Australian Welding | December 2019

AUSTRALIAN

WELDING

AF Gason:

Investment Spurs Rapid Growth Page 20

2019:

Year In Review Page 22

2020:

Industry Outlook Page 44

Q4 | December 2019 Official Journal of Weld Australia www.weldaustralia.com.au

2

Australian Welding: December 2019

Weld Australia’s Value Proposition

Weld Australia is the peak industry body, representing the welding profession in Australia.

Our members include individuals and companies in almost every facet of Australian industry, making a significant contribution to the economy.

Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW).

Our mission is to represent the interests of our members and safeguard the public.

We do this by ensuring the integrity of in-service welds, and promoting the use of best practice technology and quality systems.

HowWeld WeldAustralia AustraliaDelivers DeliversValues Value to How to Members Members Network

Learning

We provide a network for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of resources.

Technology Transfer

We facilitate technology transfer from research institutions and overseas markets.

We deliver pathways for learning.

Technical Solutions

We offer specialist technical solutions on all welding and materials related issues.

Voice

We are the voice of industry to promote awareness of welding to decision makers.

Certification We are an internationally accredited certification body.

Weld Australia Contacts National Office

Qualification & Certification

Editorial Submissions

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@weldaustralia.com.au

Paolo Corronca T: +61 (0)438 012 099 E: p.corronca@weldaustralia.com.au

Sally Wood T: +61 (0)434 442 687 E: sally@wordly.com.au

Chief Executive Officer

Marketing & Advertising

Geoff Crittenden T: +61 (0)2 8748 0100 E: g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au

Donna South T: +61 (0)2 8748 0130 E: d.south@weldaustralia.com.au

Training Guy Brooks T: +61 (0)2 8748 0150 E: g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au

Subscription to Australian Welding is a Weld Australia member benefit included in annual membership fees. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or copied in any form without the written permission of the Weld Australia.

Weld Australia and its agents are not responsible for statements or opinions expressed by contributors in this publication, which are not necessarily those of the Weld Australia. Publication of any advertisement does not constitute endorsement by the Weld Australia of any product, nor warrant its suitability.

3

Contents: December 2019

Contents A Message From Weld Australia’s Chairman

4

A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO

6

Inside the Industry Breaking News Welding and the Risk of Cancer ASC to Train Next Generation of Submarine Builders Fabinox Gains Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 MaxiTRANS: The End-to-End Transport Solution AF Gason: Investment Spurs Rapid Growth

14

ASC to Help Train the Next Generation of Submarine Builders

18

MaxiTRANS: The End-to-End Transport Solution

22

2019 Year In Review

2019 Year In Review 2019 Year In Review Member Events Industry Events National Manufacturing Summit Training & Certification Advanced Welder Training Centres The Changing Face of Australian Standards Weld Australia Industry Group Activities What Weld Australia Members Have To Say

8 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 29 34 36 38 40

2020 Industry Outlook

44

Inside Weld Australia Member Directory Upcoming Events 2020 Training Calendar

46 49 50

About Weld Australia

44

2020 Industry Outlook

A membership-based organisation, Weld Australia represents Australia’s welding profession. Our primary goal is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, now and into the future. Weld Australia is the Australian representative of the International Institute of Welding.

Visit: www.weldaustralia.com.au.

4

Australian Welding: December 2019

A Message From Weld Australia’s Chairman “

All this hard work was recognised in October, when Weld Australia won Industry Association of the Year at the 2019 Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards.”

David Lake Chairman, Weld Australia A Successful 2019 As 2019 draws to a close, I thought it pertinent to reflect on Weld Australia’s key achievements this year.

With the help of our state committees, Weld Australia held over 20 member events in 2019, from site visits and technical presentations, through to networking opportunities.

In addition, Weld Australia facilitated the National Manufacturing Summit in June. With over 100 delegates and more than 20 keynote speakers and panelists, the Summit addressed a key issue: Skills for the Future.

Weld Australia was also involved in various industry events this year, with Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) and Michael Pitt (National Manager Education and Training) delivering almost 20 keynote presentations and participating in expert panel discussions on numerous occasions.

Focused on building the future skills of Australia’s welding workforce, Weld Australia continued with the roll-out of its highly successful Advanced Welder Training Centre (AWTC) initiative. The AWTCs use augmented reality welding simulators

to upskill qualified welders and train transitionary workers to international welding certification standard AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding.

In 2018-2019, Weld Australia secured over $5 million in Government funding for the establishment of nine AWTCs, located at: the TAFE SA Regency Campus in Adelaide, South Australia; the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council in South Burnie, Tasmania; TAFE Queensland at SkillsTech Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, Caboolture, Townsville and Cairns; Box Hill TAFE in Melbourne, Victoria; Bendigo Kangan Institute in Victoria; and Federation University Australia in Ballarat, Victoria.

Our certification of Australian welding and fabricating companies according to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials also progressed this year, with 15 companies newly certified. Similarly, we trained 16 International Welding Specialists, 16 International Welding Engineers and International Welding Technologists, and 60 International Welding Inspectors.

The Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR) and WeldQ platform also continued to grow. Over 625 users registered on WeldQ this year, taking the total number of users (including the initial bulk upload) up to 9,829.

All this hard work was recognised in October, when Weld Australia won Industry Association of the Year at the 2019 Defence Connect Australian Defence Industry Awards.

The award recognises the industry association that has most effectively capitalised on market opportunities and driven demonstrable growth, while supporting the strengthening of Australia’s defence and national security capabilities through their participation in the defence industry.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Weld Australia’s Directors for not only volunteering their time throughout 2019, but for their true commitment and hard work. On behalf of the entire Board, I would also like to thank Geoff Crittenden, our CEO, and his team for all their work this year.

I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

3 WOMEN IN MANUFACTURING LEADERSHIP SUMMIT

5

RD

PRACTICAL STRATEGIES AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS FOR THE FUTURE OF MANUFACTURING

4-7 FEBRUARY 2020 RENDEZVOUS HOTEL MELBOURNE

LEARN FROM

Michelle Richard Purchasing Director

Rachel Lewis General Manager, HSSE Retail ANZ

May Lee General Manager Quality

Andrea Pidcock Executive General Manager, Lightweight Systems

Dr Leon Prentice Research Director, Metal Industries Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation

ALSO FEATURING

SAVE 10% USE CODE: QA5 Call: +61 2 8239 9711 Visit: bit.ly/WMANQ5

EVENT PARTNERS

6

Australian Welding: December 2019

A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO Weld Australia has taken responsibility for maintaining Australian Standards and managing the adoption of International Standards related to welding.

The purpose of both Australian and International Standards is to ensure that welded structures are safe.

Standards have been developed, reviewed and revised over many years by volunteer engineers and tradesmen who are enormously experienced in the design and construction of welded structures. In this way, the accuracy and validity of technical data and specifications contained within Standards is indisputable.

If applied properly, Standards ensure that fabricated structures meet all design criteria, are fit for purpose, and remain structurally sound for the entire lifecycle of the asset. The application of Standards to a process such as welding is particularly important— it is impossible to undertake complete

verification of a welded joint without destroying it. Unfortunately, inspection after completion does not guarantee weld serviceability. As such, quality must be built into the welding process, right from the very beginning.

Welding must be done correctly the first time. A weld cannot be adjusted once it is complete. The only course of action is to scrap the weld entirely, and start again. As such, the welding processes set out in Australian and International Standards are crucial— they must be followed exactly.

If Australian and International Standards are not followed exactly, then there is a significant chance that a structure will fail. Just such a failure occurred recently in Holland. High winds caused part of Dutch club AZ Alkmaar’s stadium to collapse.

Dramatic pictures emerged of the damage to the 17,000-capacity stadium in Alkmaar, which was built 13 years ago. Luckily, the stadium was empty at the time. In this case,

Geoff Crittenden Chief Executive Officer Weld Australia

the European Welding Standards weren’t followed and the roof failed.

I would like to be able to say that this will never happen in Australia. But, I am aware of many structures in Australia have been built using welds that fail to comply with the relevant Standards.

What is of perhaps most concern is that when such failures are pointed out to consulting structural engineers, they argue that—despite the fact that welding Standards are not adhered to—the structure is still safe. Engineers often make this judgement under pressure, with weld faults usually not discovered until a structure is almost complete.

High winds caused part of Dutch club AZ Alkmaar’s stadium to collapse. Credit: EPA.

For example, Weld Australia was recently retained as the ‘Engineer of Record’ by an Australian State Government for a pedestrian bridge fabricated overseas. Throughout the construction phase, Weld Australia was unable to access the project, despite repeated attempts

7

A Message From Weld Australia’s CEO

to confirm that the project met Australian Standards. Therefore, Weld Australia could not certify that weld procedures were in place, that welders were qualified, and that supervision and inspection practices met the Standards.

by a whistle-blower of a structure in Australia that has been fabricated without compliance to Australian Standards. When we inspected the structure, we discovered that it was totally non-compliant, and deemed it to be unsafe.

As the bridge was comprised of tubular structural steel with complex nodes, it was critical that full penetration occurred on all joints.

Given the circumstances, Weld Australia was not confident that full penetration had been achieved.

When the bridge components were ready to be delivered, the State Government asked us to certify the welding, which we refused to do.

Again, the consulting engineers argued that Australian Standards need not apply. However, in this case, the State Government involved accepted the argument of the consulting engineers, and continued with the fabrication and erection of the structure.

At this point, the engineering company produced a highly experienced expert argument why we should certify the bridge as safe. The expert was unable to demonstrate to our satisfaction that the structure met all the requirements of the design and the Standards. Again, we refused to certify the welding. To their great credit, the State Government concerned scrapped the fabricated steel and had the pedestrian bridge re-fabricated in Australia.

Unfortunately, not all projects result in such a successful outcome.

Weld Australia was recently informed

In our view, the non-compliant welds in this structure are placing the public in harm’s way.

Australian and International Welding Standards are quite clear. Either Standards are complied with and a structure is safe, or they are not complied with and a structure is dangerous. As such, it is of significant concern that engineers are trying to second-guess the Standards.

Engineers are making assumptions, and then relying on these assumptions to certify a structure, and the welds within, as safe after the fact. This simply does not work.

Welding must be performed correctly the first time to ensure that stadium roofs, pedestrian bridges, and major structures do not collapse.

Season’s Greetings &

Happy Holidays from Weld Australia

On behalf of everyone at Weld Australia, we would like to thank our members and clients for their continued support throughout 2019, and to extend our warmest wishes for the holiday season.

Our National Office will be closed over Christmas and the New Year, from Friday 20 December 2019 until Monday 6 January 2020.

Standards exist for a reason; to ensure public safety. When it comes to welding, we cannot simply wave a magic wand and make a weld safe after the fact.

Thank You and Warmest Wishes I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those members who have contributed to Weld Australia this year. There has been a noticeable uptick in the number of technical visits and events held by our state divisions, with members volunteering this time and facilities.

In particular, my thanks go to the hard-working members of all our local committees.

I would also like to thank the Weld Australia Directors who commit a significant proportion of their free time to Board matters. I thank them for their advice throughout 2019.

Finally, I would like to thank the entire Weld Australia team for their hard work, enthusiasm and dedication throughout what has been a very successful year.

Next year, we have an exciting range of initiatives on the horizon, which will positively impact the welding community in Australia and allow us to strengthen and grow our industry.

I wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous festive season.

8

Australian Welding: December 2019

Breaking News Space Agency Collaborates with Global Satellite Company The Australian Space Agency has signed an agreement with space and defence giant, Thales, further strengthening Australia’s international space connections to create new local jobs.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Karen Andrews MP said the agreement is another important step in the Federal Government’s plan to create opportunities for Australian industry and new local jobs.

“Engaging with big international players like Thales will allow Australian businesses, including our advanced manufacturers, to carve out a place in the international space supply chain,” Minister Andrews said.

“Space is very much an international game and for Australia to succeed we need to play to our strengths and have our businesses and researchers working cooperatively. This statement is designed to mutually identify key areas of investment as well as potential research, development and commercial opportunities.

The Morrison Government plans to triple the size of the Australian space sector by 2030, adding $12 billion to our economy each year, and creating 20,000 new jobs.”

Chief Executive Officer of Thales Australia, Chris Jenkins, said the company was looking forward to working with the Space Agency and harnessing the strength of its global expertise in the space sector to build Australia’s sovereign capabilities.

