Curious about CWI ceritfication 1

[rimwithbrim]

I am a mechanical engineer with my BS degree. I have worked as a mechanical designer in the past as well as a tooling engineer at an large aerospace company most recently. Since then I have started my own business which is welding related although only simple mig processes (in my garage). Over all roughly 3 years of "real" engineering related to building/designing weldments and heavy tooling.

I have recently thought about looking into becoming a CWI and the requirements are a bit unclear to me. Do I have to have experience as a welder? I have a thorough understanding of stress analysis of welds and wouldn't have a problem learning codes but don't have formal training as a welder.

I have an interest in this field and am just now looking into this area and the opportunities it could present. Any input from experienced people in this field would be great (i.e. difficulties of getting a CWI ticket, tips, random thoughts...)

Thanks much

 

[gtaw]

You should obtain a copy of both AWS B5.1 and QC1 from AWS in Miami.

Both are be free downloads from the AWS web site. Go to the AWS Book Store and search QC1 and then B5.1. It say the documents are "not available for purchase for electronic transfer". That is because they are free and available as PDF files for no charge.

You do not have to know how to weld or be a welder. It is simply one means of meeting the qualification prerequisites to sit for the AWS CWI examinations. The are a number of questions related to welding processes and weld defects related to the specific process. Experience with the different welding processes is a plus in answering those questions, but the information is available in the texts and literature offered for individuals studying for the CWI examinations.

The ability or experience as a welder will help the CWI troubleshoot the cause of welding problems, but the CWI does not have to be a "troubleshooter" when welding related problems arise. His primary task is to determine if a weld meets the visual acceptance requirements of the applicable code or standard.

Best regards - Al