
one else is expecting when they decide
to attempt the CWI exams. How about
you? Did you think it was going to be
an easy way to make money? Did your
Fig. 1 — Starting your own business is not a quick or easy task — there are many issues to
be considered. employer ask you to get it, or did they

just walk by and tell you they sched- first time. Those who plan, work, and complete skill set, and limited
uled you for some inspection seminar study the hardest are least likely to be abilities.
and exam? Did you see inspectors among those who fail. That plan in- 7. Poor customer relations — im-
walking around not looking very busy cludes buying books, asking questions, age, integrity, and honesty.
and making more money than you, taking online classes, taking live semi- 8. Not the right team — lack of
and you thought, “Is that what I want nars, studying, studying, and studying well-rounded skills, knowledge, and
to do?” more. The more you do will increase experience.
Similarly, how many of you the odds of success, and plan plus 9. Lack of focus — sidetracked by
thought, “I’m going to get my CWI, work equals success. Starting a busi- minor issues while ignoring priorities.
quit my job at XYZ Steel & Fabrication, ness requires the same kind of prepa- 10. Lack of motivation, commit-
and be my own boss doing inspections ration: study, plan, and work. ment, and passion.
and making lots of money?” Did you
start your own business and then had How to Succeed While
the IRS knocking at your door? Or did Playing the Odds Others Fail
you lose a job opportunity because you
didn’t have the right insurance? So, Many false and misleading statis- Some personality traits and skills
how is the whole working-for-yourself tics abound on the odds of failure. you and your employees should have
thing working out for you? What kind of odds are involved in that can help you be successful when
Starting a welding inspection busi- starting an inspection business? Do starting a business are as follows:
ness is not just about inspecting welds nine out of ten new companies fail in
day after day; it’s also about paying the first year? No, although it depends 1. Be driven, passionate, committed,
taxes, taking care of contracts, bidding on planning, financial preparation, ge- and organized and make no excuses.
jobs, searching for upcoming work, ographic location, and general and 2. Stay committed to the course.
buying equipment, finding the right specific industry. The truth is less 3. Always be willing to adjust but
insurance and amount of it, answering drastic but no less frightening: about don’t always be adjusting.
and returning calls, processing payroll, 30% in the first three years, 50% in 4. Be patient and persistent in the
and so much more. As the title asks, five years, and 70% by the 10th year face of expectations vs. reality, espe-
“Am I an inspector or a businessman?” end up closing. But why? Because they cially for scheduling and finances —
either don’t have a plan or goals or don’t overbook.
they have the wrong ones. However, to
Preparing for Success reference Barbie’s quote, many suc-
cessful people have failed more than
Properly preparing to go into busi- once before getting it to work and suc-
ness is as important as properly ceeding. How much time and money
preparing for the CWI exam. There is a do you want to put into multiple fail-
well-worn phrase that fits quite well ures before you finally get it together
here and in most life areas: Failure to for that one success?
plan is planning to fail.
Barbie Parsons (Barbie the Welder) Why Do Businesses Fail?
offered a fitting quote: “I planned my
success; I knew it was going to happen. Each business starts under
Long before anyone believed in me, I individual circumstances, but some of
believed in myself. I moved from fail- the common reasons why new
ure to failure improving myself each business fail are as follows:
time until I had a small success and
then another small success. Eventual- 1. Market needs — some industries
ly, the small successes started adding or geographic locations, or both, won’t
up to larger successes. Then I began have enough need to keep you busy
moving from success to success. and money flowing.
Through all the hardship, doubt, ra- 2. Taking the wrong advice or not
men noodles, and fear, I kept moving finding good and wise counsel, espe-
forward. Some days I moved very lit- cially good mentorship.
tle, but I still moved. When you are 3. Lack of general and industry-
running down a dream, some days you specific business knowledge, such as li-
may need to crawl, but no matter censes, insurance, banking, and taxes.
what, keep moving forward!” 4. Finances: too much debt load
The question then is, do your plans and prideful purchases, such as vehi-
include failure? We normally like to cles and tools; also, having no budget Fig. 2 — Continuing reference and
think that is not the case. We dream of or plan and having pricing vs. costs codebooks from the American Institute of
grandiose success and fame, but issues. Steel Construction (AISC), ASTM
dreams alone will not produce success. 5. Not having a business model or International, AWS, and the International
A significant percentage of CWI candi- having a poor one. Code Council (ICC), to name a few, are
needed and need to be updated regularly.
dates fail the certification exam the 6. Poor product or service, lack of a

Finances
The cost of the CWI process is just
the beginning. Ultimately, money is
the foundation for all aspects of life. A
foundation must be solid and secure.
Money reserves should be estab-
lished for the first three years of busi-
ness because there will be no income
for those first three years. Budget all
your personal and business needs and
save until you have a financial reserve
to carry you through with nothing
coming in. The first year will be your
largest need; you will struggle and
have lots of expenses. Most businesses
find this the hardest time. Even if you
left other employment with promises
Fig. 3 — Create a budget and set time aside for additional certifications, which can be
essential tools for widening your skills and growing your business. of some work, it may fall through or
have not been a true pledge or be
short-lived. In the second year, there
5. Be willing to observe, listen, and involves those dreaded words: you should be income supplementing your
learn. Be sensitive to others’ needs, es- need a business plan and a mission reserves with at least some periodic
pecially family, and don’t neglect them statement. So easy and yet so hard. It’s monetary flow to help cover expenses.
or try to buy them (it isn’t money or not a cookie-cutter or cut-and-paste Work should start to be more regular
things they want). plan. It incorporates your goals for as customers become more familiar
6. Develop a circle of counselors your business as well as your family with your name, abilities, and the fact
and mentors that will team with you goals. Goals must be reasonable, have that you are determined to see this
for personal and business growth; be a time limit, and must be attainable. through and are there for them. By the
creative, constructive, and patient. Use the internet for ideas but make it end of three years, the business should
7. Be able to lead in general and in- personal. Involve your mentors, coun- be supporting you and carrying its
dustry specific business knowledge selors, and family, and seek wise coun- own weight. Since years two and three
and work expertise; be willing to lead sel at all levels of your business devel- were supplemented by business in-
by example, but you must have a good opment. The elements that should come but you had reserves for 100% of
foundation of business sense and work comprise the business development those three years, you should still have
skills. stage are as follows: reserves for other unexpected expens-
8. Implement lean startup princi- es and changes that need to be made if
ples; don’t try to grow too fast; priori- 1. Market research. What is avail- you were diligent and the business was
tize and plan growth steps by proper able in your area? Research competi- bringing in money at all.
goals, plan, and budget. Starting your tion, contacts, resources for supplies, Have a failsafe to fall back on when
first big job doesn’t mean you can education, and other regular needs. these items need attention:
spend the money like it was a bottom- It’s hard to be a structural steel inspec-
less pit. tor in an area where everything is oil 1. Continuing reference and code-
9. Balance technical and business field or population density is so low books from the American Institute of
knowledge, skills, time, expertise, and there is little building going on. Steel Construction (AISC), ASTM In-
application. 2. Foundation. City, county, state, ternational, AWS, and the Internation-
10. Listen to constructive criticism federal, and IRS all vary in require- al Code Council (ICC), to name a few,
and proceed cautiously. ments; you need to get familiar with are needed and need to be updated
your local business laws and require- regularly — Fig. 2.
ments and regulations. 2. Additional certifications: nonde-
The Three-Fold Platform 3. Support industries. Find a bank, structive examination (NDE) with a
and Foundation lawyer, accountant, and insurance Level III on retainer, endorsements for
agent, along with equipment supplies other codes, ICC bolting/ plan reading,
Welding, inspection, and business and other recurring suppliers. safety, first aid, Occupational Safety
all have the same structure: before, Other things to consider at this and Health Administration (OSHA)
during, and after — it is a continual, stage of the plan are, for example, who 30, equipment operator (forklift, man-
ever-changing process. The three-fold paid for your CWI or other certifica- lift, and scissors lift), confined spaces,
platform includes the plan, finances, tions, do you have any obligations to fall protection, certifications from the
and time management. your employer, how will you be paid Association for Materials Protection
(S-Corp, LLC, 1099, and hourly/ and Performance (AMPP) (a merger of
The Plan monthly), how will customers pay for NACE International and the Society
your services, and how will your com- for Protective Coatings), and the list
The first part of starting a business pany pay you. goes on — Fig. 3.

