WELD CONNECT WELDING TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE OF AUSTRALIA
www.wtia.com.au
OCTOBER 2017
WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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CONTENTS 03 05 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 17
WTIA CEO Update Victoria Division News New South Wales Division News South Australia Division News Western Australia Division News Queensland Division News Northern Territory Division News WTIA News & Updates Training & Certification Upcoming Events
JOIN TODAY TO RECEIVE TWO MONTHS WORTH OF WTIA MEMBERSHIP FREE OF CHARGE For a limited time only, if you take out 2018 WTIA membership, you will receive free membership for the remainder of 2017. That is two months worth of membership, completely free of charge. Now really is the time to become a WTIA member! www.wtia.com.au WTIA NATIONAL OFFICE Building 3, Level 3, Suite 5 20 Bridge Street Pymble, NSW 2073 (PO Box 197 Macquarie Park BC, NSW 1670) T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: info@wtia.com.au CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Geoff Crittenden T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: g.crittenden@wtia.com.au
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QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION MANAGER Annette Dickerson T: +61 (0)2 8748 0170 E: a.dickerson@wtia.com.au TRAINING MANAGER Paul James T: +61 (0)2 8748 0150 E: p.james@wtia.com.au
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ADVERTISING Donna South T: +61 (0)2 8748 0130 E: d.south@wtia.com.au EDITORIAL Sally Wood T: +61 (0)434 442 687 E: sally@wordly.com.au
MEMBERSHIP MANAGER Donna South T: +61 (0)2 8748 0130 E: d.south@wtia.com.au WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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WTIA CEO UPDATE METALS INDUSTRY CONFERENCE The Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) along with Metals New Zealand presented the Metals Industry Conference 2017 in Christchurch in late September. I was invited to give the keynote presentation at the conference, and spoke on the topic of ‘Australia’s Defence Industry Adventure’.
Australian industry once again embarked on defence projects, including the ten ANZAC Frigates (built from 1993 to 2006), the six Collins Class Submarines (built from 1990 to 2003), and the three Hobart Class Air Warfare Destroyers (commenced in 2009, and scheduled for completion by 2020). Due to ongoing political interference, these projects have been plagued by issues, from late delivery through to systems, engine and
propulsion noise problems. However, there is some good news. The Commonwealth has committed to spend $100 billion on major defence projects over the next 30 years, with a significant proportion of the spend to be directed to Australian SMEs through the Australian Industry Content (AIC) program. Australian welders need to capitalise on this opportunity.
From 1939 to 1945, Australia transitioned from a largely agricultural to a full-blown manufacturing economy. In fact, Australia produced 60,000 small craft for the Pacific Fleet, and undertook more than 1,000,000 tons of ship repairs each month. With BHP opening the largest shipyard in the Southern Hemisphere at Whyalla in 1941, it is not surprising that Australia was responsible for some of the most innovative defence projects. For instance, it was our manufacturing industry that invented the first malleable armour plate capable of being welded, and that produced the first cast tank hull in the world. This major defence work formed the basis of Australia’s manufacturing industry postWorld War Two. Unfortunately, manufacturing was neglected by successive Australian governments, and it wasn’t until the 1990s that
L to R: Dave Anderson (General Manager John Jones Steel) and Geoff Crittenden (WTIA CEO) at John Jones Steel (one of the biggest structural steel fabricators in New Zealand).
WTIA FAST FACTS SEPTEMBER 2017
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Presentations at industry conferences Member Event Newly Trained International Welding Engineers Meetings with welding industry stakeholders
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Hotline queries resolved
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Newly Trained International Welding Inspectors
458
State Division Committee meetings
Welders registered on the Australian Welder Certification Register
WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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WTIA CEO UPDATE This is why the WTIA is implementing several projects designed to ensure that Australian welders have the skills necessary to deliver these major defence projects.
well. The Committee has been charged with developing the curriculum that will be taught at the advanced welder training centres. This curriculum will be in line with ISO 9606-1.
Whilst in Christchurch, I also had the opportunity to visit some of the sites at which seismic structural steel works are being undertaken, and to meet with some of the local fabricators, all of whom are doing a fantastic job.
Steering Committee members include representatives from TAFE Victoria, the Victorian Skills Commissioner, Rob Vernon from the WTIA’s Victoria Division, Louis Victor Blain (Lead Welding Engineer at Bombardier), Phill Stubbington (National Welding Engineer at Lincoln Electric Australia), Robert Wiseman, Malcolm Rigby, and myself as Chairman.
AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION I attended the 2017 Australian Steel Convention at Surfers Paradise in late September. With state governments planning to invest up to $115 billion on infrastructure works, the theme of the convention was Steeling Australia’s Infrastructure. Hosted by the Australian Steel Institute, the convention was extremely well organised, with a range of industry experts covering myriad issues and innovations. During the convention’s Gala Dinner, the WTIA’s 2017 Fabricator of the Year Award was presented to Furphy Engineering. Congratulations to Adam Furphy, and the entire Furphy team for a welldeserved award win. VICTORIAN SKILLS COMMISSION STEERING COMMITTEE The work of the Victorian Skills Commission Steering Committee is progressing
INDUSTRY MEETINGS The last month has certainly been a busy one—I met with a number of industry representatives, particularly from defence. I had a very positive meeting with Donato Martínez (Managing Director of Navantia). The WTIA and
Navantia are currently in discussions to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Regency TAFE. Under this MoU, the WTIA and Regency TAFE will deliver both consulting and training services should Navantia be successful in their bid for the Future Frigate Program. Hosted by the Defence Teaming Centre (DTC), I attended the 2017 Annual Defence Industry Dinner and Awards Ceremony. The DTC event recognised the achievements of some of Australia’s major defence industry players, and celebrated the 21st birthday of the DTC. With more than 450 people attending the event, it was a great opportunity to discuss some of the major issues facing the Australian welding industry in light of the upcoming major defence projects.
Geoff Crittenden WTIA CEO
NEW WTIA MEMBERS SEPTEMBER 2017
We’d like to welcome the following new members, who joined the WTIA over the last month: INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS Joel Anderson Brenton Deville Gaston Diaz-Verdi Andrew Falzon Jaeuk Jeong Tomas Johansson James Muscat Jianzhong Yang
CORPORATE MEMBERS Uneek Bending For more information on becoming a WTIA member, visit www.wtia.com.au or contact us on membership@wtia.com.au or 02 8748 0100. WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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VICTORIA DIVISION NEWS WELDING TRIATHLON The Victorian Division held a welding triathlon in September at the Chisholm Institute of TAFE’s Frankston campus. Competitors varied from welding apprentices (Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication) to qualified welders, as well as welding instructors. Participants demonstrated exceptional skills across three timed events, including extensive knowledge of welding processes, materials and positions. Judging was based on speed, accuracy, skill and adherence to the welding procedures provided. The first weld that each competitor had to perform was a horizontal fillet weld using the gas tungsten arc welding process on aluminium. The second was a single ‘V’ vertical butt weld on 10mm plate using the flux cored welding process. The third weld was a pipe welded in the 6G position using a GTAW root weld and fill, capped with hydrogen controlled electrodes. First place was awarded to Jesse Smolenaars, second place went to Cameron Runacres, third place went to Ben Hoareau and Jake Adie took out fourth place.
Our sincere thanks to Kemppi Australia who kindly donated the prize for the first place winner—a welding machine. We’d also like to thank Kemppi Australia, BOC, CIGWELD, Dandy Gas, Bombardier, IWS and UNeek Bending for generously donating other prizes and the consumables used on the day. Competitors utilised a range of Chisholm TAFE’s industrystandard equipment, including state of the art Kemppi and Lincoln Electric technology. Visitors and competitors also had the opportunity to test drive virtual reality welding training machines, supplied by BOC and demonstrated by Peter Kuebler (BOC Technical Sales Manager). The annual welding triathlon aims to encourage young people to get involved in the welding and fabrication industry. UPCOMING EVENT The Victorian Division of the WTIA is pleased to invite members and their guests to attend the first Welding Q&A.
An expert panel from across the welding industry has been assembled to answer your questions on subjects such as weld testing, metallurgy, welding procedures and consumables, welder qualification, the Australian Welder Certification Register, materials, pre-heat and postheat, welding dissimilar metals and weld testing. The panel members include: • Louis Victor Blain, Bombardier Transportation • Phill Stubbington, Lincoln Electric • Robert Wiseman, Specialised Welding Products • Mathew Billman, TAFE • Melissa Odendaal, WTIA Event Details • Date: Tuesday 17 October • Time: 5:30pm • Location: Chisholm Institute, 121 Stud Road, Dandenong Register for this event online.
