This week’s Fun Fact Friday will be a Thoughtful Tidbit Thursday due to the holiday this weekend. We are shifting focus from Mechanical Integrity to our NDE Group! NDE stands for Non-Destructive Examinations, and there are a wide range of tests and services that fall under the NDE category.
What is a CWI?
One of the unique services that Encorus offers is the expertise of Certified Welding Inspectors. Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) are pertinent to any industry functioning with fabricated materials and equipment. The CWI program has been operational since 1976. This certification has been put into place to create a group of people that have the responsibility to perform visual weld inspections and enforce a high standard for welds in the industrial field.
The Certified Welding Inspector Certification
Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) certification can be obtained from the American Welding Society (AWS). AWS is considered the worldwide leader in welding industry certification programs. Earning a CWI certification demonstrates the skills and abilities of the inspector in regards to welding processes, procedures, qualifications, and testing. In order to qualify for the CWI exam, applicants must pass a vision test and have experience in welding-based work as well as relevant education. The exam is six hours long, split into three parts. Part A is a written exam consisting of 150 questions. Part B is a hands-on test covering welding examination, procedure and welding qualifications, nondestructive testing, and visual inspection. Part C relates to code application, testing the inspector’s ability to locate, understand, and utilize information in a codebook. The CWI certification must be re-certified or renewed on 3- or 6-year cycles. Read more about different inspectors and certifications in this article.
What does a CWI do?
According to the American Welding Society, CWIs do much more than just look at finished welds. CWIs are held accountable for upholding safety standards and regulations, reviewing documents and specifications, monitoring the welding process, and inspect the final weld at the end of the process. CWIs are also held accountable for the quality and integrity of the finished product. Whether it be a pipe, a bridge, or a part for a machine in a factory, CWIs are responsible for identifying flaws before they become a functionality problem or a safety issue.
For more information about CWIs, check out the American Welding Society website. If you require the services of a qualified CWI, contact Encorus’s Director of Testing Services, Jim Handzlik, at (716) 592-3980 ext. 148, or jhandzlik@encorus.com.