“Thales has been a long-term investor in Australia’s advanced technology sector, through comprehensive technology transfer and close collaboration with research agencies and specialised Australian SMEs,” Mr Jenkins said. “Together, Thales and the Australian Space Agency can build and develop the Australian workforce and SME sector to meet the future needs of the growing space economy.”

Image: The Lynx. Image courtesy of Rheinmetall.

Rheinmetall’s Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Downselected for Land 400 Phase 3 Program Rheinmetall is pleased to confirm the Lynx KF41 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) has been selected by the Commonwealth of Australia to compete in the Risk Mitigation Activity (RMA) trials for the $15 billion LAND 400 Phase 3 program.

Lynx KF41 is a next generation tracked, networked and highly protected IFV which meets the stringent military requirements of LAND 400 Phase 3. The Australian Army needs a networked, protected and enabled IFV for close combat - to close in and defeat an enemy in the most dangerous and lethal environments for Australian soldiers. Rheinmetall will deliver three Lynx IFVs to compete in RMA trials to be conducted in Australia. If successful, the Lynx IFV fleet will be manufactured in Queensland at Rheinmetall’s new Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence at Redbank, south west of Brisbane.

Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director, Gary Stewart said, “We welcome the Commonwealth’s decision to select Lynx KF41 for the RMA trials and look forward to demonstrating the capability of our next generation infantry fighting vehicle. We believe Lynx is the best vehicle in its class for Australian needs and it sets new standards in protection, mobility, lethality and knowledge needed to survive and defeat any adversary.”

“Rheinmetall has developed this vehicle so it is positioned at an ideal level of maturity when Australia needs it to enter service in 2026 - and it has the inherent growth capacity and a growth path to extend these capabilities through its 40+ year life,” said Stewart.

Rheinmetall is already delivering an Australian Industry Network for Land 400 that builds an industrial capability in Australia, including creating high technology enduring jobs for hundreds of Australians by localising design and manufacturing expertise in electro-optics, weapon systems, fire control and sensor systems, turrets, armour systems, simulation, and fleet sustainment.

Lasting Connections

9

Don’t forget: Always put on protective clothing before starting to weld!

Inside the Industry: Breaking News

THE BEST FOR THE BEST.

Wherever and whatever you have to weld, Böhler Welding has the best stick electrode for the job. We supply any type you may need and our electrodes are always easy to handle, with fine arc ignition and stability.

Scan for more information

voestalpine Böhler Welding www.voestalpine.com/welding

10

Australian Welding: December 2019

Breaking News New 3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Powered Air Welding Helmet G5-01 The new 3M™ Speedglas™ Heavy-Duty Welding Helmet G5-01 with Adflo PAPR gives professional welders the ultimate in comfort, protection and adaptability.

The Speedglas™ G5-01 marks the 5th generation of Speedglas welding helmets, introducing the latest in welding lens technology combined with powered air respiratory protection and flip-front functionality for grinding.

With new game changing technology including ‘Variable Colour’, ‘Climate Flow Control’, ‘Optional Task Light’, ‘Configurable Protection’ and ‘Blue-Tooth Connectivity’, the 3M Speedglas G5-01 Welding Helmet can be customised to your individual welding environment.

Burnie to Boost Youth Employment through Industry Training Hub Young people in Tasmania’s north-west will soon have improved opportunities to build their skills and choose occupations in demand in their region, through a new Industry Training Hub announced recently in Burnie.

Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships, the Hon Steve Irons MP, said the Federal Government is investing $50.6 million to trial Industry Training Hubs in ten regions across Australia with high youth unemployment.

“While there is a record number of young Australians in employment, Industry Training Hubs are about setting up even more young people—particularly those in regions with high youth unemployment—on a path to a long-term career,” Assistant Minister Irons said.

“The Training Hubs will strengthen partnerships between local schools, industries and employers, and ensure that vocational education and training is a first-choice option.”

Burnie’s Training Hub will target year 11 and 12 students, with a facilitator providing career advice and mentoring and promoting education and training pathways in areas of local skills shortages.

Ray Mostogl (Chief Executive, Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council) said the vocational sector had not traditionally been promoted as strongly for its career opportunities. “We know that the VET sector, and the careers that come from that, are well paid, they’re transportable skills. They may not have the gloss that a university degree has got, but I think people are starting to realise that they’re pretty solid.”

Bisalloy and Rheinmetall Land 400 Program Partnership Continues Bisalloy Steels recently welcomed representatives from Rheinmetall Defence Australia and the Germany Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) to its Unanderra manufacturing facility. The visit and meeting with Bisalloy’s technical and production representatives was part of the continuing qualification process for validating Bisalloy’s specialised armour grade steel for use in Rheinmetall Defence Australia’s manufacture of 211 Boxer Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles (CRV) for the Australian Defence Force as part of the Land 400 Phase 2 program.

Following the successful visit, Justin Suwart, Bisalloy Steels’ Business Manager – Armour, said “Working together to achieve German Government qualification is a key component of the ongoing partnership between Rheinmetall Defence Australia and Bisalloy Steels.”

“We look forward to progressing the outcomes of this most recent meeting with Rheinmetall as we work towards final qualification of our steel for the Land 400 Phase 2 program.”

Inside the Industry: Breaking News

$540 Million Australian Business Growth Fund to Help SMEs Flourish The Federal Government recently revealed that it has agreed to terms with the four major banks (ANZ, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank, and Westpac), HSBC and Macquarie Group to establish the $540 million Australian Business Growth Fund. The Australian Business Growth Fund will provide equity funding for small and medium sized businesses, helping them to grow and fulfil their potential.

Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP made the announcement, saying that the Fund is a significant step forward in enabling small and medium-sized businesses to access capital to expand and create more jobs. “The Fund will back small businesses right around the country, allowing them to innovate, to invest, to grow and to create more jobs. Modelled on similar funds in the United Kingdom and in Canada, small businesses—whether they’re in manufacturing or mining, retail or real estate, hospitality or health—they will be able to access this fund.”

Established Australian businesses will be eligible for long-term equity capital investments between $5 million and $15 million, where they have generated annual revenue between $2 million and $100 million.

Australia to Become a World Leader in the Hydrogen Industry Following the release of the National Hydrogen Strategy, the Federal Government launched a funding package focused on growing an innovative, safe and competitive hydrogen industry in Australia.

Along with the $13.4 million already provided to implement and coordinate the Strategy, the Government will reserve $370 million from existing Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) funding to back new hydrogen projects. These funds will come from within the existing allocations to the CEFC and to ARENA.

11

PDC Wins 2019 buildingSMART International Award for Queens Wharf Brisbane PDC, now known as DBM Vircon, has been awarded the prestigious 2019 buildingSMART International Award in the Design category for their work on Queens Wharf Brisbane. The award recognises exemplary use of Building Information Management (BIM).

According to Vinod Muthanna (CEO, DBM Vircon), “We are honoured to be recognised for the work on Queens Wharf Brisbane. The awards program truly showcased the depth and breadth of technical excellence and innovation being applied to the challenges of interoperability during collaborative project delivery and asset operations. For over three years, our team has been based on-site at the Destination Brisbane Consortiums offices, collaborating with the other consortium members, to contribute to the success of the project. This Award recognises our consulting team’s leadership in the Digital Engineering space.”

Expected to open in 2022, Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is a world-class integrated resort development that will transform the CBD and river’s edge. The Destination Brisbane Consortium is delivering the $3.6 billion development, which will cover more than 26 hectares across land and water—equivalent to 10% of Brisbane’s CBD. The development encompasses 50 new bars, cafes and restaurants; 2,000 apartments across three residential towers; and over 1,100 premium hotel rooms operating under four hotel brands, one with a casino.

There is plenty of public space integrated into the design of the development as well: the equivalent of 12 football fields. This public space will help to accommodate the additional 1.39 million visitors expected in Brisbane as a result of the project. Impressively, the development is also sustainable, having earned a 6-star Green Star Communities rating. In delivering the project, 16 different pieces of software were utilised by 39 contributing organisations. PDC (DBM Vircon) had over 340 models under management, with 215 individual models processed weekly.

12

Australian Welding: December 2019

Welding and the Risk of Cancer In March 2017, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) reclassified welding fume from Group 2B Possibly Carcinogenic to Humans to Group 1 Carcinogenic to Humans. In addition, they evaluated ultraviolet light from arc welding and classified it as Carcinogenic to Humans (Group 1). Their assessments were subsequently published in IARC’s Monograph 118 in July 2018.

The International Institute of Welding (IIW) through their Commission VIII experts, is evaluating the findings published by IARC and a position statement is being prepared.

Weld Fume Following discussions with IIW Commission VIII, Weld Australia advises that current fume management recommendations remain valid, and recommends that the guidelines published within the Fume minimisation guidelines and Weld Australia’s Technical Note 7 be followed.

Recommendations In compliance with national and state Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, conduct a risk assessment to ensure that the welder, and people working nearby, are protected from exposure to fume from welding and welding-related processes (including thermal cutting, gouging, and so on). The following actions should be considered in the risk assessment: 1. Where practicable, remove the welder from the source of the fume by mechanising or automating the welding process. (i) In conformance with Weld Australia’s Fume minimisation guidelines, arrange the work piece so that the welder’s head is not in the plume. Note that: a. Unless welding in the horizontal (PC or 2G), overhead (PD, PE, 4F, 4G) or vertical (PF, PG, 3F, 3G) position, the welder’s head is likely to be positioned within the plume, and fume management methods or personal protective equipment (PPE), or a combination of both, may be required. b. Whilst all welding processes generate fume, the plume may not be visible to the welder, or with some processes, the observer.

2. Relying on a light cross-draught in the vicinity of the welder’s face to ensure that the fume is either drawn or blown away from the welder’s breathing zone can be unreliable. Whilst mechanically

assisted ventilation (such as a fan) can be utilised, cross-draughts sufficient to disperse fume may cause weld quality issues. Other fume management equipment such as fume extractors (such as fixed, downdraft or portable) may be required.

3. Utilise personal protective equipment such as respirator masks and air fed helmets if alternative methods of fume control are not reasonably practicable.

Care should be taken to ensure that other workers are not exposed to the fume by allowing it to accumulate in areas away from the welding or welding related process.

Specialist advice may also be sought from an Occupational Hygienist (such as www.aioh.org.au), particularly in the preparation and implementation of the risk assessment, and the verification of the application of the controls.

Ultraviolet Radiation The IARC assessment of data relating to welder’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation has confirmed an increased risk of skin cancers and ocular (eye) cancers.

The classification of ultraviolet light from arc welding as Carcinogenic to Humans (Group 1) is consistent with previous evaluations of ultraviolet radiation as a human carcinogen published in Monograph 100D in 2012.

Recommendations In addition to, and in support of, any control measures recommended by the Australian workplace safety regulators, Weld Australia recommends members ensure welders avoid all direct exposure to ultraviolet radiation from arc welding processes.

Recommended control options include: 1. Wearing of approved protective clothing specifically designed for welding, and covering all exposed

Inside the Industry: Welding and the Risk of Cancer

areas of the skin with clothing that incorporates a high UPF rating.

2. Use of suitable darkened eye filters (or auto darkening face shields) that conform with AS/NZS 1338.1 Filters for eye protectors—Filters for protection against radiation generated in welding and allied operations.

3. Regular application of sunscreen with a high SPF factor in conformance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Weld Australia Initiatives Following the IARC findings, Weld Australia has undertaken a number of major welding safety initiatives.

These include: 1. The formation of a Welding Safety Council which includes representatives from industry, federal and state workplace safety regulators, and the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.

2. Commencing the development of a safety training and education package for welders, consistent with world’s best practice.

3. The revision and publication of the Fume minimisation guidelines.

4. The revision of Technical Note 7 Health and safety in welding.

The Fume minimisation guidelines are readily available for download from the Weld Australia web site, and Technical Note 7 should be available in 2020.

13

The Welding Safety Council Given the significant gaps in the compliance framework that have serious safety implications for Australian welders, Weld Australia considers the following to be issues, in order of priority: i. Workplace health and safety (Welding Fumes and Electrical Safety) ii. Non-compliant welding equipment (Electrical Safety) iii. Integrity of welded structures and pressure vessels To address these safety issues, Weld Australia has established the Welding Safety Council. This Council will provide a forum for industry and legislative safety authorities to discuss issues and work collaboratively to identify solutions.