Virtual reality welding machines demonstration.
VIC CONTACT Melissa Odendaal Welding Consultant 0418 922 369 m.odendaal@wtia.com.au
L to R: First place winner Jesse Smolenaars and Robert Vernon.
Competitors and inspectors at the welding triathlon.
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NSW DIVISION NEWS COMMISSIONING OF FIRST AIR WARFARE DESTROYER The first Australian-built Air Warfare Destroyer, HMAS Hobart, was recently commissioned in Sydney. Along with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Defence Minister Marise Payne and Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne, the ceremony was attended by the Governor of NSW, Chief of Defence Force, Secretary of the Department of Defence, Chief of Navy and the Commander Australian Fleet. HMAS Hobart brings together the best of Australian and global technology to be one of the world’s most potent and lethal warships. She will provide air defence for accompanying ships, in addition to land forces and infrastructure in coastal areas, and for self-protection against missiles and aircraft. The commissioning of HMAS Hobart is the culmination of the hard work of thousands of Australians who built and delivered the future capability of the Royal Australian Navy. The crew and shipbuilders who brought the new warship into service are to be congratulated on their achievement.
NSW CONTACT Rebecca Hansen Membership Coordinator 02 8748 0135 r.hansen@wtia.com.au
Image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence © Commonwealth of Australia
HMAS Hobart is based on the Navantia designed F100 frigate and is coupled with the Aegis Combat System. HMAS Hobart was constructed in Australia by the Air Warfare Destroyer (AWD) Alliance. The Aegis Combat System incorporating the state-of-theart phased array radar, AN/SPY 1D(V), in combination with the SM-2 missile, will provide an advanced air defence system capable of engaging enemy aircraft and missiles at ranges over 150km. HMAS Hobart will carry a helicopter for surveillance and response to support key warfare areas. The surface warfare function will include long range anti-ship missiles and a naval gun capable of firing extended range munitions in support of land forces. HMAS Hobart will also conduct undersea warfare and be equipped with modern sonar systems, decoys, surface-launched torpedoes
Image courtesy of the Australian Department of Defence © Commonwealth of Australia
and an array of effective closein defensive weapons. HMAS Hobart will now undergo a test and evaluation period during which Navy personnel will train to operate the warship. The AWD Alliance includes shipbuilder ASC, mission systems integrator Raytheon Australia, the Government’s Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group, with support from Navantia Australia.
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SA DIVISION NEWS SOUTH AUSTRALIA DIVISION SEPTEMBER TECHNICAL EVENT The South Australia Division’s September technical event featured a presentation by Michael Harvey (Applications Technology Manager at ESAB). Michael spoke about the future of advanced technologies in Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and Integrated Cold Electrodes (ICE). Instead of adding energy, ICE exploits the excess heat from the SAW process to melt an additional non-powered welding electrode. This very stable welding process doubles the productivity of most SAW applications. ICE boosts output significantly without a considerable investment in new welding systems, extra capacity, or additional skilled welding labour. Of particular interest was the use of tandem welding in root passes for increased productivity and improved penetration, eliminating the need for back gouging. Other ICE advantages include reduced heat input, energy consumption and flux consumption. Michael also provided information about WeldCloud, an online management system. WeldCloud connects welding power supplies to a software platform that analyses data for maximum productivity. Every time a welder completes
Michael Harvey (Applications Technology Manager at ESAB).
Demonstrations of ESAB’s welding technology.
a pass, a trove of data is infused in the weld. That data has the power to inform future decisions, improve productivity, and provide information to help understand how the weld was made. WeldCloud collects, stores and analyses this data. The event closed with practical welding demonstrations of ESAB’s RailTrac, CaddyTig and AristoMig technology. The WTIA would like to thank TAFESA for hosting the event at their Regency Park campus.
SA ANNUAL DINNER Be sure to keep an eye an your inbox for information about the South Australia Division’s Annual Dinner, which will be held later this year. Details will be provided to all members as soon as they are available.