3. Memberships to organizations
beyond AWS: AISC, American Society
for Nondestructive Testing, ICC, and
AMPP. These can get you discounts on
codebooks and other references, liabil-
ity, professional services, insurance,
codes, and seminars.
4. Tools. You need a lot more than
the kit you got at the CWI seminar;
many are industry- and employer-
specific. You need NDE tools, fit-up,
dimensional, weld coupon benders,
saws, air compressors, and grinders,
for example — Fig. 4.
5. Business specific support. People
often think they can handle contracts
and tax situations by themselves. This
is a mistake, especially for the first
couple of years, so you can see every-
thing that is involved:
• Insurance agent for general liabili-
ty, professional services, error and
omission (E&O), workers comp,
hired/job site auto, medical, disability,
personal health, and life. Fig. 4 — Many of the CWI tools are industry- and employer-specific. You need NDE tools, fit-
• Lawyer for contracts, work/ser- up, dimensional, weld, coupon benders, saws, air compressors, and grinders, for example.
vices request, articles of incorporation,
holds harmless/indemnification (some
quests for information (RFIs). There are many things we need to
do retainers, some just say pay as you
11. Continuing education, includ- give up in our lives and ourselves to
need).
ing enhanced resume and professional succeed truly. These mainly include an
• Accountant for constantly chang- development hours (PDHs) for nine- unhealthy lifestyle, fear, excuses,
ing tax laws, business taxes and laws
year renewal, both which lead to closed-mindedness, being a perfection-
you know nothing about, and personal
broader work opportunities. ist, get-rich-quick schemes and mind-
payroll with quarterly or monthly IRS
12. Phone and services. The whole set, multi-tasking (usually an excuse
filings and payments.
family carrying phones costing hun- for not setting priorities and trying to
• Banks for business loans, line of dreds per month is not a wise invest- be everything to everyone, ending up
credit, and account management.
ment. TVs with cable and so many as just wasting time), being control-
6. Structure of business. You need
other items need careful considera- ling, getting pulled away from your
research coupled with advice from a
tion. Budget wisely. goals, being negative, a need to be liked
lawyer and accountant on things such
by everyone, and wasting time.
as company filing (S-Corp., LLC, DBA,
Time Management and The converse of these are the things
and 1099, for example); local business
one should do to be successful:
license; corporation commission; reg- Scheduling
istrar of contractors; and local building
authorities. Prioritizing and balancing all aspects • Show up on time
7. Vehicles — personal, business, of life is essential between family, work, • Reflect and set up quiet time
mileage, taxes, license, and insurance. education, and religious practices. I • Pause and be present — manage
8. Local calibration facility for in- work to live, not live to work. Develop your day, don’t let it manage you
frared thermometers, volt/amp me- schedules to organize customer rela- • Get comfortable
ters, ultrasonic testing (UT) scopes, tions and cold calls; availability (all • Organize office and workspace
and other equipment. hours, all shifts, and short notice); in- • Stretch, stand, walk
9. Advertising, including brand voicing, accounts payable, journals, and • Review to-do list and prioritize
recognition, logo, business cards, web- taxes; reports; and work itself.
site, brochures, and repetition for name There is no one-size-fits-all method • Visualize success
recognition focused on your market. to start your own welding inspection • Adjust and map out the day
10. Forms, such as inspection business. This is just a tip of the iceberg • Don’t multi-task — most of the time,
services contracts, welding procedure overview of where you need to start. I that is an excuse for attempting too
specifications (WPSs), procedure see two extremes very often: those who much
qualification records (PQRs), welding do no real planning and start with too • Anticipate distraction — low priority
procedure qualification records little vs. those who try to go too big too calls, emails, chatty co-workers
(WPQRs), NDE UT, magnetic testing fast because they broke off with a big • Just say “no”
(MT), penetrant testing (PT), non- contract that had no follow-up work for • Block out negativity
conformance reports (NCRs), and re- a continued income stream. • Take time to greet the team