The vision of the Welding Safety Council is to eliminate loss of life or injury attributable to welding.

The mission of the Welding Safety Council is to establish and maintain the infrastructure required to identify and analyse welding risk, engage its stakeholders in formulating mitigation strategies, and use its influence to execute those strategies.

By drawing together key government stakeholders, statutory bodies and industry into a single independent body focused on eradicating welding related injury, the Australian welding industry will be taking a significant step forward in protecting both the general public and welders.

Weld Australia has established the Welding Safety Council. This Council will provide a forum for industry and legislative safety authorities to discuss issues and work collaboratively to identify solutions.

14

Australian Welding: December 2019

ASC to Help Train the Next Generation of Submarine Builders The next generation of Australia’s submarine builders is slated to join the most skilled welders in the country, with Naval Group to select its first three apprentices to be trained by ASC from January next year. Naval Group, the designer-builder of the Attack Class future submarines and ASC, Australia’s dedicated submarine sustainer, recently signed their first training initiative, under the Framework Agreement signed earlier this year.

Naval Group is currently designing the Attack Class submarine and preparing to ramp-up its production workforce to commence construction in Adelaide from 2024. In the first placement of its kind, ASC will integrate the Naval Group Australia apprentices into its existing, highly competitive four-year fabrication apprenticeship program working on the Collins Class submarine program.

For three decades, the ASC welding school has trained its welders to the highest standards in the country, fit for the demanding work of welding submarine hull steel. Naval Group

Australia Chief Executive Officer, John Davis, said the training agreement was a sign of the strong relationship between Naval Group Australia and ASC. “The Framework Agreement is a unique and collaborative approach that bridges the Collins Class Sustainment and Future Submarine program to provide a stronger and more effective sovereign submarine enterprise to design, build and sustain submarines in Australia,” said Davis.

“This initiative will provide apprentices with a once-in-a-

lifetime opportunity to learn from the best Australian and French minds in submarine design, build and sustainment. The apprentices will join a high-performance submarine production environment in ASC, which is delivering submarine availability to the Royal Australian Navy at beyond international benchmarks.”

ASC Chief Executive, Stuart Whiley, welcomed the training program as the first under the Framework Agreement. “During their time at ASC, apprentices will be exposed to over 30 years of experience, lessons learnt and a safety culture

Inside the Industry: ASC to Help Train the Next Generation of Submarine Builders

15

developed through the construction and sustainment of the Collins Class,” said Whiley.

Naval Group Australia will lead the recruitment of the apprentices, and will collaborate with ASC during the interview process, to ensure those hired have the appropriate skills and values demanded of submarine fabrication.

The first intake of three apprentices will commence training with ASC in January 2020 for the four-year program. ASC is currently training 53 apprentices across its South Australian and Western Australian operations, in fabrication, electrical and mechanical trades, as part of its 1,300-strong dedicated submarine sustainment workforce.

Rejuvenated Masters of Marine Engineering A rejuvenated Masters of Marine Engineering (MME) program, backed by the expertise and resources of ASC, is seeing dozens of post graduate students at the University of Adelaide prepare for a career building and sustaining Australia’s current and future submarines.

This year, 49 students have undertaken the Masters by course work in submarine design (naval architecture and maritime engineering), sustainment, supply

“

During their time at ASC, apprentices will be exposed to over 30 years of experience, lessons learnt and a safety culture developed through the construction and sustainment of the Collins Class,” said ASC Chief Executive, Stuart Whiley.

Above and Left: An ASC welder works on an Offshore Patrol Vessel.

chain, project management and related subjects, as part of the School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Adelaide. The program, offered every two years, has grown from 27 students in 2017 and nine students in 2015.

The students are drawn from industry, defence, recent graduates, as well as French exchange students from the prestigious French Grande Ecole d’Ingénieurs ENSTA Bretagne, which last year signed a collaboration agreement with the University of Adelaide. As part of the course, each student completes an individual project, developing a submarine concept design using professional tools.

The ramp-up in enrolments for the Masters course reflects the position Adelaide will occupy at the centre of submarine and major warship design and construction in coming decades, under the national bi-partisan approach to naval shipbuilding.

ASC instructors are internationally recognised subject matter experts, with experience working on more

than ten submarine classes from United Kingdom, France, Spain, Sweden and Australia.

ASC Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Whiley, welcomed the recommitment to the MME program.“ASC is the repository of more than 30 years of experience and knowledge that has been honed and updated to ensure the Collins Class remains a regionally superior submarine for the nation. So it’s a natural fit for ASC and the University of Adelaide to be collaborating in this area.”

“ASC has the people and expertise to not only help design and build the RAN’s future submarine platforms, but also to develop the skilled workforce required to deliver Australia’s naval shipbuilding plans in coming decades,” Whiley said.

The Masters of Marine Engineering, delivered by ASC and the University of Adelaide, is among few postgraduate courses available in Australia in marine engineering, and is the only one devoted to submarine platforms.

16

Australian Welding: December 2019

Fabinox Gains Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Fabinox is a Sydney-based company that provides full service fabrication and installation of structure steel, process piping, architectural and laser cutting. The layout of Fabinox’s workshops has been carefully designed to allow for ultimate efficiency in workflow, from run-of-the mill high tonnage projects to small, unique jobs. With over 700 jobs successfully completed every year, Fabinox’s commitment to safety, high quality and integrity is the cornerstone of their business. Weld Australia would like to congratulate Fabinox for their recent certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality Requirements for Fusion Welding of Metallic Materials.

The quality of Fabinox’s services is such that they offer full traceability and an extensive range of nondestructive testing. Furthermore, precision welding to exacting standards, quality assurance, certification and welded test materials are also made available to all of their clients.

Fabinox boasts a wide portfolio of major clients and projects. In the oil and gas sector, Fabinox has completed work for Quenos, ExxonMobil and KBR. In the construction industry, Fabinox boasts high-profile clients such as Multiplex, Lendlease, Lang O’Rourke, Built and Mirvac. When it comes to water treatment, just some of their clients include Veolia, Downer, UGL, Hunter Water and Icon Water.

With a list of clients that features some of the most high-profile firms in Australia, it comes as no surprise that

Fabinox has been involved in some of Australia’s most recognisable projects, from the Barangaroo development, the T1 International Airport and Hawkesbury Race Tower in Sydney, through to current work at Crown Casino in Sydney.

World-Class Facilities It is, in part, Fabinox’s investment in world-class facilities that provides the company with the capability and capacity to handle these varied projects and produce consistently high-quality results. Fabinox operates across three separate workshops in Riverstone, and has recently established its own welding academy.

Based on a 2,000m site, Fabinox’s structural steel workshop features two bays and is serviced by two 5 tonne and one 6.3 tonne overhead cranes. Their pipe fabrication workshop, which is located on a separate 1,500m2 site, is serviced by two 5 tonne overhead cranes.

2

This workshop has also recently commissioned a FANUC C4000 55kVA laser, which is able to cut through all grades of stainless steel and mild steel to achieve exceptional precision and meet clients’ strict time schedules. Fabinox’s third workshop, a 1,500m2 structural steel pipe and plate workshop, is serviced by a 5 tonne overhead crane.

The Fabinox Welding Academy is comprised of theory rooms, as well as 13 welding bays, which are each fitted with individual fume extraction and multi-function welding machines.

According to David Lortan (Owner and General Manager, Fabinox), “Building a Registered Training Organisation places a great demand on a company and requires industry expertise outside of mainstream management lines, which can be a costly and time consuming exercise.”

Left: Fabinox undertook both architectural and structural steel work for the Barangaroo International Towers (Tower Three) in Sydney.

Completed in 2016, the 40-storey building offers over 90,105 m² of floor space and has a 6 Star Green Energy Rating. Just some of the building’s tenants include Lendlease and KPMG.

Inside the Industry: Fabinox Certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834

17

“Despite this, we decided to purchase an RTO, to sit within the Fabinox company umbrella, to provide a holistic learning and development solution for both our current staff and future clients.”

The Fabinox Welding Academy will be able to provide students with a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication. Moreover, the Academy will offer a range of short courses, such as manual handling and construction industry white card certification.

Ultimately, as a major supplier of world-class design and fabrication solutions, Fabinox has long been committed to promoting industry innovation and productivity within the varied segments in which they operate.

Above: A student at the Fabinox Welding Academy. The Academy will offer a Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication), as well as a range of short courses, such as manual handling and construction industry white card certification.

AS/NZS ISO 3834 Certification Fabinox was recently certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 for: pressure piping for petrochemical water treatment, and food and dairy industry; pressure vessel and storage tanks; chutes, hoppers, pipe supports, pipe bridges and base frames; and structural steels for commercial and residential building, balustrades, handrails and stairs.

According to Lortan, the decision by Fabinox to become certified to AS/NZS ISO 3834 was only natural.

“We understand that, increasingly, clients view AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification as a necessity when shortlisting contractors for their welding and fabrication services. In addition, we were keen to ensure that our welding processes and procedures are compliant with industry standards—we wanted assurance of the safety and quality of all our welded components,” Lortan said.

“Certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 also allows us to expand our services and provides us with potential global supply chain opportunities.”

Left: Fabinox provided a range of structural steelwork for the Hawkesbury Race Tower in Sydney.

“In an expanding, competitive marketplace, it’s important to demonstrate a point of difference and prove that our manufacturing processes are of the highest standard.”

Lortan also explained how the certification has helped the Fabinox team to improve: “The in-depth certification process enabled the entire team to see the gaps in their knowledge and fill them, which taught them new skills and improved their existing skills.”

“While the certification process was quite long and arduous, and required a lot paperwork

and traceability, it was definitely worthwhile. The detailed records mean we – and any other company going through the process – are held accountable and ensures that the finished product fulfils the high benchmark set. Because of these rigorous processes, clients can trust us completely when it comes to delivering high quality products and services.”

“Fabinox is proud of having achieved AS/NZS ISO 3834 certification and excited about what it means for the future of our company. The process and certification mean that we’re able to deliver even more efficient processes and procedures, and has enabled all levels of personnel to increase their technical knowledge, meaning we’ll be able to deliver better service than ever to our clients,” Lortan said.

For further details about Fabinox visit: www.fabinox.com.au

18

Australian Welding: December 2019

MaxiTRANS: The End-toEnd Transport Solution Australia’s largest and only publicly-listed heavy duty trailer manufacturer, MaxiTRANS boasts five factories—four in Australia and one in New Zealand—and directly employs over 1,000 people. The company is home to seven leading equipment brands, including Freighter, Maxi-CUBE, Hamelex White, Lusty EMS, AZMEB, Peki, and Trout River, as well as a robust national dealer network for sales, service and repairs. With values such as safety, empowering employees, honesty, collaboration and accountability, MaxiTRANS is working to keep automotive manufacturing jobs in Australia.

MaxiTRANS’ predecessor, known as J McGrath Cartage Contractor, was originally established in 1927. Throughout World War II the company supplied special trailers and equipment for aircraft component transport, and soon became known as Freighters Ltd. In 1998, the business was acquired

by Maxi-CUBE and renamed MaxiTRANS. Since then, MaxiTRANS has acquired several businesses, expanding their capabilities into new and extended markets.

Today, MaxiTRANS is the largest heavy duty trailer manufacturer in Australia, and caters for a wide range of trailer equipment needs, providing freight products to industries as diverse as infrastructure, mining and grocery. All their products are manufactured or assembled in their own facilities, such as their 30,000m² facility in Ballarat, which is staffed by over 500 people. Each month, their Ballarat facility uses, on average: • 500 tonnes of steel • 300 tonnes of aluminium • 7,150 litres of paint and primer

• • •

2,376 tyres 4.2km of air brake hose 175,000 line items

According to Jamie Feschuk (Systems and Process Manager, MaxiTRANS), “We handle everything from the commencement of chassis, through to completion of a full trailer.

Within the facility we do laser cutting, plasma cutting, welding of the main rails on the chassis, grit blasting, and painting. It then goes through the plumbing and electrical cycles and a full fit-out, including installation of the wheels, guards and so on. Then final inspection occurs before the trailer is completed.”

“Within the Ballarat facility, the number of people on the shop floor could range from 300 to 400 plus, at any one time, working a two to three shift operation, Monday to Friday, and Saturdays as well during peak periods. The bulk of our workforce is comprised of highly skilled labour.