SA CONTACT Paolo Corronca Technology Manager 0438 012 099 p.corronca@wtia.com.au
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WA DIVISION NEWS GREAT WALL INVESTS IN THE PILBARA One of China’s largest automotive manufacturers is backing the expansion of a lithium-tantalum project in Western Australia. The Great Wall Motor Company has agreed to a $28 million upfront equity subscription to Pilbara Minerals, underpinning support of second phase production to the company’s Pilgangoora mine. As part of the agreement, Pilbara Minerals will have access to US$50 million in debt finance. Great Wall will also have the ability to secure 75,000 tonnes per annum of its offtake, with a total offtake of 150,000 tones per annum. BALLA BALLA STATE AGREEMENT INTRODUCED INTO WA PARLIAMENT Premier Mark McGowan recently introduced the Railway (BBI Rail) Agreement 2017 Bill into State Parliament, ratifying an agreement struck
between the State and project proponents earlier this year. The BBI Project is a $5.6 billion integrated iron ore development in the Pilbara, which is expected to create more than 4,000 jobs. When constructed, the project will comprise an integrated port and rail infrastructure system that will represent a new and independent gateway to the iron ore rich province of the Central and Western Pilbara region in Western Australia. The development of BBI will allow independent producers of iron ore access to essential infrastructure to enable development of new projects, competing with the existing dominance of the iron ore majors in the region. The project includes a 160km single track standard gauge railway connecting Balla Balla port with the Railhead Stockyard and into the central Pilbara region.
The heavy haul railway design has been completed to a Class One standard, which is typical of the Pilbara and has the ability to carry 40 tonne axle loads. The BBI Railway and its major sub-components have been designed for a 50 year design life. This project represents a new life for the historic Balla Balla port which was originally established in 1898. BBI Group, majority owned by Todd Corporation of New Zealand, are in the process of securing all of the approvals required to enable the revival of the historical Balla Balla Port, which, combined with the building of a world class railway, will allow low cost, high value export of bulk iron ore from the central Pilbara.
WA CONTACT Louise Petrick Technology Manager 0409 789 540 l.petrick@wtia.com.au
Image courtesy of Fortescue Metals Group.
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QLD DIVISION NEWS 2017 AUSTRALIAN STEEL CONVENTION The WTIA attended the 2017 Australian Steel Convention at Surfers Paradise in late September. With state governments planning to invest up to a whopping $115 billion on infrastructure works, the theme for this year’s Convention was Steeling Australia’s Infrastructure.
This award recognises and applauds Furphy’s outstanding performance in market success, health and safety record, quality assurance, community engagement, demonstrated innovation and commitment to the training and development of employees. We’re delighted to count Furphy Engineering among
our members, and thrilled to honour them with this thoroughly well deserved award. Furphy Engineering is an Australian engineering icon. Established in 1864, it is still family owned (fifth generation) and operated from its base in Shepparton, Victoria. For more information: www.furphyengineering.com.au
For the Australian steel supply chain’s participation in this unprecedented commitment, Australian industry needs to demonstrate why steel should be the material of choice in design criteria and how local inclusion can provide economical and compliant solutions for project delivery. Hosted by the Australian Steel Institute, the Convention included keynote presentations by some of the leading industry experts, including Mark Vassella (Chief Executive, BlueScope), Dr Richard Denniss (Chief Economist, The Australia Institute) and Neil Gibson (Executive General Manager, OneSteel). The Convention also included a Gala Dinner, at which the WTIA’s 2017 Fabricator of the Year Award was presented to Furphy Engineering.
L to R: Roger Griffiths (WTIA Chairman) presents Adam Furphy (Furphy Engineering Managing Director) with the 2017 Fabricator Award.
Geoff Crittenden (WTIA CEO).
QLD CONTACT Rebecca Hansen Membership Coordinator 02 8748 0135 r.hansen@wtia.com.au
L to R: Paolo Corronca (WTIA Technology Manager), Roger Griffiths (WTIA Chairman), Tony Dixon (Australian Steel Institute Chief Executive) and Geoff Crittenden (WTIA CEO).
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NT DIVISION NEWS NT GOVERNMENT SIGNS MOU TO BUILD LITHIUM BATTERY PLANT An agreement between the Territory Government and Energy Renaissance to build a $100 million gigafactory to manufacture lithium batteries has moved a step closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to help the project proceed. Energy Renaissance said it had reached an agreement on support from the NT Government, helping to “seal the deal” to build its proposed 1GWh lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Darwin. Chief Minister Michael Gunner said battery storage would be an important element in future renewable energy propositions and it was exciting Energy Renaissance had identified Darwin as its preferred site. The huge manufacturing plant would supply
commercial customers in telecommunications, defence and government sectors with about 70% of production to be earmarked for export. Energy Renaissance spent two years exploring several potential sites for Australia’s first lithium ion battery factory. The ongoing support of the Northern Territory Government is helping seal the deal to site the facility in Darwin. With planning for the facility heating up, reaching an agreement on support from the Northern Territory Government could not have come at a better time. “The Territory Labor government wants to secure jobs of the future now. This is why we are supporting innovative investments such as Energy Renaissance’s battery manufacturing project in Darwin, and this is why we want to see 50% renewable energy in the NT by 2030,” said NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner.