• Take a “temperature” read of staff load performing quality assurance and caught, and it’s not worth the risk.
and co-workers quality control. Besides, what side of ethics do you
• Smile and laugh If you run an agency in any way, you stand on? If you can’t be trusted to
• Take a moment to be grateful need to realize there are probably run your business per local or national
• Think about how to help others dozens more rules to figure out. Cities regulations, or both, why would cus-
• Strategically check emails and alone can differ dramatically in their re- tomers think you are doing your inspec-
messages quirements for a business license, sales tion job as you say you will? The ethical
tax on your services, and the need of a side of this issue is the determining fac-
storefront to operate. You must also tor for starting a successful inspection
consider signage requirements for business.
More Questions Than buildings or vehicles. If you put signage
Answers on your vehicle, does that make you
subject to commercial plates and insur-
This article may indeed raise more ance instead of regular passenger car BRENT E. BOLING
questions than answers. The object is plates? Some areas won’t let you work (cwinspectorbrent@gmail.com) is
to leave you better able to find your from home, or you have to pay special president of Arc-Tech Welding Inc.,
answers. And remember, everyone business rates for both advertising and Prescott Valley, Ariz. He is also an AWS
CWI with a Bolting Endorsement; an
needs their own plan, goals, and a phone. Beware, code enforcement ASNT Level II in VT and MT; an ICC
business profile. How many of you are spends a certain amount of time verify- Special Inspector Structural Steel
CWIs? Even so, you don’t have to be a ing yellow pages, advertising, address- Welding and Bolting; and a member of the
CWI to run an inspections es, and licensing. AWS B1 Committee, AWS Qualification
If you choose to work as a 1099 con- and Certification Subcommittee, and the
business/agency or manage CWIs per- organizing committee for the AWS IEC
forming inspections. You can be the tractor, what is required by the IRS to (Inspection Expo & Conference).
businessman while others carry the not conflict with their rules? Many get

Pg 21 mktpl filler.qxp_FP_TEMP 4/23/21 5:30 PM Page 21
Layout_Feature 02 Aldtstadt.qxp_Layout 1 4/26/21 8:05 AM Page 22
Feature
Root Opening Considerations

for Fillet Welds
The challenges and risks associated with the By Steven Altstadt and
fillet weld root region are demonstrated Robert Warke
When designed, fabricated, and in- strength and accelerate in-service

spected properly, fillet welds have been
Not Too Much, Not Too degradation. This occurs due to a re-
demonstrated to be an economical al- Little duction of metal at two key possible
ternative to other welded joint types failure planes in the fillet. An illustra-
or mechanically fastened connections There are two phenomena associat- tion of a root opening and the two
in many applications. That being said, ed with the root gap, or root opening in most common failure planes, the effec-
this joint type does have challenges official American Welding Society ter- tive throat and leg length, are illustrat-
and risks that are unique to it. In this minology, at the fillet weld root region ed in Fig. 1. A plane with a reduced
article, we cover the challenges and that can cause undesirable weld per- area means there is less fillet weld
risks associated with the fillet weld formance. First, a root opening that is metal available at the key location in
root region. excessively large can cause reduced the weld to transmit loads and load cy-
cles from one member to the other.
The weaker plane will depend on the
joint geometry and strength of the
base vs. weld metal. An example of an
actual fillet weld with a failure through
the fillet throat is shown in Fig. 2.
In the authors’ experience, failures
due to an excess opening are rare in
practice; however, when it does hap-
Effective Leg Length pen, it is often in situations where the
fillet weld joins plates or members that
are connected at a skewed angle.
Effective Throat When problems occur, it is usually be-
cause the skew geometry’s implica-
tions on the required fillet weld size
were missed, either during design or
fabrication. Usually, either the plate or
Excessive Root Opening
member wall faying surface should
have been beveled to be parallel with
the mating surface on the other mem-
ber, or the weld size should have been
increased on the obtuse angle side, but
for some reason, these options were
missed. The result is that the fillet
weld on the obtuse angle side can have
Fig. 1— Illustration of a fillet weld cross section with excessive root opening. a much smaller effective throat and leg

length than what was needed. An ex-

ample is illustrated in Fig. 3.
The second issue associated with
the opening is the other extreme
where no opening is present when
welding begins (i.e., the plate or mem-
ber surfaces are parallel and in contact
before welding begins). When no
opening is present, it, in combination
with other factors, can cause solidifica-
tion cracking, sometimes referred to
as weld metal hot cracking. A root
crack is illustrated in Fig. 4.
In high-restraint situations, such as
when the deposited weld bead is a
small fraction of the base metal thick-
ness and the opposite side of the joint
has already been welded, or the weld-
ment is rigidly fixtured, virtually all of
the shrinkage strains from solidifica-
tion and cooling are forced to occur in
the weld metal. This increases the risk
of weld metal hot cracking. The risk is
further increased if one or both base
metal members are carbon, low-alloy,
or stainless steels containing more sul-
fur than is permitted by present-day Fig. 2 — Example of a fillet weld with a crack.
specifications or when the base metal
surface is contaminated with a sulfur-
containing substance. Often, the
cracking is easily detected when it
traverses the entire fillet weld throat,
but when the crack extends only part-
way through the throat, it can be very
difficult to detect and is often missed
unless destructive testing is used. This
can be somewhat of a non-intuitive
trend since smaller cracks are almost
always thought to have less long-term Effective Throat
integrity risks vs. larger cracks for the
same weld geometry.
Best Practices
To control the negative effects of an
overly large root opening, welding
codes and proprietary practices typi-
cally include a maximum allowed gap.
In some applications and industries, if
the opening is larger than the specified
limit, the welder is permitted to in-
crease the fillet weld size beyond its Fig. 3 — Illustration of an improper fillet weld at skewed joint.
specified value to compensate for the
opening. There is usually an upper lim-
it on the extra amount that the fillet the fillet weld opening before fitup the joint geometries where the fillet
weld can be built up in these cases. In also can vary appreciably by industry welds cover the entire perimeter of a
the remainder of the applications, no and application. plate or other member, it is usually no
resizing of the fillet weld is allowed, Once the fillet weld is deposited, for longer possible to directly measure the
and the only allowable corrective ac- the most common joint geometries, opening.
tion is to reduce the opening before the opportunity for measuring the For the scenario of no root opening
welding the joint. The degree to which opening is limited to the space adja- (i.e., the base metal faying surfaces are
an inspector monitors and measures cent to the fillet welds. However, for fit tightly against each other), or negli-