We have a diverse workforce, with a lot of welders, painters, electricians, and laser operators,” said Feschuk.

Image: The MaxiTRANS 30,000m² facility in Ballarat.

Complete Peace of Mind According to Andrew McKenzie (Group General Manager for Sales and Marketing, MaxiTRANS), “We lead our industry to become safer and more efficient so our customers can better deliver the needs of a nation.

On a national level, we don’t just see ourselves as a manufacturer of trailer equipment. We believe we partner with our customers throughout the entire lifespan of our products.”

“We have over 20 retail outlets, so we can support our clients anywhere throughout the country. We offer after-market service nationally as well, including on-site servicing— where the driver brings the vehicle to us—and a recently launched mobile servicing option. With our mobile servicing, the customer’s driver can be redeployed to another vehicle, significantly reducing downtime.”

“We’ve also recently launched MaxiAssist - a 24/7 trailer breakdown support service. Customers have peace of mind that if anything happens, we have a breakdown

Image: The MaxiTRANS facility in Ballarat employs 500 people.

Inside the Industry: Member Profile: MaxiTRANS

19

“As a total business, what MaxiTRANS offers is complete peace of mind. There are many facets of the business. We provide an endto-end transport solution backed by experience and expertise.”

support network available. We even have a rental side of the business, so if customers are looking for additional short or long-term capacity, we can cater for that.”

“As a total business, what MaxiTRANS offers is complete peace of mind. There are many facets of the business. We provide an end-to-end transport solution backed by experience and expertise,” said McKenzie.

MaxiTRANS recently joined Weld Australia as a Corporate Member.

“We joined Weld Australia because of the opportunities afforded by membership that allow us to continue to get better every day in all that we do. We’re currently working with the Weld Australia team to build our relationship with the Department of Transport. As the peak industry body for welding in Australia, Weld Australia has a range of valuable networks already in place that members can capitalise on,” said Feschuk.

Case Study: Schreurs & Sons Schreurs & Sons is a third-generation farming business that is 100% Australian family-owned and operated, specialising in celery, leek and baby leaf lines (including spinach, rocket and snow pea tendrils). With seven properties, spanning in total over 1,000 acres, it is one of the largest suppliers of celery in Australia and also serves international markets.

Chris Schreurs (Director of Business and Commercial Operations) takes pride in delivering high quality products to customers all year-round. His fleet transports fresh produce in Victoria, primarily between the business’ farm growing regions and the Melbourne wholesale market. Two of the biggest challenges for Schreurs & Sons are operational efficiency and load security. As they don’t have loading docks on any of the farms, they needed an efficient and safe solution that not only maintains the integrity of the produce (particularly on warm days), but also achieves minimal turnaround time between locations.

MaxiTRANS Solution Schreurs compared a Slide-a-Side to other equivalent options available and believed Maxi-CUBE provided the best solution for his needs.

MaxiTRANS’ willingness to work with him to ensure he obtained the most efficient set-up and best use of the Slide-a-Side design was a great contributing factor.

As for productivity, the Maxi-CUBE Slide-a-Side certainly paid off.

“Moving from curtains where we would have to strap down the load, this process is now taking less than half the time with a Slide-a-Side,” he says. “In addition, we elected to purchase a B-double set, which now takes our round trips from our main growing region in Tarwin to our production facility in Clyde from an average of three trips a day to two. So, the fuel and labour savings have been quite significant. Prior to investing in our new rig set-up, we were frequently using two drivers doing three-to-four round trips between these locations during our peak season,” said Schreurs.

“With the fridges up and running over last summer, we were very surprised with how well the thermal insulation worked on the Slidea-Side. It has exceeded our expectations in maintaining temperature control. So, they have done an excellent job there.”

Image: The MaxiTRANS facility in Ballarat.

The Maxi-CUBE sliding doors are an important feature. “They are designed well and work with minimal effort, which is naturally saving time, stress and strain on the operator. This in turn is also a great OH&S outcome.”

20

Australian Welding: December 2019

AF Gason: Investment Spurs Rapid Growth The fourth-generation, family-owned company, AF Gason, has operated in Ararat, in south-west Victoria, for 75 years, producing farm machinery and industrial components. It is one of the largest employers in Ararat with over 120 employees, but is currently seeking to take on more workers, particularly welders, after recently investing over $6 million in a new facility.

A Diverse History Founded by Arthur Frank Gason in 1947, AF Gason designs and manufactures farm machinery and wood heating products and provides industrial services including laser cutting, powder coating and welding to businesses and markets across Australia.

According to Craig Lennie (Marketing & QA Manager, Gason), “The business was established in 1946

by Frank Gason, who was originally from Geelong. He moved to Ararat to start a motor trimming business.

Eventually, Frank moved into manufacturing tractor cabs because all those coming in from overseas did not have cabs fitted, leaving Australian farmers with burnt heads and serious safety issues.”

“Frank Gason recognised that there was a market there. So, he contacted all the tractor manufacturers, from John Deere through to Ford, and AF Gason quickly became the go-to company for bespoke tractor cabs.

In time, the likes of John Deere and Ford realised that they could import their own tractors with the cab already fitted. And really, overnight, the market fell out of the tractor cab business. And so, in order to survive, the business had to diversify. Gason took the experience they had in the agricultural market, and entered into the tillage side of things. To this day, we’re still building tillage bars, air seeders, spreaders, and mowers for broad acre farms and public works.”

A $6 Million Investment Today, AF Gason is a design, engineering and manufacturing

company—they excel in each phase of the manufacturing process. “We can laser cut, weld, we’ve got paint booths, and assembly staff – 120 here at our Ararat facilities, and others at our Melbourne facilities.

Customers come to us because we don’t just laser cut and move on. We can laser cut, paint, fabricate and assemble. Customers know that they can purchase an entirely finished product from us—we really are a one-stop shop,” said Lennie.

Over the years, AF Gason has developed and expanded its facilities. At the moment, the company is building a new $6 million laser facility which will increase their footprint even more. By January 2020, it will have three Trumpf laser cutters, giving the company greater capacity to keep pace with the

“

The company has really strong family values and morals, which is a great foundation for any business. AF Gason is all about supporting the local economy and Australian jobs and manufacturing. That’s at the forefront of how we go about our business.

That’s given us the longevity.”

21

Inside the Industry: Member Profile: AF Gason

ever-increasing demand from its customers.

testament to the stewardship of the company over the last few years.”

“The new facility will also include a STOPA storage system. This is a robotic stacking system for all our sheet metal. It’s a massive piece of equipment. Metal is fed into the rack and then separated by thickness, quality or type. Everything is computer controlled and the robot loads or feeds the lasers with the relevant sheets, cuts the required design and then stores the sheets in the right place. It saves manual handling, waste and time, and it neatens up the yard. In addition, as it means we can now keep steel inside so the steel oxidises much more slowly as it is not exposed to the elements.”

As a result of this investment, AF Gason is looking to take on at least 15 additional skilled welders.

“We desperately need welders now.

There are jobs going today. So, reach out and contact us if you’re interested,” said Lennie.

Their facility also boasts a range of other technology. “We have a huge facility that houses everything we need to manufacture such a vast array of products. There is cutting equipment, hoists, cranes. We also have two distinct weld areas – one for light and robotic welding that is used for our wood heaters and other sub-contracted work, and another for heavy welding, such as on our agricultural equipment,” said Lennie.

“The majority of this $6 million investment is derived from company funded money—apart from a $500,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Future Industries Manufacturing Program. It is

A Local Focus “Over the years, AF Gason has been involved in manufacturing lots of different products. Through the good times and the bad, we’ve always tried to ensure that there work for locals, and that we were contributing to the local economy,” said Lennie.

“The company has really strong family values and morals, which is a great foundation for any business.

AF Gason is all about supporting the local economy and Australian jobs and manufacturing. That’s at the forefront of how we go about our business. That’s given us the longevity. But also, AF Gason is a family company, manufacturing for other families, often families involved in farming. This means we have an understanding of the climate issues farmers have had to tend with. We know when people are doing it tough because we’re doing it tough right there beside them. That gives us credibility. People buy from us, and have bought from us over the years, because we treat them like they’re

part of our family,” said Lennie.

AF Gason is one of the largest employers in Ararat, with over 120 employees. It also runs an apprenticeship program to provide welding careers for local school leavers. “We carry out a bootcamp every year in November. We advertise to all the local schools and colleges that we’re looking to take on apprentices and, if there are any individuals who want to come along and experience what it’s like to work at Gason’s, they can spend two weeks here,” said Lennie.

“We collaborate with Federation University TAFE at Ballarat. They teach some of the theoretical work on our behalf, and then the kids undertake practical, hands-on learning at our facilities to see if it’s of any interest. Based on this interest, we then determine who might be suitable to complete a four year apprenticeship with us.”

The apprentice bootcamp has been a significant driver in Gason building an enviable team of apprentices. It has also helped keep more young people in Ararat and supported the local economy. It even took out the Employer Award for Apprenticeship Development at the 2017 Victorian Training Awards.

For more information, visit: https://www.gason.com.au

Left: One of AF Gasons’ welders, hard at work.

Middle: The Gason range of tined implements offers farmers the opportunity to specify a machine best suited to their overall requirements. Farmers can choose the overall width to suit their tractor and conditions, and select from a variety of row spacings, as well as floating hitch or rigid pull.

Right: AF Gasons new $6 million laser facility is erected in Ararat.

The facility will house three Trumpf laser cutters, as well as a STOPA storage system.

22

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019 Year In Review

Welcome to Weld Australia’s 2019 Year In Review – a look at our achievements, projects and programs over the last 12 months. 2019 has been a highly successful year for Weld Australia in many ways. It really is an exciting time to be a Weld Australia member. We are committed to using our extensive experience, combined with an innovative new approach, to achieve our core mission—promoting the interests of our members within the field of welding, not just in Australia, but across the globe.

136

Meetings with Welding Industry Stakeholders

1250

Welders Registered on the Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR)

20

Meetings with State Government

2019 Year In Review

9

Advanced Welder Training Centres Funded

23

24 Member Events

18

12

Presentations at Industry Events

State Division Committee Meetings

74

Hotline Queries Resolved

24

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: Member Events Weld Australia is committed to ensuring that the Australian welding industry remains both locally and globally competitive. Engaging the welding community at a local level plays a key role in upholding this commitment. With the help of state committees, Weld Australia regularly holds member events, from site visits and technical presentations, through to networking opportunities.

Weld Australia state committees act as our voice in their local community, and provide us with information on what we can do to help in their local area. If you would like to join your state’s committee in 2020, contact membership@weldaustralia.com.au.

Robert Wiseman (Business Development - Education, Lincoln Electric) presents to Weld Australia members.

Some of the attendees at Maxcon Industries in Ipswich during the augmented reality welding simulator roadshow.

S&L Steel is currently fabricating a very unique bridge featuring curves, rather than the usual straight lines.

Technical Presentation, Melbourne, March Weld Australia facilitated a technical presentation by Robert Wiseman (Business Development - Education, Lincoln Electric) on the King Street Bridge Failure.

In 1962, Melbourne’s newly completed King Street Bridge suffered major fractures in several of the main fabricated steel beams, causing the bridge to sag some 300mm. Fortunately, total collapse was avoided. A Royal Commission examined the failure in great depth. Robert Wiseman took attendees through the fascinating story of how a major steel bridge project went wrong, the findings of the Royal Commission, and how the learnings from this major failure are still highly relevant today.

Augmented Reality Welding Simulator Roadshow, Queensland, April In late April, Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) and Michael Pitt (National Business Manager, Weld Australia) undertook an augmented reality welding simulator roadshow. Held at Maxcon Industries in Ipswich and HiVue in Toowoomba, Geoff and Michael gave detailed presentations and demonstrated the advanced training capabilities of the welding simulator. Welding apprentices learn and understand welding procedures and techniques through a more interactive training method, gaining hands-on experience in a controlled, safe, interactive environment that captures the imagination.

S&L Steel Site Tour, Sydney, June In June, the New South Wales Division hosted a site tour and presentation at S&L Steel. The event proved very popular and was very well received by all in attendance.

S&L Steel is currently involved in the fabrication and welding of a very unique bridge—it features curves, rather than the usual straight lines. This shop-floor visit offered an invaluable opportunity for attendees to see how work on the project is progressing. Attendees also had the opportunity to tour S&L Steel’s facilities, which include two 60 tonne overhead cranes. Plus, with over 6,000m2 of open yard space, S&L Steel can accommodate a number of large projects simultaneously.