Artists impression of Renaissance One facilities. Image courtesy of Energy Renaissance.
Development of a manufacturing facility requires access to a suitable industrial site, supply chain infrastructure, and a skilled and technologically-literate workforce. High technology manufacturing such as the Renaissance One facility builds much needed economic diversity and generates maximum valueadd from available mineral assets. It makes the best use of existing assets created by past and current industry, capitalises on Australia’s existing skills capacity as a leader in renewable energy research, and as a source of quality ores. “Battery storage will be an important element in future renewable energy propositions and it is exciting Energy Renaissance has identified Darwin as their preferred site.” “Darwin is the capital of the north and we provide strategic advantages with our proximity to market. Projects such as this will help the territory’s economy grow over the long term, creating exciting local job and career opportunities for territorians,” said Gunner.
NT CONTACT Rebecca Hansen Membership Coordinator 02 8748 0135 r.hansen@wtia.com.au WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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WTIA NEWS & UPDATES GUIDE TO AS/NZS ISO 3834 CERTIFICATION The WTIA has recently released a guide on how to use AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification. AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification helps businesses operate more efficiently, improving client satisfaction. It increases the likelihood of global supply chain opportunities and repeat business, bolstering profitability. Certification helps businesses demonstrate their ability to deliver a compliant, quality fusion welded product on time and to budget. As more companies become certified, those without it will find it harder to win work from local and international suppliers. For a copy of the guide, contact Paolo Corronca (WTIA Technology Manager) on p.corronca@wtia.com.au.
2017 EDITION OF TECHNICAL NOTE 15 NOW AVAILABLE The revised 2017 edition of Technical Note 15: Welding and Fabrication of Quenched and Tempered (Q&T) Steel is now available. This Technical Note provides basic information on the types of Q&T steels commonly encountered in Australia, and presents general recommendations and guidance on the selection of welding process, care and choice of consumables, welding procedures, and related fabrication operations such as flame cutting, plasma cutting, laser cutting, water jet cutting, shearing and forming. For more information or to purchase a copy, visit: https://shop.wtia.com.au
JOIN TODAY TO RECEIVE TWO MONTHS WORTH OF WTIA MEMBERSHIP FREE OF CHARGE For a limited time only, if you take out 2018 WTIA membership, you will receive free membership for the remainder of 2017. That is two months worth of membership, completely free of charge. Now really is the time to become a WTIA member!
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WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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02 8748 0100
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION In conjunction with the American Welding Society (AWS), the Welding Technology Institute of Australia offers a number of online courses to help develop your welding knowledge. These courses are available any time day and night and are designed as self-paced modules which will allow you to complete them in your own time. These online courses include Safety in Welding, which covers hazards, safety equipment, ventilation, welding in confined spaces, and safety precautions and specifications. The Metallurgy course covers the characteristics of atoms,
the periodic table, chemical bonding, chemical reactivity, the atomic structure of materials, and the properties of metals. The Non-Destructive Testing course describes the principles and performance of visual testing, penetrant testing,
magnetic particle testing, radiographic testing, and ultrasonic testing. Topics covered include discontinuities and their causes, as well as the role of vision, capillary action, magnetism, radiation, and sound in all types of testing.
