AWS plans automatic welding conference

The American Welding Society (AWS), Miami, will hold a conference May 13 and 14 dedicated to automatic welding, automatic controls, and training and management.

Speakers will explore automation developments for new welding processes. The developments have enabled the industry to speed output and enhance quality, according to the AWS. Welding processes addressed at the event will include fiber and disk lasers; friction and thermal stir welding; hot-wire tungsten arc welding; laser-GMAW hybrid welding; and automation technology for traditional processes like submerged arc welding (SAW). Scheduled speakers represent several welding organizations, including Carolina Energy Solutions, Rock Hill, S.C.; Lincoln Electric, Cleveland; EWI, Columbus, Ohio; Genesis Systems, Davenport, Iowa; Naval Surface Warfare Center, Washington, D.C.; and NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.

Conference sessions will discuss the state of the welding industry, the welder shortage, and potential coping strategies. In addition, experts will explore typical production challenges, such as automation design and applications. Attendees also will receive information on new welding processes and quality-enhancing techniques designed to optimize the performance of automatic assemblies.

Additional program topics will include laser hybrid welding, magnetic pulse welding, innovations in robotic welding, innovations in submerged arc welding, friction stir welding, the impact of fiber lasers on the material processing market, thermal stir welding, disk laser welding, hot-wire GTAW, and understanding and reducing exposure to welding fumes.

Conference registration includes all conference sessions, two continental breakfasts, two lunches, and refreshment breaks. Attendees will receive a CD containing copies of all presentations and an attendee roster for postevent networking and follow-up.

The AWS works to advance the science, technology, and application of welding. Additional conference information is available at www.aws.org/conferences.