2019 Year In Review: Member Events

Weld Australia members tour the Australian Welding Solutions facilities in Adelaide.

25

Technical Event & AWS Site Tour, Adelaide, June Dr Rahim Kurji (Lead Engineer, Australian Welding Solutions) gave a presentation on The Effect of Shielding Gas Composition on Welding Performance. The selection of gas mix significantly impacts the quality of the weld, so it is crucial to have an understanding of gas choice, in order to deliver a quality weld at a lower cost. Dr Kurji gave attendees a sound understanding of the science behind gas selection, and explained why the gas mix is an essential variable in a welding procedure. Dr Kurji also demonstrated a range of gas mixes. Attendees then had the opportunity to tour the Australian Welding Solutions facilities.

Networking Event, Wollongong, July In July, Weld Australia facilitated a very well-attended networking event for members at the North Wollongong Hotel. The networking event proved to be a great opportunity to meet up-and-coming welding engineers from all around Australia, as well as Weld Australia team members and Directors. Attendees had the opportunity to discuss industry issues and challenges in a relaxed, informal setting. This networking evening coincided with the final module of Weld Australia’s International Welding Engineer (IWE) and Technologist (IWT) course, which was held on campus at the University of Wollongong.

Weld Australia members at the Wollongong networking event.

Weld Australia members tour Valmont Coatings.

Victor Blain (Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia).

Valmont Coatings Site Tour, Queensland, August The Queensland Division recently held a technical event that brought together experts from the Galvanizers Association of Australia and Valmont Coatings to present a detailed analysis and review of various aspects of the galvanizing process. Attendees gained valuable insights into the effects of various materials on galvanizing, and what the industry offers. Attendees were also treated to a tour of the Valmont Coatings facilities in Carole Park. Valmont Coatings is a leading provider of hot-dip galvanizing and protective coating services for a variety of metal products, bolstering their durability, lifespan and aesthetic value.

Technical Presentation, Melbourne, October Weld Australia’s Victoria Division hosted a technical event on The Cost and Economics of Welding. Victor Blain (Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia) took attendees through the basic principles required to identify and manage the costs of production in order to reduce expenses and ensure quality. In an industry that is continually competing with lower cost countries, this was a must attend event. Victor covered a range of factors that are essential in cost effective quoting, including how to calculate the cost of welding by the weight of deposited weld metal, labour costs, and how to optimise the welding process to save money.

26

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: Industry Events Weld Australia was involved in various industry events this year, with Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) and Michael Pitt (National Manager Education and Training, Weld Australia) delivering keynote presentations and participating in expert panel discussions on numerous occasions. Just some of the industry events in which Weld Australia was involved include National Manufacturing Week, BAE Systems Australia’s Factory of the Future and AIMEX. In addition, Weld Australia facilitated the National Manufacturing Summit in June. With over 100 delegates and more than 20 keynote speakers and panelists, the Summit addressed two crucial constraints faced by the manufacturing sector: energy insecurity and fragmented skills and training.

Michael Pitt demonstrates the Soldamatic welding simulator.

L To R: Geoff Crittenden presents the Outstanding Start-up Award to Syed Shah on behalf of Persistent Aerospace.

Weld Australia representatives at the IIW Conference.

National Manufacturing Week, Melbourne, May National Manufacturing Week (NMW) is one of Australia’s largest gatherings of manufacturing decisionmakers. Welding, heat-treating, joining and associated products and technologies were featured on the exhibition floor in the Welding Technology Product Zone.

Weld Australia impressed delegates with interactive, hands-on demonstrations of the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulator. It proved to be extremely popular with the crowds; there were people lining up to try their hand at this innovative advanced welding training technology and learn more about the myriad benefits it has to offer.

Endeavour Awards, Melbourne, May The 16th annual Endeavour Awards saw leaders from the Australian manufacturing industry celebrate their success at the Arts Centre Melbourne in May. The Endeavour Awards are presented annually by Manufacturers’ Monthly, supported by National Manufacturing Week. Recognised as the premier awards program within the manufacturing industry, the evening is a chance to celebrate the many successes within Australian manufacturing. Weld Australia was proud to sponsor the Outstanding Startup Award, which was won by Persistent Aerospace, a Western Australia manufacturer of military specification drones.

72nd IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference 2019, Bratislava, July Representatives from Weld Australia attended various Commissions at the 72nd IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference, to ensure continued access to state-of-the-art knowledge in a variety of areas, including safety, education, materials, NDT, design, and fatigue. Bruce Cannon (Principal Welding Engineer, Weld Australia) and Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) participated in Commission VIII – Health and Safety, engaged in important discussions related to the safety of welding fumes. Geoff Crittenden also gave a presentation to Commission XIV – Education and Training.

2019 Year In Review: Industry Events

Weld Australia’s stand at the Factory of the Future event.

AIMEX Panel Tomorrow’s Workforce—Enabling and Cultivating Our Future Miners.

L to R: Michael Pitt, Brian Rungie and Garry Hargreaves.

Minister for Defence Industry the Hon. Melissa Price MP inspects Weld Australia’s welding simulators at PACIFIC 2019.

27

BAE Systems Australia’s ‘Factory of the Future’, Melbourne, July Hosted by BAE Systems Australia’s shipbuilding business, ASC Shipbuilding, the ‘Factory of the Future’ was held in Melbourne. It featured some of Australia’s most exciting innovators and creators of Industry 4.0 solutions. The event was attended by more than 250 people from the defence, supply-chain, government and technology sectors, who were able to play with and witness first-hand local innovations. Weld Australia was invited by BAE Systems to showcase the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulator, and demonstrate how it can help train the welders of the future.

AIMEX, Sydney, August AIMEX is the largest free-to-attend conference for the mining sector. The program concentrated on three key themes: Future Sector, focused on lifting industry standards; Future Workforce, which highlighted future skills; and Future Governance, which considered the effects of the shift towards a low carbon economy and energy consumption. Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia) was invited to participate in a panel discussion: Tomorrow’s Workforce—Enabling and Cultivating Our Future Miners. He also presented on the topic of using advanced welder training technology to reduce costs and increase outputs in the mining industry.

TAFE Directors Australia (TDA) Convention, Brisbane, September In September, Weld Australia attended the TDA Convention. The theme of the convention was The Power of TAFE—a celebration of the role TAFEs play in vocational education for the benefit of citizens and supporting economic wellbeing and building communities.

Michael Pitt (National Business Development Manager, Weld Australia), Brian Rungie (National Manager Strategic Partnerships, Weld Australia) and Garry Hargreaves (Corporate Solutions Manager Commercial, SkillsTech TAFE Queensland) facilitated a workshop on the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators.

PACIFIC 2019, Sydney, October Weld Australia exhibited at PACIFIC 2019 - the biennial Pacific International Maritime Exposition. The event provided a showcase for the commercial maritime and naval defence industries to promote their capabilities to decision-makers from around the world. It was strongly supported by the Royal Australian Navy, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Defence Science and Technology, the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities and the New South Wales Government. The Royal Australian Navy invited Navy Chiefs and senior leaders from 35 countries to attend.

28

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: National Manufacturing Summit The 2019 National Manufacturing Summit was held at The Australian Synchrotron in Melbourne in August. With the theme Skills for the Future, the critical constraint of workforce capability and availability formed the basis of discussions throughout the Summit. Now in its third year, the Summit brought together thought leaders in the manufacturing sector to discuss the sector’s prospects, and identify policy measures designed to support industry growth and sustainability.

Minister for Training and Skills, and Higher Education, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP, focused on manufacturing workforce capability and availability, and touched on how the Victorian Government is investing in more places through TAFEs and training organisations in areas that meet the skills needs of Victorian industries and priority workforces.

Professor Michelle Gee (Director, Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre) spoke in detail about how universities and industry can work more closely together. “I think that the formula for universities and industry to really be effective in the way they work together to support each other is, firstly, to support the growth of industry and, secondly to support the business that is universities— the development of people and capability. It is about working together in an immersive way.”

Federal Shadow Minister for Employment and Industry, the Hon Brendan O’Connor MP focused on both the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing.

“There is no doubt in my mind that a strong, diverse, agile manufacturing sector is critical to Australia’s future. To ensure this is the case, we need to address the skills crisis facing this country, by developing an appropriately skilled workforce to drive us into the new era of manufacturing.”

Nick Howie (Training Solutions Manager, Naval Shipbuilding College) provided delegates with an overview of the Naval Shipbuilding College’s mission: to ensure a suitably skilled and qualified Australian workforce will be available – at the right time – to meet the needs of industry.

Top: Minister for Training and Skills, and Higher Education, the Hon Gayle Tierney MP addresses delegates.

Middle: Skills for a High-Tech Manufacturing Future Panel.

L to R: Chris Brugeaud (CEO, SSS Manufacturing), Justine Evesson (Advisor, Skills and Apprenticeships), Stuart Birkin (Education Manager: Engineering, Manufacturing and Automotive, Federation TAFE) and Michael Sharpe (Director, AMGC).

Bottom: Dr Jim Stanford (Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work at the Australia Institute).

Dr Jim Stanford (Economist and Director, Centre for Future Work) spoke about the potential of valueadded manufacturing in Australia (tied into the current momentum around lithium and lithium based products), in the context of Australia’s history.

The program also featured several highly informative and engaging panels: Unlocking the Power of Collaboration, Skills for a High-Tech Manufacturing Future, and The Future of Skills and Diversity—Beyond Ticking the Box.

2019 Year In Review: Training & Certification

29

2019: Training & Certification Several major Weld Australia training and certification projects continued throughout 2019. The Australian Welder Certification Register (AWCR) and WeldQ platform continued to grow. Over 625 users registered on WeldQ this year, taking the total number of users (including the initial bulk upload) up to 9,829.

Welder qualifications also increased, with Weld Australia issuing over 100 ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders — Fusion welding welder qualifications in 2019.

Plus, Weld Australia held 28 online examinations for AS 1796 Certification of welders and welding supervisors, with 108 applicants sitting these exams.

Weld Australia continued the development of the International Welding Specialist (IWS) Blended Learning

44

Completed Welding Technology Appreciation Courses

16

Course in 2019. This project involved the application of distance learning to the course content, which will reduce the face-to-face component of the course to approximately two weeks.

Weld Australia again conduct the International Welding Engineer (IWE) and International Welding Technologist (IWT) Course at the University of Wollongong.

Successful completion of the course saw 16 graduates obtain the globally recognised qualifications.

Finally, Weld Australia facilitated a number of specialised industry workshops, such as the Pipeline Repair, Hot Tapping and In-Service Welding Workshop in Perth in August. All workshops received very positive feedback from attendees.

For more information about training, contact Guy Brooks (Training Manager, Weld Australia) on +61 2 8748 0150 or g.brooks@weldaustralia.com.au, or peruse the 2020 Training Calendar on page 52.

20

Completed Welding Sales Representative Courses

Newly Trained International Welding Technologists & Engineers

16

Newly Trained International Welding Specialists

60

Newly Trained International Welding Inspectors

30

Australian Welding: December 2019

L to R: Paolo Corronca (Qualification and Certification Manager, Weld Australia), presents George Samaras (Executive, Samaras Group) with ISO 3834 certification.

L to R: Craig Robinson (Manager, M&S Fabrications) and Sasanka Sinha (Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia).

2019: Weld Australia Company Certifications Weld Australia would like to congratulate all companies who were awarded certification in 2019.

These members include Samaras Group, Master Steel, M&S Fabrications, NWEC, TEi Services, Fabinox, Callidus Welding Solution, JC Butko, Macfab, Frontline Manufacturing, Alfabs, BendWorx SteelPro, Downer EDI Rail - Maryborough, AWI Steel, and Williams Metal Fabrications all of which achieved certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials.

Convention Centre, Chadstone Shopping Centre, the Torren to Torrens Rail Bridge and both the Melbourne and Sydney Airports.

Samaras Group Samaras Group was the first South Australian structural steel fabricator to be awarded certification to IIW MCS ISO 3834:2. Founded by the Samaras family in 1974, Samaras Group has grown into one of Australia’s largest privately owned multi-disciplinary heavy engineering and construction services providers with a solid reputation for innovation, service, quality and an ongoing commitment to safety.