For further information, please feel free to contact the WTIA Training department: • 02 8748 0100 • training@wtia.com.au • https://net.wtia.com.au/ OnlineCourses WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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TRAINING & CERTIFICATION ISO 9606-1: What Is It? By Paul James, WTIA Training Manager The Australian Welding Certification Register (AWCR) provides a national framework for qualifying and testing welders to International Standard ISO 9606-1 (and other standards where specified), but what is ISO 9606-1? In a nutshell, it is the International Standard for the qualification testing of welders (Fusion welding) for steel. The underlying principle of the Standard is that a qualification test qualifies a welder not only for the conditions used in the test, but also for all other conditions which are considered easier to weld in accordance with the Standard.
initially revised, it was seen as too European centric. As such, later versions considered and incorporated comments The qualification of welders is by countries including based on essential variables. Australia, Canada, Japan For each variable, a range and the USA, making it more of qualification is defined. truly international. Australia It also provides a set of considered the contents of the technical rules for a systematic revisions and incorporated key qualification test of the welder, items within the revision of and enables such qualifications AS 2980 in 2004, later updated to be uniformly accepted, in 2007 as AS/NZS 2980. independent of the type of product, location, examiner, The ISO 9606 series consists examining body or employer. of the following parts, under the HISTORY Originally published as EN 287, and cloned by International Standards Organisation (ISO) as ISO 9606-1 in 1994, it provided an international standardisation of welder qualifications. When
general title Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding: • Part 1: Steels • Part 2: Aluminium and aluminium alloys • Part 3: Copper and copper alloys • Part 4: Nickel and nickel alloys
• Part 5: Titanium and titanium alloys, zirconium and zirconium alloys ISO 9606-1 was drafted to provide for the qualification of welders of both pressure equipment and non-pressure applications (such as structural, bridge and defence) and is recognised in: • ASME IX • AS/NZS 1554 series • AS 1988 • AS/NZS 3992 (2015) • AS 5100 series • AS/NZS 2980 under revision to align with ISO 9606-1 requirements ISO 9606-1 is being adopted in Australia and New Zealand as AS/NZS ISO 9606-1.
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TRAINING & CERTIFICATION COMPARISON WITH OTHER STANDARDS ISO 9606-1 uses similar methodology to many other Standards. The test methods are similar to AS/NZS 2980, AS/NZS 3992 and ASME IX in that a welder is tested to a qualified WPS with an option to utilise a draft WPS. The acceptance criteria for mechanical testing is similar to AS/NZS 3992 (AS 4037 Class 1) and AS 1796, but is a little more restrictive than AS/NZS 1554.1 and AWS D1.1. The acceptance criteria for Non-Destructive Examination uses the methodology of ISO unless otherwise specified and is more restrictive in the treatment of adjacent imperfections. Alternative acceptance criteria are available, and are acceptable when specified. The Australian and New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2980:2007 largely adopted the principles and methodologies of ISO 9606-1. However, due to disharmony between the European centric ISO and the North American based Australian and New Zealand Standards, ISO 9606-1 was not fully adopted in Australia. Methods of testing and criteria of acceptance continue to be based on Australian and New Zealand Standards.
to AS/NZS 1554 and change employment, you must be requalified by your new employer. In contrast, welder qualifications to ISO 9606-1 are transportable between companies. In addition, welders can be qualified to a range of variables depending on the testing they complete. Once qualified, the emphasis is then on maintaining the qualification. BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS Unlike AS1796 qualifications (certificates 1 to 9), ISO 9606 certification carries an inherent period of validity, after which a revalidation of the welders’ qualification is required. This ensures that welders maintain their skills long-term. AS/NZS 1554.1 states that welders qualified to standards such as AS 1796, AS/NZS 2980, AS/NZS 3992 or ISO 9606-1 shall deem to be qualified but what needs to be remembered is that qualification under AS/NZS 3992 relies more on continued employment using the same welding procedure rather than a specified validity period and test to requalify.
SUMMARY Qualification to ISO 9606-1 is not specific to a particular industry—it applies to the qualification testing of all welders who perform fusion welding of steels. The acceptance and use of this international standard will simplify the process of qualifying welders, ensuring that competency and currency are maintained well after initial welding trade qualifications are awarded. ISO 9606-1 is gaining importance and traction throughout the world. This is particularly important because prime contractors (especially defence industry groups) are now referencing ISO 9606-1 as the basis for welder qualifications for their fabrication. In Australia, AS/NZS 3992 and the AS/NZS 1554 series of standards already refer to ISO 9606-1. It is anticipated that AS/NZS 2980 will be withdrawn in the medium term future and that ISO 9606-1 will be amended to better align with Australian industry requirements.