in service, exposing the undesirable

characteristics. Other times, an in-
spector somehow detects the issue
near the end of a fabrication project,
which upon further investigation
eventually leads to creditable ques-
tions being raised as to whether unac-
ceptable welds were missed earlier in
the project. When completed welded
joints of various types are called into
question, part of the investigation of-
ten includes a new round of nonde-
structive examination (NDE). Howev-
er, when questions about the fillet
weld root region are raised, both con-
Root Crack
ventional NDE methods and the rela-
tively new proprietary methods offer
limited or no help. In these types of
situations, it would be ideal if an NDE
method could provide an in-situ gap
measurement for any position along
the length of the fillet weld and anoth-
er method that could delineate small
Fig. 4 — Illustration of a root crack where no opening is present. root cracks emanating from the gap re-
gion. To the authors’ knowledge, un-
fortunately, no such methods exist for
gible root opening, avoiding problems cated, and then subsequent creditable accurate broad general use. This would
is usually more dependent on welder doubts are raised as to whether the appear to be an unrealized opportuni-
craftsmanship and experience. In the root opening exceeded maximum al- ty for a new NDE method or repurpos-
authors’ experience, it would be rare lowable tolerances. This, in turn, raises ing of an existing method. Only time
for a project specification to explicitly questions about the fillet welds’ will tell if such a method comes to
define a minimum allowable opening strength, fatigue resistance, or both. market. Certainly, any claim that such
and rare for an inspector to be explicit- Imagine a second scenario where late a method has been discovered would
ly required to measure it. in the project root cracks spanning need to be backed up by a robust blind
only part of the throat were found. test program.
And similar to the first scenario, ques-
Future Research and tions are raised about the previous
Development Needs welds that are the same or similar. STEVEN ALTSTADT (saltstadt@wje.com)
In the authors’ experience, such sit- and ROBERT WARKE (rwarke@wje.com)
Imagine a project scenario in which uations, while relatively rare, occur in are associate principals in the Metallurgy &
Applied Mechanics Group of Wiss, Janney,
hundreds or even thousands of fillet- the real world. Sometimes this is be- Elstner Associates Inc., Northbrook, Ill.
welded connections have been fabri- cause one fillet weld fails prematurely
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Rev. 11/2019
NDE School Profiles 2021_Layout 1 4/23/21 6:32 PM Page 26
NDE School Profiles
Attention Schools in Training and Testing Camden County College

for Materials Evaluation, Weld Inspection,
and Quality Assurance: The Career & Technical Institute of
Camden County College offers an in-depth Beginner to
Included in this section are welding schools across Intermediate Shielded Metal Arc Welding class. This course
the country that have taken this advertising runs for approximately 564 hours and will include learning
opportunity to promote their resources, both to basic fabrication and cutting techniques, along with an
industry in need of welders and to those searching introduction into Gas Metal Arc Welding. Registration
for a solid career path to employment and growth. online or in-person is easy, there is no application or
Reach more than 36,000 readers whose livelihoods placement exam required. Camden County College, in
depend on quality assurance, materials testing, or southern New Jersey, has 3 locations and offers over 40
weld inspection with your school profile. Contact Lea career training programs with job placement assistance
Owen at lea@aws.org to add your school profile for 2022. and opportunities for credit upon completion.
The National Center for Welding Education and

Training (Weld-Ed) is a partnership of community
colleges, universities, business and industry, and the
American Welding Society, and is funded by the
National Science Foundation. The Center’s primary
mission is to increase the quantity and quality of
welding and materials joining technicians to meet
industry demand through curriculum reform and Workforce Training &
educator professional development. Additional Continuing Education
information is available at weld-ed.org.
(856) 374-4955
tradetraining@camdencc.edu
camdencc.edu/ce
Austin Community College Central Carolina Technical College

Sumter, South Carolina
The Welding Technology Program at Austin Community
College offers seven certificates and four Associate of Central Carolina Technical College’s Welding Program is one
Applied Science degrees. Areas of specialty include welding of the leading pipe and structural welding programs on the
inspection, ultrasonic testing, structural welding, and east coast. CCTC offers a two-year program where students
inert gas welding. Additional topics include orbital tube can earn a Basic Welding Certificate, an Advanced Pipe
welding; metallurgy; and pipe welding. Our architectural Welding Certificate, or a General Technology Associate
and ornamental metal programs include blacksmithing, Degree in Applied Science. CCTC’s Welding Programs are in
power hammer, and metal sculpture. Classes totaling over accordance with AWS, ASME, and API codes. The program’s
600 seats are offered at two campuses. current job placement rate is 100%. CCTC is accredited by
SACSCOC.
Axel Reis, Welding Department Chair

(512) 223-6220 506 N. Guignard Drive
austincc.edu/welding Sumter, SC 29150
(803) 778-7863
reisah@cctech.edu
cctech.edu

Central Wyoming College Georgia Trade School

Founded 2012
Industry driven, affordable, hands-on! Central Wyoming
College, located in the beautiful Wind River Valley, is an Georgia Trade School graduates have worked on iconic
AWS Educational Institution with curriculum that aligns stadiums from Mercedes Benz to Truist Park, iconic music
with AWS’s SENSE program. CWC is also an Accredited venues from the Roxy to Ameris Bank Amphitheatre,
Test Facility with the AWS. Students are trained to weld iconic film and television sets from Stranger Things to
according to AWS prequalified welding procedures as well The Walking Dead, Fast & Furious and Tyler Perry Studios,
as the American Petroleum Institute’s 1104 Pipeline Code. and on the most important acres of America building
There is a large emphasis on blueprint reading, welding ships for the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marines. With 1000
symbols, metallurgy, and weld inspection. Training graduates across 20 states our welders are truly
includes Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Tungsten Arc “Rebuilding America.”
Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, Flux Core Arc Welding,
and Oxyacetylene Welding. Students have a choice of
earning a credential, a certificate, or an associate of applied
science degree. Our welding lab has the most up-to-date
welding equipment and a state-of-the-art air moving
system.
Joanna Vinson, President

4231 Southside Drive
Acworth, GA 30101
Darryl Steeds, CWI (770) 590-9353
dsteeds@cwc.edu jvinson@georgiatradeschool.com
(307) 855-2138 georgiatradeschool.com
Admissions: (800) 865-0193
cwc.edu
Earlbeck Technical Center Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

Founded 1930
The Earlbeck Technical Center offers a complete curriculum
of welding classes. Our Fundamentals course instructs in Hobart Institute of Welding Technology offers a wide
the basics of oxyfuel, GTAW, GMAW, and SMAW. Students range of welding skill and technical training classes and
may then progress through intermediate level classes, certifications. The catalog lists the skill training programs,
offering certification testing in plate, and advanced level over 25 individual courses, corporate training, and a listing
classes, offering certification testing in pipe. Visual Welding of the AWS® certified testing services provided. Corporate
Inspection, Symbols for Blueprint Reading, and customized training may be done at our facility or yours. The HIWT
and mobile training are also available. The Earlbeck bookstore offers complete training curriculum that include
Technical Center, winner of the 2017 AWS & WEMCO DVDs, instructor guides, and student workbooks along with
“Excellence in Welding Award” in the Educational Facility other weld education-related items.
category, is an AWS Accredited Test Facility, as well.
Baltimore, MD
York, PA
Scranton, PA 400 Trade Square East
(410) 687-8400 Troy, OH 45363
dhodges@earlbeck.com (937) 332-9500
earlbeck.com/weldertraining.html Fax: (937) 332-9550
welding.org