Master Steel Master Steel was awarded certification to IIW MCS ISO 3834:3.

Master Steel was founded in 1993 on the Gold Coast by an engineertradesman duo, with their 2,400m2 workshop built by one of the business’ founding members.

Operating from a huge 75,000m2 manufacturing facility in Gillman, South Australia, Samaras has a national workforce of over 220 highly experienced tradesmen and construction professionals. Samaras specialises in the largest and most complex projects the industry has to offer. Just some of their recent projects include the Adelaide

In recent years, Master Steel acquired the help of mechanical engineer Gabriel Dio in the role of managing director. The company has moved towards niche technical fabrication, recruiting a certified welding supervisor to control quality. Master Steel now provides fabrication and manufacturing services, and assembly of complex steel components for the

construction, commercial, heavy and public sectors. From structural steel to test bed machinery – no project is too complex. Their services include: weld traceability and compliance; manufacturer’s data reports; nondestructive testing; post-weld heat treatment; and documentation control.

M&S Fabrications Awarded certification to IIW MCS ISO 3834:2. M&S Fabrications was established in 1995 by Managing Director, Greg Martin. Over the past 25 years, M&S Fabrications has become a highly respected steelwork fabrication business, undertaking projects in the industrial, commercial and mining fields. Just some of their major clients include John Holland, Thiess, McDermott’s, Roads and Maritime Services, Caterpillar Global Mining, Seymour

2019 Year In Review: Training & Certification

Whyte, Daracon, Lendlease, Fulton Hogan, Abergeldie and Freyssinet.

With over a quarter of a century worth of experience delivering the highest level of product specification and finish, M&S can cater for a wide range of disciplines, including: metal engineering, light to heavy fabrications, structural steel, mining equipment and associated maintenance and repair, bridgework, handrail manufacture and most methodologies for installation.

NWEC New World Engineering and Construction (NWEC) was awarded certification to IIW MCS ISO 3834:2.

NWEC is a leading Australian steel fabrication, painting, installation, construction management and welding resource supply company with over 35 years of experience, headquartered in Sydney. Their multi-disciplinary engineering construction service provides turnkey solutions for structural, mechanical and piping requirements, as well as tank design, construction and maintenance.

Their expertise also includes metal section bending and rolling, as well as both on-site and offsite painting. Their proven track record and experience within the industry solidifies their position as an organisation providing first class services to the petrochemical, rail, road, oil and gas, mining, industrial, power generation and heavy industry sectors across Australia, New Zealand and the Asia Pacific.

TEi Services TEi Services was certified to IIW MCS ISO 3834:2. Headquartered in a 5,500m2 manufacturing facility in Townsville, North Queensland, TEi Services is a locally and privately owned engineering and construction company. Since their incorporation in 1968, TEi has built success from a diverse range of engineered solutions, from architectural structural projects through to industrial warehouses, complex mechanical agriculture and transport assets, mining infrastructure and mineral processing equipment.

TEi has an extensive international client base (particularly in the supply of ball and SAG mill trommels) and a strong domestic presence in industrial construction associated with the resources industry. TEi values long-term partnerships and provides quality and value-added services to all of its clients. They are known for their unquestioned commitment to quality products.

Fabinox Fabinox is a Sydney-based company that provides full service fabrication and installation of structure steel, process piping, architectural and laser cutting. The layout of Fabinox’s workshops have been carefully designed to allow for ultimate efficiency in workflow, from run-ofthe mill high tonnage projects to small, unique jobs. With over 700 jobs successfully completed every year, Fabinox’s commitment to

31

safety, high quality and integrity is the cornerstone of their business.

With a list of clients that features some of the most high-profile firms in Australia, it comes as no surprise that Fabinox has been involved in some of Australia’s most recognisable projects, from the Barangaroo development, the T1 International Airport and Hawkesbury Race Tower in Sydney, through to current work at Crown Casino in Sydney.

Callidus Welding Solutions Callidus Welding Solutions (CWS) is dedicated to providing world-class engineering solutions tailored to client-specific erosion and corrosion challenges. CWS was awarded certification to IIW MCS ISO 3834:2

Left: TEi Services is presented with their certification. Terry Eaton (Production Manager, TEi) Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), Adam Packer (Business Development Manager, TEi).

Middle: Master Steel is presented with their certification. David Walsh (Welding Coordinator, Master Steel), Gabriel Dio (Managing Director, Master Steel), Bianca Dio (Secretary, Master steel) and Paolo Corronca (Qualification and Certification Manager, Weld Australia).

Right: NWEC is presented with their certification. Imma Kathir (Business Director, NWEC), Paolo Corronca (Qualification and Certification Manager, Weld Australia), Jae Lee (Managing Director, NWEC), and Bushan Salunke (Quality Assurance and Control Manager, NWEC).

32

in June of 2019. The company’s main 3,400m2 workshops are based in Wangara, Perth.

With nearly 20 years of experience, CWS specialises in repair and fabrication of non-ferrous equipment.

Conventional techniques are augmented by the latest robotic welding, thermal spray and nitriding technologies in order to ensure that clients are offered the best possible solutions.

JC Butko Engineering Established in 1975, JC Butko Engineering has grown to be the largest steel fabricator in the Albury Wodonga region, with a workforce in excess of 150. JC Butko is highly regarded in the wine and food processing industry, as well as servicing heavy industries such as mining, water treatment, pulp and paper, petrochemical, and road and rail infrastructure.

JC Butko has in-house capability to concept design, 3D model, certify, fabricate and install projects ranging from large structural steel, tanks, bridges, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, hoppers, and pressure piping systems, through to conveyor

Top (Left and Right): Callidus Welding Solutions is a world class company delivering engineering solutions tailored to client specific erosion and corrosion challenges.

Their highly trained team provides significant experience in the joining, rebuilding and overlay of corrosion and wear-resistant alloys for the mineral process, power generation, marine and mining industries.

Images courtesy of Callidus Welding Solutions.

Bottom: Williams Metal Fabrications can undertake on-site welding, repairs and maintenance—both on land and in the water—via their tough aluminium commercial workboat (which is provided with a certified operator). The 6.2m vessel can accommodate scaffolding, generators and welders, and their licensed coxswain is able to perform inspections, repairs and installation from the water.

Australian Welding: December 2019

systems, food and materials handling. With a total fabrication area in excess of 7,000m2, split across three factories to ensure full segregation of materials, they also offer water jet cutting, CNC machining, and CINC pressing capabilities to 6m and 630 tonnes.

JC Butko Engineering also offers complete project management solutions onsite incorporating Site management, design, OH&S Management, Compounds, Mobile workshops, mobile plant and access equipment, offices and amenities.

Macfab Macfab Engineering was established in Albury in 1996 by Wayne and Michelle Clarke, and specialises in the manufacture of a diverse range of road, rail and general fabrications, in their 3,350m2 factory that is well equipped to manufacture structural, stainless and mild steel, as well as aluminium and sheet metal.

In recent years, Macfab has enhanced their production capacity by commissioning a Peddinghaus drill line, Peddinghaus plasma plate cutter and a Daito multihead cutting, coping and drilling machine. Given their location on the

Victoria-New South Wales border, Macfab transports and installs their fabrications across a wide geographic footprint that includes anywhere in New South Wales and Victoria. Macfab Engineering has a team of approximately 85 people, including qualified engineers, project coordinators, quality inspectors, tradespeople and apprentices.

Frontline Manufacturing Founded in Brisbane in 1996 as a toolmaking operation, Frontline Manufacturing now supports a true one stop-shop specialising in medium to large component manufacture. With a dedicated team of engineers and skilled operators, Frontline delivers superior fabrication services. Frontline currently runs two state-of-the-art Panasonic Robotic Welding cells for repetitive component welding.

Their services include laser cutting and high definition plasma cutting, CNC Folding, CNC machining and turning, and welding. Frontline can supply metal products, from a simple plate to a fully integrated assembled product, ranging from 5kg to 15 tonne. Their strength is within heavy industry, such as the mining and defence sectors.

2019 Year In Review: Training & Certification

33

Left: (L to R): Sasanka Sinha (Senior Welding Engineer, Weld Australia), Keith Quinn (Quality and OHSE Manager, JC Butko) and Mehdi Tajfar (Welding Engineer, Weld Australia).

welding, corrosion protection and customised finishes. AWI Steel also offers quite a unique service: virtual 3D walk-throughs of construction plans. These can help detect and eliminate clashes early-on to prevent costly delays and rework.

Alfabs Group of Companies Alfabs Engineering is a wellestablished heavy engineering company that boasts experience and diversity through many different business units across the mining infrastructure, energy and construction sectors in New South Wales and Queensland.

Their business units include construction, maintenance and repairs, engineering and fabrication, protective coating, mining and mining equipment, equipment hire, and transport and logistics.

Alfabs Engineering fabrication business unit is based in Kurri Kurri New South Wales. Their 3,000m² workshop comprises of 1 x 30 tonne, 3 x 15 tonne (all with a height of 7.2m under the hook), as well as 9 x 1 tonne wall jigs, and 2 x 5 tonne portal cranes. Alfabs also has a beamline, clipper, robotic welder and 5 acres of storage. The workshop size enables the use of mobile cranes to supplement lifting capabilities. Alfabs Engineering has fabricated structures that exceed 150 tonne sections.

BendWorx-SteelPro Bendworx-Steelpro is one of Australia’s leading steel specialists.

Based in Brisbane, they provide expert steel forming services and pipe and steel casing products to light and heavy industries, both nation-wide and internationally.

Their ISO 9001 and ISO 3834 certified workshop manufactures quality-assured pipe and steel casings and has been an integral part of some of Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, such as the

RiverWalk rebuild, Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade, and Albion Park Rail bypass. Their precision bending and forming capabilities extend to mild and stainless steels, boiler plate, quenched and tempered wear plate and aluminium up to 10,200mm in length. When it comes to rolling, Bendworx-Steelpro delivers cylinders, cones, bucket skins, frames, merchant bar, structural and hollow sections, and much more.

Downer EDI Rail - Maryborough Downer has over 100 years’ rail experience providing end-to-end, innovative transport solutions. They are a leading provider of rollingstock asset management services in Australia, with expertise in delivering whole-of-life asset management support to their customers.

Their capability spans all sectors, from rollingstock to infrastructure, and every project phase, from design and manufacture to throughlife-support, fleet maintenance, operations and comprehensive overhaul of assets. Downer sets industry best practice with forwardlooking technology solutions like their TrainDNA data analytics platform to deliver safe, efficient and reliable services for the public transport sector.

AWI Steel AWI Steel was established by Director Paul Mirabito in 1992. Using Tekla modelling software, the AWI Steel team can efficiently estimate, 3D model, fabricate, deliver, install and certify just about any type of fabrication project. Their workshop offers a CNC beam line, detailed

Williams Metal Fabrications Williams Metal Fabrications manufactures reliable and innovative solutions for high-end infrastructure projects. Their business and people strive to stretch the boundaries of what can be achieved, no matter what a project or client requires.

Based in South Australia and familyowned and operated, their team some of the most experienced people in the industry, from boilermakers and welders through to riggers. Williams Metal Fabrications provides turn-key solutions, from 3D site scanning and point cloud, steel detailing and fabrication in our workshop all the way through to installation, onsite labour hire, maintenance, and even boat and crane truck hire.

They can even carry out on-site welding, repairs and maintenance— both on land and in the water—via their tough aluminium commercial workboat (which is provided with a certified operator). The 6.2m vessel can accommodate scaffolding, generators and welders, and their licensed coxswain is able to perform inspections, repairs and installation from the water.

Further Information For further information about certification according to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials, please contact: Paolo Corronca (Qualification & Certification Manager, Weld Australia) on p.corronca@ weldaustraliacom.com.au.

34

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: Advanced Welder Training Centres In 2018-2019, Weld Australia secured over $5 million in Government funding for the establishment of nine Advanced Welder Training Centres (AWTCs), located at: TAFE SA Regency Campus in Adelaide, South Australia; Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council in South Burnie, Tasmania; TAFE Queensland at SkillsTech Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, Caboolture, Townsville and Cairns; Box Hill TAFE in Melbourne, Victoria; Bendigo Kangan Institute in Victoria; and Federation University Australia in Ballarat, Victoria. The AWTCs will use augmented reality welding simulators to upskill qualified welders and train transitionary workers to international welding certification standard AS/NZS ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding.

