AWS stands for the American Welding Society, and the organization has established various standards and guidelines for welding processes and procedures. The AWS class in welding refers to the various certification programs offered by the AWS that test and validate a welder's skills in specific welding processes.
There are several types of AWS welding classes, including Structural Welding, Sheet Metal Welding, Pipe Welding, and Aerospace Welding. Each class has its own specific requirements and certification process.
AWS A5.1 E6011
Structural welding certification covers a broad range of welding processes, including Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). It also covers welding on various materials such as carbon steel, low alloy steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Structural Welding certification is commonly required in construction, shipbuilding, and bridge building.
Sheet Metal Welding certification is designed for welders who work with thin materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and other lightweight metals. It covers welding processes such as GTAW, GMAW, and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW). Sheet Metal Welding certification is commonly required in industries such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing.
Pipe Welding certification is designed for welders who work on piping systems. It covers welding processes such as GTAW, SMAW, and FCAW. Pipe Welding certification is commonly required in the oil and gas industry, as well as in the chemical and power generation industries.
AWS A5.1 E6010
Aerospace Welding certification is designed for welders who work on aircraft and aerospace components. It covers welding processes such as GTAW, PAW, and Resistance Welding. Aerospace Welding certification is commonly required in the aerospace industry and is considered one of the most stringent welding certifications due to the high safety and quality standards.
Each AWS welding certification program has its own specific requirements and procedures, but they all follow a similar structure. To become certified, a welder must first pass a written exam that covers the fundamentals of welding and safety practices. After passing the written exam, the welder must then pass a hands-on welding performance test. The performance test requires the welder to weld according to specific standards and codes while being evaluated by an AWS-certified welding inspector.
The AWS welding certification is not a one-time certification, and welders must renew their certification every six months to two years. The renewal process usually involves taking a refresher course and passing another performance test.
In summary, the AWS class in welding refers to the various certification programs offered by the American Welding Society to validate a welder's skills in specific welding processes. The certification programs are divided into different classes such as Structural Welding, Sheet Metal Welding, Pipe Welding, and Aerospace Welding. The certification process involves passing a written exam and a hands-on welding performance test, and certification must be renewed periodically to maintain validity.