Ohio Technical College San Jacinto College

Welding & Fabrication Technology Serving East Harris County, Texas
Ohio Tech’s comprehensive Welding and Fabrication San Jacinto College provides students Nondestructive
program will give students a solid foundation and Testing and Inspection training skills for jobs in the
background in basic and advanced principles, theory, industrial, petrochem, and maritime enterprises found
practices, and application of welding. This extensive training along the Houston Ship Chanel and Gulf Coast region.
program is partnered with Cleveland’s own, Lincoln Electric Come train at San Jacinto College for your future in the
and provides students with development of manipulative region’s largest, newest, and best equipped facility, where
skills necessary to become entry-level combination welders, you can earn Certificates or Degrees in Inspection
fitters, general fabricators, job shop, and steel construction Technology; or take courses for professional development.
workers. In addition, the advanced training portion of the
program will provide students with the information, Our accredited programs are taught to: ASNT, AWS, API,
knowledge, and skills needed to achieve certifications AMPP-NACE, and NC3 standards. For career paths in NDT,
through a number of recognized professional organizations. Fixed Equipment Inspection, and Quality.
Courses: VT-MT-PT, ET, UT, PAUT, Corrosion, AWS CWI
and CRI, API 510/570, Metallurgy, and Metrology.
1374 E 51st Street

Cleveland, OH 44103
(800) 322-7000 • Fax: (216) 881-9145
jbrenner@ohiotech.edu Inspection (281) 478-2799
ohiotech.edu sanjac.edu/NDT
Ridgewater College Schoolcraft College

Ridgewater College offers welding excellence with Located in one of the largest manufacturing areas of the
state-of-the-art labs that include plasma and laser cutting, USA, Schoolcraft College offers certificates and Associates
and robotic welding. We are proud to be an AWS Degrees in an AWS Accredited Test Facility. The college
Accredited Test Facility. provides state-of-the-art welding and fabrication equipment
in an innovative, dynamic, and productive environment.
Our students excel in competitions and benefit from a Small class sizes give easy access for students to
partnership with our Nondestructive Testing program that knowledgeable industry-trained experts and CWI
offers weld quality testing. instructors who strive to educate students for real-life on
the job scenarios. Schoolcraft College offers classes in all
Ridgewater has been ranked the #1 community college in major welding processes as well as specialized classes in
Minnesota in 2020 and 2021 by niche.com. Welding blueprint reading, inspection, metallurgy, OSHA 30, CAD,
Options: Welding AAS Degree, Diploma or Certificate. and CNC manufacturing. Schoolcraft College also offers
courses for AWS certifications in Aerospace, ASME, D1.1,
B2.1, and several other codes and standards to enrolled
students as well as local skilled tradesmen and
tradeswomen.
Hutchinson & Willmar, MN 13001 Merriman Road

ridgewater.edu/welding Livonia, MI 48150
(320) 234-8500 (734) 462-7020
admissions@ridgewater.edu Coley McLean
Fax: (320) 234-8512 cmclean@schoolcraft.edu

Tulsa Welding School Washtenaw Community College

Tulsa Welding School (TWS) was founded in 1949 in Tulsa, The welding and fabrication program at Washtenaw
Oklahoma, by two welders to meet the demand for skilled Community College currently offers two certificates and an
tradespeople in the welding industry. Since then, TWS has Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in welding technology.
opened additional locations in Jacksonville, Florida, and in Courses focus on welding and fabrication, but also introduce
Houston, Texas. It is a multi-campus institution that trains students to industry trends such as: weld quality testing
students in the skills, knowledge, and attitudes (visual, physical, and non-destructive), automated welding,
necessary for entry-level positions in the skilled trades. and automated cutting. The full-time faculty at WCC are all
With years of prior experience in the field, TWS’s expert AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) with over 30 years
instructors use hands-on training to pass their knowledge combined industry experience. They provide a blended
on to the next generation of welders. Our instructors teach learning environment where students apply classroom
students TIG welding, MIG welding, SMAW, and more. learning with practical, hands-on learning, which arms
Our Jacksonville campus is also an AWS Accredited Test students with the skills they need to thrive in the welding
Facility, where welders can test their skills for American workforce. WCC is also an AWS Accredited Test Facility
Welding Society certifications. (ATF), which means students can achieve an AWS
welding certification.
4800 E. Huron River Dr.

Ann Arbor, MI 48105
(800) 759-0125 (734) 973-3627
tws.edu Alex Pazkowski, apazkowski@wccnet.edu
Bradley Clink, bclink@wccnet.edu
wccnet.edu
Tyler Junior College Wilson Community College

Welding Technology Diploma & Certificate Program
Tyler Junior College (TJC) is a comprehensive community
college in Tyler, Texas, recognized as one of the top Established in 1958, Wilson Community College is one of
colleges in Texas! Its one-year certificate and two-year the system’s oldest institutions. The College offers associate
associate degree pathways in welding technology prepare degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The Welding Technology
students for entry-level code welding for industry. curriculum provides students with an understanding of the
Training is provided in Blueprint Reading and Layout as science, technology, and applications essential for successful
well as SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and pipe welding. In employment in the industry. Instruction includes electrode
addition, the welding program follows the AWS SENSE welding and cutting processes, blueprint reading,
entry level guidelines for welder training. Many TJC metallurgy, welding inspection, and destructive and
welding graduates secure a great job before graduation. Let nondestructive testing to provide the student with
us help you prepare for a rewarding career in a high- industry-standard skills. Enrollment is approximately
demand field. Call 1-800-687-5680 or visit our website. 17 to 25 students.
902 Herring Avenue

Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 246-1210
wilsoncc.edu
P.O. Box 9020
Tyler, TX 75711
(903) 510-2390 Travis Flewelling,
or (800) 687-5680 Interim Dean of Industrial Technologies
tjc.edu (252) 246-1271
tflewelling@wilsoncc.edu

IT MYC May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 3:51 PM Page 30
Mark Your Calendar
possibilities for multi-technique measurements of

Note: Due to COVID-19, these events/opportunities interdependent parameters and the evaluation of the data
are subject to change. through sophisticated computer analyses. The deadline for
abstract submission is May 9. Visit asnt.org.
COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Welding Industry
Virtual Conference 2021
May 20. AWS will dive into how COVID-19 has affected the FABTECH
welding industry. Four panelists will give their perspective Sept. 13–16. McCormick Place, Chicago, Ill. A one-stop shop
on what has transpired in the welding community during venue where attendees can meet with world-class suppliers,
2020 and what is in store for the industry moving forward. see the latest industry products and developments, find the
Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and tools to improve productivity, and increase profits. Visit
come away with essential information to confront the fabtechexpo.com.
adversities brought on by this global issue. Visit aws.org.
2021 International Brazing and Soldering Conference