BENEFITS FOR WELDERS There are significant benefits for welders. If you are qualified WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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TRAINING & CERTIFICATION IWI-B COURSE The last IWI-B course for 2017 will be held in Sydney on 27 November. This course has only recently been added to the timetable, and does not appear on any previous training calendars. UPCOMING COURSES Register now for upcoming training courses, including: • IWI-S Sydney (Part A): 6 to 10 November • IWI-S Sydney (Part B): 13 to 15 November • IWI-B Sydney: 27 November to 1 December • Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers Brisbane: 30 October to 1 November • Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers Melbourne: 21 November to 23 November COURSE FEEDBACK: PROVISION OF STANDARDS The WTIA regularly receives feedback from course attendees suggesting that we provide copies of the Australian Standards that are required for the training. Unfortunately, this is simply not possible. Like any other company or organisation that has access to or uses Australian Standards, the WTIA is bound by strict purchase conditions. We purchase a licensed electronic copy of a Standard for which the copyright is owned or managed by Standards Australia International.
Our licence is a personal user licence and the document may not be stored, transferred or otherwise distributed on a network. Generally, the WTIA is limited to making one copy (for our own use) of each Standard. It is for this reason that the confirmation letter we send for each course states that each individual is responsible for sourcing their own Standards for the training and examinations.
You will then be able to view course descriptions, costs, locations and dates. You are only enrolled in a course once you have provided all the necessary details and paid for the course. You may also need to upload copies of your qualifications for Inspector and Supervisor courses. To register your interest in a course, you need to fill out all the information required. When you reach the payment section, simply select ‘Save and Pay Later’. You will still be required to pay before commencement of the course.
HOW TO VIEW AND APPLY FOR WTIA COURSES If you would like to see what WTIA courses are available, and to apply for courses, you will need to do this online: • Go to the WTIA website • Go to the Training and Certification page • Click on Course Timetable • Select the course and location you’re interested in and select ‘Register’
Course commencement is confirmed three to four weeks before the start date. If you are enrolling less than three weeks out from the start date, contact training@wtia.com.au to confirm the course is proceeding.
If you are a WTIA member, you will need to login. If you’re not a member, you will need to create a profile.
FURTHER INFORMATION If you require further information about training, contact training@wtia.com.au
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UPCOMING EVENTS
W
hether you need to brush up on skills acquired years ago, or want to try your hand at something new, there’s sure to be an event for you. Keep in mind that attending WTIA events counts towards CPD requirements for certification applications and renewals. For details on these events or exams, contact events@wtia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100. 2017 APGA CONVENTION Cairns, 14 to 17 October The APGA Convention is one of the most significant industry events for pipelines and gas. There will be presentations about proposed and completed pipelines, gas policy and markets, regulation, safety and the environment, skills and training. For details, visit: conferenceco.com.au/APGA Corrosion & Prevention 2017 Sydney, 12 to 15 November The Corrosion & Prevention conference will comprise keynote presentations and technical papers under a range of ‘streams’. Over 500 delegates from diverse industries will attend. For details, visit: www.corrosion.com.au
WTIA COURSE DATES Upcoming WTIA course dates include: • IWI-S Sydney (Part A): 6 to 10 November • IWI-S Sydney (Part B): 13 to 15 November • IWI-B Sydney: 27 November to 1 December • Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers Brisbane: 30 October to 1 November • Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers Melbourne: 21 November to 23 November
WTIA & IIW EXAM DATES IWS and WTIA Welding Supervisor (including AS 1796 Cert 10 and AS 2214) 9 & 10 November 2017 IWI-B and IWI-S 2 & 3 November 2017 Please note that these dates are subject to change. For further information, please contact qnc@wtia.com.au.
1st Asia-Pacific International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (APICAM) Melbourne, 4 to 6 December Some of the leading minds in the industry will give presentations on important areas such as 3D printing and additive manufacturing in the automotive, biomedical, defence and aerospace industries. The event is being curated by Materials Australia, the peak Australian materials technology body. For details, visit: www.apicam2017.com.au WTIA Newsletter October 2017
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Welding Technology Institute of Australia
EXPAND YOUR AUDIENCE. GROW YOUR BUSINESS . Advertise with the WTIA Today The WTIA is happy to offer you and your business the opportunity to promote your products and services directly to the decision makers in the welding and fabricating industryÂ. We have a range of cost effective advertising and editorial packages available, in both Weld Connect and the Australian Welding Journal.
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For further information about advertising in Weld Connect, please contact: WTIA Newsletter October 2017 | Page Donna South on d.south@wtia.com.au or +61 (0)2 8748 0130
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