Equipping your business with advanced technical and code welding knowledge can help small fabrication shops become more competitive with larger companies. By expanding welding services to include a broader range of AWS, ASME, and/ ISO welding codes, smaller fabrication shops open their doors to new and exciting industries in desperate need of high-quality welding. Advanced Welding Technologies understands both sides of this conversation as a precision machining and fabrication company that also offers unmatched levels of CWI and CWE welding training for businesses nationwide. This article looks at the advantages of adding technical and code welding services and the many training services available through Advanced Welding Technologies that benefit small manufacturers and fabrication shops.
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Advantages of Technical & Code Welding Certifications
One of the most powerful resources that small fabrication shops and manufacturers have at their disposal is the ability to expand their service offerings through welding certifications. Whether it’s training welding professionals on AWS D1.1 for structural welding or something more complicated like the ASME U Stamp for pressure vessels or other certifications for specialized industries, businesses that can advocate these value-adding credentials can significantly enhance a shop’s credibility and likelihood of winning competitive quotes. The aerospace, oil and gas, and medical device industries require quality welding services that follow strict code compliance throughout the fabrication process to ensure safety and reliability during use. For small fabrication shops, expanding knowledge and services within these industries is an opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and become more competitive with larger companies.
By adding the right certifications, small shops can stand out in industries where quality and precision are paramount. AWS welding certifications can make or break early conversations with potential clients and allay any concerns that the final welding services will adhere to industry safety standards and code regulations. For small shops, this means they can confidently take on projects that might have otherwise been reserved for larger companies while still offering competitive prices. Additional AWS certifications also allow small shops to provide services to high-demand sectors that require code-compliant welding for both safety and performance.
Expanding to New Regulated Industries
By investing in American Welding Society-certified capabilities, small fabrication shops can expand into new markets that were once dominated by larger companies. Many industries have strict welding requirements, and obtaining the right certifications can unlock lucrative opportunities.
- AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel Welding): This is among the most generalized and widely integrated AWS welding codes for small fabrication shops looking to work on structural steel components used in bridges, buildings, and heavy construction, enabling shops to work on large-scale infrastructure projects. AWT can provide training at our facility or make site visits to help train welding professionals on technical and code welding practices that meet D1.1 standards.
- AWS D1.2 (Structural Aluminum Welding): Following the same procedures and protocols of D1.1, this code governs best welding practices for lightweight yet strong aluminum structures. Fabrication companies offering D1.2 certified welding make it incredibly appealing to potential customers in the aerospace, transportation, and architectural industries.
- AWS D1.3 (Structural Sheet Steel Welding): Expanding welding services to include thin-gauge sheet metal opens up smaller fabrication companies for work on automotive and appliance manufacturing jobs. This can either be as a main welding provider or as a company that can handle overflow projects when production volume falls behind tight deadlines.
- AWS D1.6 (Structural Stainless Steel Welding): Welding stainless steel takes an experienced hand to complete, and ensuring your team is equipped with the standards and practices covered under D1.6 is critical to winning new projects. Maintaining this level of certification helps shops tap into industries requiring corrosion-resistant components, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals.
- AWS D1.9 (Structural Titanium Welding): D1.9 is a more advanced level of welding certification that enables shops to weld components made from the specialty metal titanium, which is frequently demanded by clients in the aerospace, medical, and robotic industries.
- AWS D15.1 (Railroad Welding Endorsement): D15.1 Railroad welding endorsement is a supplemental credential intended for Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI) who can then inspect and oversee welding work completed on railroad cars and locomotives in North America.
Beyond structural applications for steel, aluminum, and titanium, several other key certifications help shops enter specialized markets. Advanced Welding Technologies can assist with standardized instruction to meet these various AWS requirements and help integrate procedures and processes for welding teams looking to pursue these certifications to win new contracts or enter specialty markets. By securing and advertising the right AWS, API, ASME, and ISO certifications to potential clients, small fabrication shops can demonstrate their expertise in meeting industry requirements and expand into high-value sectors, gaining a competitive edge without the overhead of larger firms.
Technical & Code Welding at Advanced Welding Technologies
To truly compete with larger firms, small fabricators need to continuously adapt to new technologies. Advanced Welding Technologies understands the challenge it can be to keeping up with the continually evolving industry standards and takes all the worry about whether or not your team is capable of providing the necessary technical and code welding for certain industries. By continuously adding new AWS or other manufacturing industry standards to their offerings, small fabricators can improve the quality, consistency, and speed of their welding processes while simultaneously enabling them to meet high-volume orders or tackle intricate, complex parts that require a high level of precision.
Become More Competitive with Technical & Code Welding Certifications
Expanding technical and code welding doesn’t need to be a complicated process, and the educated CWI and CWE team at Advanced Welding Technologies can help your fabrication business secure key welding certifications that can significantly improve your ability to compete with larger firms. Not only will an expanded list of AWS certifications increase operational efficiency and product quality, but it will also open the door to high-value markets and industries that require strict code compliance. By specializing in niche areas, focusing on precision, and delivering superior customer service, small fabrication shops can expand their business, gain access to new opportunities, and ultimately thrive in an increasingly competitive welding industry. If you are interested in learning more about our educational services, specific AWS codes, or how to improve your welding capabilities, reach out to us today to get started!
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