RWMA Resistance Welding Spring School 2021 Oct. 3–6. Denver, Colo. The triennial event will bring
June 22, 23. Detroit, Mich. AWS and RWMA team up to together the world’s experts in brazing and soldering. Share
offer a two-day school, taught by resistance welding ideas, view the latest technology, and see friends. The
industry experts, that explores concepts and materials deadline for manuscript submission is May 14. Visit aws.org.
outside the scope of the Certified Resistance Welding
Technician exam. This intensive overview of resistance
welding will include presentations, panel discussions, Q&A 2nd Shipbuilding & Aluminum Conference
sessions, and live demonstrations on fully functioning Oct. 5–7. Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside, San Diego, Calif.
equipment. It is designed for beginner-to-experienced Industry experts will deliver the latest research and innova-
technicians, supervisors, production managers, operators, tions in both the shipbuilding and aluminum industries. The
trainers, and educators. Contact Sarai Claveria, critical importance of welding in the shipbuilding industry
sclaveria@aws.org; (305) 443-9353, ext. 227; or visit aws.org. will also be addressed by providing current information on
the emerging technologies being developed for shipbuilding
applications. Visit aws.org.
NDT of Composites 2021
June 22–24. Hyatt Regency Lake Washington, Renton,
Wash. This conference will feature presentations on existing, 2021 Sheet Metal Welding Conference XIX —
new, and developing methods of materials and fabrication Welding Solutions for Lightweight and Electric
techniques, including advances in composite nondestructive Vehicle Production
examination (NDE) technology, new product forms, and in- Nov. 2–4. Laurel Manor, Livonia, Mich. This event provides
process NDE. Visit asnt.org. engineers and researchers from manufacturers, suppliers,
universities, and research institutes the opportunity to net-
work and meet experts in the field of welding. The confer-
Digital Imaging and Ultrasonics for NDT 2021 ence will be preceded by a one-day workshop on Nov. 1. Visit
July 27–29. Silver Legacy Resort Casino, Reno, Nev. This awsdetroit.org.
three-day nondestructive examination conference focuses
on two of the most popular testing methods: digital
radiography and ultrasonic. Topics to be covered include ASNT 2021: The Annual Conference
additive manufacturing, computed tomography, composites, Nov. 15–18. Phoenix, Ariz. Participants will have the oppor-
phased array, and more. The deadline for abstract tunity to receive top content from global nondestructive ex-
submission is May 14. Visit asnt.org. amination leaders, earn recertification contact hours, net-
work with peers, explore the exhibit hall, and more. Visit
asnt.org.
16th International Symposium on Nondestructive
Characterization of Materials
Aug. 10–12. Royal Sonesta Harbor Court Baltimore, Educational Opportunities
Baltimore, Md. This symposium features presentations
addressing issues of current and future interest, covering
both theoretical and experimental work. Featured will be ASME Section IX Virtual Classroom
presentations about state-of-the-art developments and June 14–17. This virtual course will teach participants how
applications where the complex nature of materials is to comply with the requirements of ASME BPV Code Section
recognized as well as discussions on the applications and IX, Welding, Brazing and Fusing Qualifications, including how

IT MYC May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 3:51 PM Page 31
to address its requirements and its relationship with other CWI Exam Prep Course
code sections. Contact Brian Behnke, BehnkeB@asme.org, The American Institute of Nondestructive Testing (AINDT)
(212) 591-7122. offers a hybrid CWI exam prep course. Part A (online) covers
the fundamentals of welding technology; part B consists of
extensive practical hands-on techniques and will be held at
ASNT Learn Webinars the AINDT in Baxter, Minn.; and part C (online) provides in-
Learn about emerging industry trends, management skills, depth training to the welding code portion of the exam.
and nondestructive examination applications. Those pursu- Housing at the Lakes Area Lodge is included.
ing recertification can earn contact hours. Go to asnt.org and instructor@trainingndt.com; trainingndt.com; (855) 313-0325
click on “Webinars” to view upcoming live events.
NDE Classes
ASNT Virtual Refresher Courses
Moraine Valley Community College, Palos Hills, Ill. Offers
The courses are designed for those who are currently Level II
NDE classes in PT, MT, UT, RT, radiation safety, and eddy
or III and are looking to become an ASNT Level III or to
current, as well as API 510 exam prep and weld inspection.
maintain their Level III status. Those who plan to recertify
(708) 974-5735; ccce@morainevalley.edu; morainevalley.edu
by points will earn continuing education units. The courses
and dates are as follows: Ultrasonic Testing (UT), May
10–12; Liquid Penetrant Testing (PT), May 13, 14; Radi-
ographic Testing (RT), May 17–19; Magnetic Particle Testing NDT Classroom Training and e-Learning Course
(MT), May 20, 21; and Visual Testing (VT), May 24–26. Go Offers courses in UT, RT, MT, PT, eddy current, and remote
to asnt.org to register. visual inspection. Onsite training also available. (855) 232-
7470; waygateinspectionacademy.com
The Atlas of Welding Procedure Specifications

This seminar, scheduled for May 3–10 and Aug. 16–23, will NDT Courses and Exams
address the needs of welders, inspectors, and engineers who Brea, Calif., and customers’ locations. Level I, II, and III re-
are advancing their careers to include the development of fresher courses in PA, UT, MP, radiation safety, radiography, vi-
welding procedure specifications (WPSs). Attendees will sual, etc. Test NDT LLC; (714) 255-1500; testndt.com
learn how to write a WPS, qualify a WPS, and understand
the relationship of the procedure qualification record and
WPS for the part B CWI examination. Join via Zoom for the Online Courses in Destructive and Nondestructive
online presentation. Attendees will need to have a computer Testing of Welds and Other Welding-Related Topics
with a camera and microphone to participate. For more in- Online courses meet the requirements of AWS QC1 and can
formation, contact Albert Moore at amoore999@comcast.net. be applied toward PDHs for recertification of certified weld-
ing inspectors and educators. Hobart Institute of Welding
Technology, (800) 332-9448; welding.org/product-
AWS CWI Webinar category/online-courses/
The 30-min webinar, “What to Expect during the CWI
Application and Certification Process,” is designed to help
individuals navigate the CWI application. The webinar will Part B Study Group
be held at 2:00 p.m., EST, on the following dates: May 5, Scheduled for July 5–9, this session prepares individuals for
June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 1, and Oct. 6. Register at the CWI part B practical examination. For information,
aws.org/cwi-application-webinar. contact Albert Moore at amoore999@comcast.net.
AWS Online CWI Pre-Seminar Preparation for AWS® — CWI®/CWE® Examination