TAFE SA Regency Campus, Adelaide South Australia’s first AWTC opened for business at TAFE SA’s Regency Campus in late March 2019.

This AWTC will help ensure local welders are ready to meet the huge demand that will be created by the naval shipbuilding program. Minister for Education, the Hon John Gardner MP and Minister for Industry and Skills, the Hon David Pisoni MP were both on-hand at the official opening ceremony. Minister Pisoni said the state-of-the-art equipment will provide a valuable training platform to supply skilled workers to the Osborne naval shipyard when the program commences next year.

“There are enormous naval shipbuilding opportunities on the horizon that are heading to South Australia and the Marshall Liberal Government is ensuring that we provide the right resources to fill these jobs through appropriate skills and training. Welding techniques required for shipbuilding are of a higher quality standard than regular welding techniques and these simulators will allow students to practice their technique until they consistently meet the quality standard,” said Pisoni.

Minister Gardner was excited to see TAFE SA students

Right (L to R): The launch of the AWTC at TAFE SA Regency Campus.

Bill Docalovich (Program Director, Naval Shipbuilding College), Minister for Industry and Skills the Hon David Pisoni MP, and Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia).

being skilled in areas that lead to jobs. “This new Advanced Welder Training Centre offers an incredible training opportunity for TAFE SA students to learn using the most advanced welding simulators currently available. These simulators are another example of TAFE SA utilising the latest technology in an educational environment to prepare students with the skills and knowledge for long and successful careers.”

Regency TAFE also completed all ‘Train the Trainer’ courses and is using the simulator technology in the delivery of courses within the MEM05 Metal and Engineering Training Package. These courses include Certificates I, II, III and IV in Engineering, among others.

Regency TAFE is also investigating the use of the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators in other trades that feature welding.

Federation University TAFE, Ballarart In May 2019, Weld Australia secured $650,000 of State Government funding to help establish an AWTC at Federation University TAFE in Ballarat. This funding will be used to establish a state-of-the-art augmented reality welder training lab, featuring six Soldamatic simulators. A skills shortage in welding across western

2019 Year in Review: Advanced Welder Training Centres

35

Victoria prompted Federation University TAFE to instigate the new project to attract more welding students and improve the skills of existing welders.

technology into their apprentice and pre-apprentice programs to enhance learning, increase efficiency, reduce risk and consumable costs.

“These augmented reality welders are like a standard welder but instead of touching the stick to metal, you touch it to plastic which contains a sensor. As a student you get feedback through the hand-piece whether you are close enough or travelling at the right speed,” said Bill Mundy (Workforce and Business Development Manager, Federation University TAFE). “It allows them to practice, repeatedly, in a very safe environment and build muscle memory before they actually go in to a real welding environment.”

Kangan Institute, Bendigo Bendigo TAFE held the official launch of their AWTC in February. Minister for Training and Skills, and Higher Education, Gayle Tierney announced more than $2.3 million of funding through the Regional and Specialists Training Fund for Bendigo TAFE to deliver courses in welding, plumbing, horticulture and disability to meet the needs of the local community and industry. Some of this funding will be directed towards the establishment of an AWTC. Minister Tierney gave an extremely positive speech on how important welding is to the community.

The Kangan Institute is working towards AWTC accreditation, having had their welding staff complete the ‘Train the Trainer’ program on the Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators, and now preparing to embark on the ISO 9606-1 component.

Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council Centre of Excellence, South Burnie The Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) Centre of Excellence in South Burnie facilitated a range of training programs throughout the year. In May, eight TasTAFE metals teachers were trained in specialised welding techniques thanks to a partnership between TMEC, TasTAFE and Weld Australia. In June, ten participants completed a 15-day, intensive training course in welding and small tool skills at TMEC. Delivered via RDA Tasmania funding as part of the Regional Employment Trail Scheme (RETS), the course led to internships with Tasmanian manufacturers for eight of the participants.

In August, TMEC delivered two weeks of welder training at Mountain Heights High School in Queenstown—Tasmania’s most remote school. This was the first metals program completed in the school within the last four years. The training comprised both the use of Soldamatic augmented reality welding simulators, and real-world welding skills in a class room environment for a total of 80 students.

Box Hill TAFE, Melbourne Box Hill TAFE in Melbourne also completed its first pilot training program utilising the new simulators and the brand new curriculum, training and testing five welders according to AS/NZS ISO 9606-1. The pilot was very well received by all in attendance. Box Hill TAFE is also integrating the augmented reality

TAFE Queensland at SkillsTech Acacia Ridge in Brisbane, Caboolture, Townsville and Cairns SkillsTech in Brisbane completed all of its training and the set-up of its AWTC, before holding its first pilot program, training five welders according to AS/NZS ISO 9606-1. SkillsTech is working closely with major industries in its region to deliver training solutions through ISO 9606 and the augmented reality technology. SkillsTech also plans to incorporate their technology into welding training in their apprenticeship programs and other government subsidised courses.

As such, SkillsTech has recently commenced a campaign to market ISO 9606 and their new facility.

The North Queensland AWTC is currently located in Townsville, as part of the government funded Manufacturing Hub in that region. This AWTC will eventually settle in Cairns. There has been a lot of interest in ISO 9606 in the North Queensland region, and the AWTC will be focusing on delivering training to service that need. The Caboolture AWTC is set to be located in the Caboolture TAFE Campus. This AWTC will employ a mixed mode delivery, offering programs on campus as well as delivering programs in the workplace.

Far Left: ‘Train the Trainer’ at TAFE Queensland, SkillsTech at Acacia Ridge in Brisbane.

Top Left: ‘Train the Trainer’ at the Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council (TMEC) Centre of Excellence in South Burnie.

Bottom Left: ‘Train the Trainer’ at Kangan Institute in Bendigo.

All these courses were very well received by all in attendance, with the AWTCs going on to complete training in AS/NZS ISO 9606-1.

36

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: The Changing Face of Australian Standards Australian Standards are dynamic documents, with changes constantly made to reflect progresses in science, technology and systems. To ensure their relevancy, Standards come under periodic review, with amendments and revised editions published. Activity within the standards arena in Australia has been busy throughout 2019. A number of standards across a range of areas have been revised and others are in the process of being updated or replaced by relevant ISO standards.

Pressure Equipment Revision of AS/NZS 3992 Pressure equipment—Welding and brazing qualification was completed late in 2018, and a pubic review draft was released in July 2019. With public review closing in September 2019, the comments received during this period have now been resolved.

A ballot draft will now be prepared

by Standards Australia for review and ballot by Committee ME‑001.

Publication of the revised edition of the standard is likely to occur in Autumn 2020.

During 2019, Weld Australia assisted with the revision of AS/NZS 3788 Pressure equipment—In‑service inspection. The draft has been completed on schedule, and will now be prepared for submission to Standards Australia.

Steel Structures During 2019, Committee BD-001 worked on preparation of public review drafts for the revision of two of its Standards: AS/NZS 5131 Structural steelwork—Fabrication and erection; and AS 4100 Steel structures.

With the public review drafts being released in June, comments received have now been resolved.

Due to technical changes made during the resolution of comments received, updated drafts will be released for a second round of public comment.

Welding of Structures The revision of AS 2214 Certification of welding supervisors—Structural steel welding was completed by Committee WD-003 during 2019. It was published as AS/NZS 2214 in November.

The draft amendment to correct an error within AS/NZS 2980 Qualification of welders for fusion welding of steels—Additional requirements for Australia and New Zealand was released for public comment in July. The public comments received are currently being resolved. Publication of the amendment is likely to occur in Autumn 2020.

The preparation of a public review draft of the revision of AS/NZS 1554.2 Structural steel welding—Part 2: Stud welding (steel studs to steel) is well advanced with the release for public review now due in early 2020. As previously indicated, the draft has taken cognisance of the relevant ISO standards, and to this end, ISO 13918 is being adopted for stud materials providing for the use of stainless steel studs and studs for wear applications.

During 2019, Committee WD‑003 also adopted the latest revision of ISO 3834-5 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials—Part 5: Documents with which it is necessary to conform to claim conformity to the quality requirements of ISO 3834-2, ISO 3834-3 or ISO 3834-4 to replace

the aged AS/NZS ISO 3834.5.

Committee WD‑003 also adopted ISO/TR 3834‑6 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials—Part 6: Guidelines on implementing ISO 3834 as AS/NZS ISO 3834.6 to assist users of the ISO 3834 series of standards.

Non-Destructive Testing Committee MT‑007 has advised that due to the age of Australia’s nondestructive testing (NDT) standards and lack of resources to revise these standards, the equivalent ISO standards have been reviewed and will be considered for adoption as AS/NZS ISO standards.

The NDT processes affected include magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, eddy current and ultrasonic thickness testing, with public review drafts open for comment until December 2019. Consideration on the replacement of AS 2207 Non‑destructive testing— Ultrasonic testing of fusion welded joints in carbon and low alloy steels by its ISO equivalent has been deferred at this point in time.

ISO Adoptions During 2019, a number of ISO standards relevant to welding were adopted, enabling a number of aged Australian standards to be updated.

These include ISO 9017 Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials— Fracture test as AS/NZS 2205.4.1, and ISO 17639 Destructive tests on welds in metallic materials— Macroscopic and microscopic

37

2019 Year In Review: Australian Standards

examination of welds as AS/NZS 2205.5.1.

In addition, ISO 17637 was adopted as AS/NZS ISO 17637 Non‑destructive testing of welds— Visual testing of fusion welded joints, and ISO 5817 was adopted as AS/NZS ISO 5817 Welding— Fusion‑welded joints in steel, nickel, titanium and their alloys (beam welding excluded) – Quality levels for imperfections.

Separate to these adoptions, ISO 3821 is being adopted as AS/NZS 1335 Gas welding equipment—Rubber hoses for welding, cutting and allied processes, with public comment closing in November 2019.

ISO Update ISO TC44/SC10 has commenced the revision of the ISO 3834 series of standards, primarily to take cognisance of changes to ISO 9001 Quality Assurance and the recently published ISO 14731 Welding coordination—Tasks and responsibilities. Similarly, ISO TC44/ SC11 has commenced the revision of ISO 9606-1 Qualification testing of welders—Fusion welding—Part 1: Steels with the intention of combining all 5 parts into the one standard. This will simplify the ongoing maintenance and review requirements for the standards as parts 2 to 5 of ISO 9606-1 in need of revision. Australia is participating in the revision process on both subcommittees.

Separate to the standards review, Standards Australia hosted the ISO TC44 meeting in Sydney in September, providing a unique opportunity for Australian standards committee members across a range of disciplines to meet with the relevant world experts across a range of welding related matters.

2020 The coming year will be just as busy in terms of revisions and updates, with many of the proposed changes expected to be finalised and published in 2020. Australia will also continue to support the revisions to ISO standards relevant to Australia.

Weld Australia members will be kept informed through regular updates in Australian Welding magazine.

Register on the AWCR Today

How to Register 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

The AWCR was developed and is managed

by Weld Australia. It provides a national framework for qualifying and testing welders to International Standard AS/NZS ISO 9606-1, and provides a raft of benefits for welders and industry alike.

Go to www.awcr.org.au Click on ‘Click Here to Register’ Click on ‘Create an Account’ Enter your contact details Verify your email address Login and complete your profile

AWCR

Australian Welder Certification Register

+61 2 8748 0100 | www.awcr.org.au | awcr@weldaustralia.com.au | www.weldaustralia.com.au

38

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: Weld Australia Industry Group Activities Weld Australia’s Industry Groups provide a forum for technology transfer and research and development, linking members with industry and research organisations. Weld Australia works with Industry Group members to ensure they remain diverse and resilient in the ever-changing and increasingly challenging global markets. Industry Group members engineer innovative solutions that enhance safety, manage risk, reduce cost, and optimise operating efficiency.

Defence Industry Group This year has been exceptionally busy for the Defence Industry Group. As a result of the Groups’ activities, Weld Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with both BAE in relation to support for the Hunter Class Frigates; and the Naval Shipbuilding College to develop a national shipbuilding welding education and training competency framework.

Partnering with BAE and the Indigenous Defence and Infrastructure Consortium, Weld Australia developed a proposal to establish Indigenous Welding Schools focused on training disadvantaged individuals in line with ISO 9606-1 for entry into the defence industry. The scheme is awaiting funding.