Covers fundamental concepts and principles frequently used The two-week class offers nine days of instruction with the
by CWIs. The ten-course program provides a strong founda- test being administered on the tenth day. It includes a
tion for those preparing to take the CWI exam or as a re- backpack for the convenience of carrying books and other
fresher for CWIs in need of PDHs. Visit aws.org. study materials. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology;
(800) 332-9448; hiwt@welding.org; welding.org
Canadian Welding Bureau Online/Classroom Courses

Courses in NDE disciplines to meet certifications to the Welding Educator Workshops
Canadian General Standards Board or Canadian Nuclear National Center for Welding Education & Training (Weld-
Safety Commission. The Canadian Welding Bureau; (800) Ed). The professional development workshop series will
844-6790; cwbgroup.org; info@cwbgroup.org feature seven training modules designed exclusively for
welding educators and industrial trainers. Workshop par-
ticipants can earn four continuing education units (CEUs)
CWI/CWE Prep Courses; CWI Endorsement Seminars and 40 professional development hours (PDHs), with the
All courses held at the Welder Training & Testing Institute. exception of the three-day NDT workshop, which offers
For a complete list of of seminars, workshops, and training 2.5 CEUs and 30 PDHs. For descriptions, training loca-
scheduled, go to ndtinstitute.com/upcoming-classes. To regis- tions, and registration links for each workshop, go to weld-
ter, contact Mary@wtti.com. ed.org or call (866) 529-9353

Cert. Schedule May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 5:24 PM Page 32
Certification Schedule
Note: The 2021 schedule for all certifications is posted online at aws.org/w/a/registrations/prices_schedules.html.
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) 9-Year Recertification Seminar for CWI/SCWI

The Seminar covers Parts A, B, and C of the CWI exam. Only For current CWIs and SCWIs needing to meet education
Part B of the exam is taken following the conclusion of the requirements without taking the exam. The exam can be
seminar. Parts A and C are given at Prometric testing centers. taken at any site listed under Certified Welding Inspector.
Location Seminar Dates Part B Location Seminar Dates

Exam Date Pittsburgh, PA June 20–25
Pittsburgh, PA June 6–11 June 12 Charlotte, NC July 18–23
Birmingham, AL June 6–11 June 12 Houston, TX Aug. 8–13
Benicia, CA June 13–18 June 19 Orlando, FL Aug. 29–Sept. 3
Spokane, WA June 13–18 June 19 Sacramento, CA Sept. 26–Oct. 1
Hartford, CT June 13–18 June 19
Farmingdale, NJ June 20–25 June 26 Certified Welding Educator (CWE)
Beaumont, TX June 20–25 June 26 Seminar and exam are given at all sites listed under Certified
Louisville, KY July 11–16 July 17 Welding Inspector. Seminar attendees will not attend the
Phoenix, AZ July 11–16 July 17 Code Clinic portion of the seminar (usually the first two
Miami, FL July 18–23 July 24 days).
Cleveland, OH July 18–23 July 24
Milwaukee, WI July 25–30 July 31 Certified Welding Sales Representative
Orlando, FL July 25–30 July 31 (CWSR)
Charlotte, NC Aug. 1–6 Aug. 7 CWSR exams are given at Prometric testing centers. More
Los Angeles, CA Aug. 1–6 Aug. 7 information at aws.org/certification/detail/certified-welding-
Denver, CO Aug. 8–13 Aug. 14 sales-representative.
Salt Lake City, UT Aug. 8–13 Aug. 14
San Diego, CA Aug. 15–20 Aug. 21 Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS)
Chicago, IL Aug. 15–20 Aug. 21 CWS exams are given at Prometric testing centers. More
Kansas City, MO Aug. 15–20 Aug. 21 information at aws.org/certification/detail/certified-welding-
Seattle, WA Aug. 22–27 Aug. 28 supervisor.
Houston, TX Aug. 22–27 Aug. 28
Benicia, CA Sept. 12–17 Sept. 18
Minneapolis, MN Sept. 12–17 Sept. 18 Certified Radiographic Interpreter (CRI)
Nashville, TN Sept. 19–24 Sept. 25 The CRI certification can be a stand-alone credential or can
San Antonio, TX Sept. 19–24 Sept. 25 exempt you from your next 9-Year Recertification. More
Indianapolis, IN Sept. 26–Oct. 1 Oct. 2 information at aws.org/certification/detail/certified-
Cleveland, OH Sept. 26–Oct. 1 Oct. 2 radiographic-interpreter.
New Orleans, LA Sept. 26–Oct. 1 Oct. 2
Miami, FL Oct. 3–8 Oct. 9 Location Seminar Dates Exam Date
Norfolk, VA Oct. 3–8 Oct. 9 Las Vegas, NV June 7–11 June 12
Long Beach, CA Oct. 10–15 Oct. 16
Tulsa, OK Oct. 10–15 Oct. 16 Certified Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW)
OTC Daihen Inc., Tipp City, OH; (937) 667-0800, ext. 218
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Part B Lincoln Electric Co., Cleveland, OH; (216) 383-4723
The course covers only Part B of the CWI exam. The Part B Wolf Robotics, Fort Collins, CO; (970) 225-7667
exam follows the conclusion of the three-day course. Milwaukee Area Technical College, Milwaukee, WI;
(414) 456-5454
Location Seminar Dates Part B College of the Canyons, Santa Clarita, CA; (661) 259-7800,
Exam Date ext. 3062
Minneapolis, MN July 28–30 July 31 Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College, Ogden, UT;
Cleveland, OH Sept. 29–Oct. 1 Oct. 2 (801) 627-8448
Miami, FL Dec. 15–17 Dec. 18 Genesis Systems IPG Photonics Co., Davenport, IA;
(563) 445-5688
IMPORTANT: This schedule is subject to change without notice. Please verify your event dates with the Certification Dept. to confirm your
course status before making travel plans. Applications are to be received at least six weeks prior to the seminar/exam or exam. Applications
received after that time will be assessed a $250 Fast Track fee. Please verify application deadline dates by visiting our website aws.org/
certification/docs/schedules.html. For information on AWS seminars and certification programs, or to register online, visit aws.org/
certification or call (800/305) 443-9353, ext. 273, for Certification; or ext. 455 for Seminars.

Tech Notes May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/23/21 3:53 PM Page 33
Technology Notes
AWS D15.1 Interpretation Subject: Use of essential variables for Structural Welding Code — Stainless Steel
welding procedure specification qualifi- Subject: Gas metal arc welding
Standard: AWS D15.1/D15.1M:2019, cation (GMAW) in spray transfer
Railroad Welding Specification for Cars Code Edition: 2017 Code Edition: 2017
and Locomotives Code Provision: Subclause 1.1, Table Code Provisions: Subclause 5.7.1(4),
Subject: Acceptance criteria 6.3 Table 5.4, Figures 5.3 and 5.4
Edition: 6 AWS Log: D1.6-17-I01 AWS Log: D1.6-17-I02
Provision: 17.2.6 Inquiry: Is it the intent of Table 6.3 of Inquiry: Is it the intent of AWS
AWS Log: D15.1-19-IO1 AWS D1.6/D1.6M:2017 that a test D1.6/D1.6M:2017 that all metal trans-
Inquiry: Is there a limit for how much a weldment thickness of 11⁄ 6 in. (1.5 mm) fer modes of GMAW are prequalified in
fillet weld may exceed the specified size? qualifies a minimum base metal thick- all positions except that the vertical
Interpretation: No. ness of 11⁄ 6 in. (1.5 mm)? down progression is limited to the
Interpretation: Yes. short-circuiting mode (GMAW-S) for
thicknesses of 31⁄ 6 in. (5 mm) and less?
AWS D1.6 Interpretation Interpretation: Yes.
AWS D1.6 Interpretation
Standard: AWS D1.6/D1.6M:2017,
Structural Welding Code — Stainless Steel Standard: AWS D1.6/D1.6M:2017,
News Bulletins
— continued from page 9
“With the development of this high-end facility, we can

now provide laboratory services to local industry, as well as
providing our existing clients with an alternative service that
has been built cognizant of the requirements of the marine
and energy industry for forensic investigations,” said Ken
Kirby, director of metallurgy and NDE. “With the support of
a large, diverse team of consultant engineers, naval archi-
tects, master mariners, and scientists from a whole range of
different backgrounds, we believe we can offer a first-class
laboratory service to clients, as well as creating a center of ex-
cellence for training and development.”
A 13-min video of the opening can be viewed on the com-
pany’s YouTube channel.
• Conco Services LLC, with headquarters in Pittsburgh,
Pa., and offices in LaPorte, Tex., and Gonzales, La., has seen
increased demand for cleaning and NDE services on con-
densers and heat exchangers on the U.S. west coast. To meet
this demand, the company has leased office space in Antioch,
Calif., where NDE and cleaning equipment/products will be
warehoused. With the addition of this location, response
time and mobilization costs will also decrease for work on
the west coast.
In addition, the company is implementing new testing
methods this year with domestic customers in industrial and
power generation markets. It will continue to provide eddy
current, remote field, and near field testing on tubes, as well
as perform internal rotary inspection system, surface eddy
current, surface/eddy current/near field array, and saturation
eddy current testing. With these offerings, the company has
purchased updated equipment.

IT_Classifieds/Ad Index_May 2021.qxp_Layout 1 4/26/21 9:48 AM Page 34
Advertiser Index
ASNT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 NDT SEALS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

asnt.org/certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 222-2768 zac@ndtseals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(713) 222-7584
ATLAS API TRAINING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7, 34 OLYMPUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .OBC

atlasapitraining.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(409) 234-1322 olympus-ims.com/omniscan-x3
AWS Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 ORANGE COUNTY INSPECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

aws.org/certified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 443-9353 renewmycert@gmail.com
FABTECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IBC RIDGEWATER COLLEGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

fabtechexpo.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(888) 394-4362 ridgewater.edu/manufacturing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(320) 222-5200
FISCHER TECHNOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 TEST EQUIPMENT DISTRIBUTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

fischer-technology.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(860) 683-0781 tedntd.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(800) 962-1788
FLAWTECH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 TRIANGLE ENGINEERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .IFC

flawtech.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(704) 795-4401 trieng.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(781) 878-1374
G.A.L. Gage Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8, 20

galgage.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(269) 465-5750 IFC - Inside Front Cover
IBC - Inside Back Cover
HOBART INSTITUTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 OBC - Outside Back Cover
welding.org . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .(937) 332-9500
NDE SCHOOLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26


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Cover May 2021 V2.

qxp_IT Spring 4/06 4/23/21 5:29 PM Page C1

MAY 2021 / VOL. 24 / NO. 2

Challenges with the

MAY 2021 / VOL. 24 / NO. 2

Cover photo: Measuring a fillet weld.

Readers of Inspection Trends may make copies of articles Departments

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 3

4 Inspection Trends / May 2021

18 at the Lincoln Electric Welding Technology and Training

Nine-year CWI recertification seminar attendees were

6 Inspection Trends / May 2021

Zetec Names President

Apellix Starts NDE Company

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 7

ment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) as its

8 Inspection Trends / May 2021

Automated detection in Dynamic Infrastructure’s drone photos.

summarize them in the proper template. The company,

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 9

Print and Product Showcase

Analyzer Delivers Instant

ed and collated frame-by-frame with

10 Inspection Trends / May 2021

Portable OES Gives Rapid

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 11

12 Inspection Trends / May 2021

Motionless by design, the line of

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 13

The Answer Is By Albert J. Moore Jr.

14 Inspection Trends / May 2021

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 15

Starting a Successful Inspections Business:

16 Inspection Trends / May 2021

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 17

18 Inspection Trends / May 2021

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 19

20 Inspection Trends / May 2021

Root Opening Considerations

When designed, fabricated, and in- strength and accelerate in-service

22 Inspection Trends / May 2021

length than what was needed. An ex-

May 2021 / Inspection Trends 23

in service, exposing the undesirable

Certiﬁcation QuikCheck Follow AWS on Social Media Do You Have Some

24 Inspection Trends / May 2021

8669 NW 36 ST. #130 | Miami, FL 33166-6672

E-Mail: Mobile Phone: ( ) Secondary Phone: ( ) Home Work

STUDENT MEMBERSHIP New Renewal, Member #:

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIP New Renewal, Member #:

Were you referred to AWS by an AWS Member? Yes No

OFFICE USE ONLY Source Code: IT Account #: Check #: Amount:

NDE School Proﬁles

Attention Schools in Training and Testing Camden County College

The National Center for Welding Education and

Austin Community College Central Carolina Technical College

Axel Reis, Welding Department Chair

26 Inspection Trends / May 2021

NDE School Proﬁles

Central Wyoming College Georgia Trade School

Joanna Vinson, President

Earlbeck Technical Center Hobart Institute of Welding Technology