Weld Australia also helped design and implement a custom augmented reality welding template, tailored to the welding skills required for Thales’ next generation Hawkei protected vehicles. The Hawkei vehicles feature complex welding processes, not previously used by Thales welders.

With the funding of an AWTC in Bendigo (that now utilises these custom augmented reality welding templates), Thales’ welders will be quickly and efficiently trained to the requisite global Standard.

In July, as result of discussions

during the Industry Group meetings, Geoff Crittenden (Chief Executive Officer, Weld Australia) visited two BAE Systems shipyards in Glasgow, Scotland: Govan Shipyard, and Scotstoun Shipyard. It is here that BAE Systems is building the eight Type 26 Frigates ordered by the Royal Navy. The ‘First of Class’ HMS Glasgow is under fabrication, due for completion in 2023. The purpose of the visit was to observe the production of the HMS Glasgow, in order to understand BAE System’s process for welder training. BAE has a comprehensive training program tailored BAE’s needs and the requirements of the shipyards. The lessons learnt during the trip will be essential in establishing Australia’s own Frigate shipyard in South Australia.

In August, Weld Australia participated in the PACIFIC 2019 International Maritime Exposition in Sydney. Weld Australia’s exhibition stand proved popular, with visits from Assistant Minister for Vocational Education, Training and Apprenticeships the Hon Steve Irons, as well as the Minister for Defence Industry the Hon Melissa Prince. Both Minister Irons and Minister Prince tried their hand at the augmented reality simulator.

Minister Irons was extremely positive about Weld Australia’s participation in the future of welding—particularly in relation to the Government’s

continuous Naval Shipbuilding Program—and acknowledged how important it is to increase the quality and number of skilled welders in Australia.

The major Defence Industry Group meeting took place in November at Thales Australia in Bendigo.

Attendees toured Thales’ facilities, where the Hawkei protected vehicles are being manufactured for the Department of Defence. Attendees also enjoyed highly informative presentations from Murray Brown (Operations Manager, Thales Bendigo), Cameron Baker (Director, Victorian Skills Commission), Neil Fitzpatrick (Manager Global Supply Chain and Australian Industry Capability, Rheinmetall), Stephen Harvey (Defence Business Adviser, Centre for Defence Industry Capability), Chris Coates (LHD Chief Engineer, BAE), and Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia).

Several key issues were discussed, including welder safety, practical application of augmented reality training, welder qualifications, welding standards, robotic welding in armoured vehicle production, the impact of welding skill shortages on defence projects, and indigenous participation in defence.

During the meeting, key projects for 2020 were agreed upon. The

2019 Year In Review: Industry Groups

39

To become a Weld Australia Industry Group member contact us via membership@ weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100.

Defence Industry Group will establish a working group to collaborate on identifying appropriate welding and fabrication companies to participate in a common supply chain. Several of the defence prime contractors expressed interest in joining the working group, including Austal, BAE, Rheinmetall and Thales.

In addition to this major undertaking, the Defence Industry Group will investigate the use of cobots for welding applications in confined spaces, which is particularly applicable to shipbuilding.

Given these exciting developments, it is little wonder that some of the nation’s largest defence industry prime contractors, such as BAE, Navantia and Rheinmetall have pledged their support for the Group in 2020.

Road and Rail Industry Group The Road and Rail Industry Group met in July in Melbourne. Hosted by VicRoads, the meeting was attended by representatives from Roads and Maritime Services (New South Wales), VicRoads (Victoria), Transport and Main Roads (Queensland), Main Roads (Western Australia), and Weld Australia. The two major projects that progressed in 2019 were the Austroads Steel Fabrication Specification (ASFS), and the Austroads Stainless Steel Fabrication Specification. Collaborative work on the development of the ASFS was completed, and forwarded to the Austroads publication department.

This represents a significant milestone for the Group. The ASFS is currently under review by Austroads.

The Austroads Stainless Steel

Specification will set out the minimum requirements for the preparation, welding, inspection and testing, and final acceptance of stainless structures and components which must be fabricated in accordance with the technical specifications.

The objective of this Specification is to provide rules for the welding of a wide range of stainless steel fabrications, including statically and dynamically loaded welds.

Power Technology Industry Group The Australian Power Technology Industry Group met at ALS in Newcastle in June, and again at CS Energy in Brisbane in October. A major focus of the first meeting was Maintenance and Outages: Managing Welding Quality. Several presentations were provided, including: Quality Assurance: Failures and Success by Wayne Hill, (Operations Support, Energy Australia NSW); Management of Welding and Quality by Doug Harman (Quality Assurance Controller and Responsible Welding Coordinator, Synergy); Welding and Quality Coordination by Mehdi Tajfar (Welding Engineer, Weld Australia); and Third Party Inspection for Overseas Procurement by Helena Zhu (Inspection Engineer, HRL).

Following the presentations, a discussion around strategies to improve industry-wide welding quality issues ensued. As a result, Weld Australia has requested feedback from all attendees on what should be specified for welder products, especially for safety critical plant such as HEP, turbines and generators. Based on this feedback,

Weld Australia will then generate a Technical Guidance Note.

The second focus of the meeting was The Importance of Process Safety. Several members provided an overview of process safety at their organisation, including Bob Hazard (Asset Engineering Specialist Integrity, CS Energy), and Dr Stuart Mann (Principal Engineer, AGL Energy). Barbara Lucas (Principal Consultant, Nuffield Group) presented on the topic Process Safety Lessons Learned from Major Hazard Industries, while Dr Nan Xu (Senior Metallurgist, ALS Global provided a case study on quality assurance and documentation of weld repairs.

In October, the Group also facilitated a seminar on the topic From Baseload to Flexible Operations.

With growing renewable generation, higher penetration of variable and intermittent generation and other market forces, coal plants designed for baseload operation are increasingly looking to operate in flexible modes. This event provided an overview of the current Australian National Electricity Market, as well as the drivers for flexible operations.

These issues will be illustrated with overseas experiences and case studies in similar flexible operations.

Representatives from local power stations also discussed methodologies considered for cycling and low load operations.

Life management of cycling plant components under combined loading will be covered, together with challenges and successes achieved under low load.

40 40

Australian Welding: December 2019

2019: What Weld Australia Members Have to Say Weld Australia Member Testimonials Weld Australia’s members are made up of individual welding professionals, as well as companies of all sizes. In fact, Weld Australia members are involved in almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. We recently spoke with a number of our members, eliciting their feedback on our activities, services and membership benefits. This is what they had to say.

Bill Mundy, Sales Manager, Federation University Australia “Federation University determined that there was a need to provide highlevel skills for welders in the local region, particularly with infrastructure maintenance and construction, export work, and defence industry projects continuing to grow. There was a sense within the business that we needed to determine: what higher qualifications for welding look like; how to support local industry; and how to ensure welders have the skills needed for the jobs of the future. We recognised the need for better skilled and more stringent control of welding and welding techniques across the manufacturing sectors in our local region.”

“We came across the new welder qualifications developed by Weld Australia and the Victorian Skills Commissioner, and expressed an interested in delivering those qualifications. That put us in contact with Weld Australia, who was at the forefront of developing those qualifications.”

“Our interactions with Weld Australia can only be described as excellent.

Quite frankly, I cannot fault the level of support that has come from Weld Australia. We have built a partnership with Weld Australia, rather than a relationship of supplier and client.”

“Moving forward, we will harness

the support of Weld Australia to muster industry in our local region.

Weld Australia is in a position to help us educate our regional manufacturers on the importance of what we’ve done, the investment we’ve made, and benefits it will bring to local industries. Weld Australia’s industry support and connections will be pivotal in our future industry engagement.”

“Weld Australia is benefitting the Australian industry as a whole via a number of aspects. They are driving an agenda which is designed purely and simply around delivering a better quality product to an end consumer, regardless of who that end consumer might be—defence, manufacturing, construction. Through better qualified welders, we will deliver a better quality product.”

“Weld Australia is also delivering much better quality training outcomes in the welding space.

This includes everything from a Certificate III in Engineering—where ISO qualification is now embedded in the apprenticeship program—to support for teachers so they have an additional bow to their arrow in terms of the skills they can deliver.”

“In terms of broader strategy benefit, Weld Australia is helping to lift Australia’s game in relation to the products delivered on the world

stage. If we want to be a country known for our manufacturing quality, we need to deliver internationalstandard products. Whether defence equipment—or any product at all really—we need quality products, delivered by quality welders, who have undertaken quality training, delivered by quality teachers. It’s a differentiating strategy that allows Australia to compete on a world stage.”

“There is a symbiotic relationship between the work Weld Australia does and the training we want to do. If we work together, there is a greater chance of success in lifting Australia’s quality aspirations, and achieving better product outcomes across the country.”

Ali Enayati, Project Manager, Bombardier Transportation in Australia “Bombardier Transportation Australia undertakes a significant amount of welding for Melbourne’s Trams and Vlocity Trains at its Dandenong site. Part of our agreement with our customer is for the train and tram car bodies to be welded locally and be compliant with AS/NZS 1554.6 Structural steel welding or EN 15085 Railway applications - Welding of railway vehicles and components.”

“In order to ensure compliance,

Inside WeldInAustralia: MemberTestimonials Testimonials 2019 Year Review: Member

41

Image credit: Bombardier Transportation.

we need to follow all the Standard requirements. Weld Australia has supported Bombardier to develop and establish a welding school at our Dandenong site. In addition, Weld Australia provided us with a range of technical support in becoming the first rail company in Australia to achieve International Railway Welding Certification.”

“The Welding Training Centre at Bombardier’s Dandenong site in Victoria is now an accredited facility for securing and growing local welding capabilities and for delivering industry-recognised certifications to staff, external suppliers, and industry partners in Australia. This certification demonstrates our local capabilities and competitiveness in the Australian fabrication and manufacturing sector. It is key for Bombardier in Australia to uphold Standards and lead the way in quality rollingstock manufacturing. Investing in skills and capabilities is the best way we can support and grow a sustainable rail industry in Australia.”

“Over the years, Certification EN 15085 has become the Standard for railway manufacture and repair worldwide. This certification enables the Dandenong site in Australia to manufacture carbodies to the latest European Standards. Bombardier offers welding courses for internal

and external candidates and our Dandenong facility has trained and qualified over 40 welders in addition to several key supply partners.”

“During the certification process, I was the head of supplier quality assurance at Bombardier Transportation in Australia. In this capacity, I worked with several different certified local bodies and consultants.”

“Given Bombardier’s longterm presence in the Australian market and unique local welding capabilities, we have developed local expertise and specialty in welding.

In terms of engagement, we have

been particularly happy with the service and quality provided by Weld Australia.”

“We appreciate their efficient processes and systems while working with us. All the inputs and changes requested were implemented in a timely manner.

Weld Australia has a team of experts with local connection across rail, construction and manufacturing.”

Jason Elias, Managing Director, Precision Metal Group “Precision Metal Group joined Weld Australia because it was governing body responsible for certifying companies within the welding and

Weld Australia Membership Types •

Individual Membership: Individual membership is open to apprentices, tradesmen, inspectors, supervisors, technologists, engineers, academics and others with an interest in welding.

•

Corporate Membership: Corporate membership is open to all companies associated with welding or related activities.

•

Industry Groups Membership: Industry Groups identify and meet the critical welding needs of key Australian markets, such as mining, power, construction, defence, and oil and gas.

•

Free Apprentice Membership: As part of our ongoing commitment to nurturing the next generation of skilled welders in Australia, Weld Australia is pleased to offer apprentice welders free membership.

•

Free TAFE Membership: Weld Australia is proud to support, and encourage development of, Australian TAFEs and their teachers, which is why we are pleased to offer free membership to both.

42

fabrication arena, in addition to its strong history and large footprint within the broader marketplace.”

“We utilised the services of Weld Australia in gaining our certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. Overall, this was a very educating journey, from better welding practices through to upskilling within the Australian market to contend with international work. It was not so much of an auditing process—it was more of an educational process to get us ready for certification.”

“One of the major benefits of becoming certified to ISO 3834 is that the certification has opened many doors for us in terms of new work, particularly projects commissioned by the Australian Defence Force. The certification process itself helps streamline your processes, and improve your productivity and efficiency, and therefore bottom line. Plus, it helps your entire workforce better understand it’s role within the broader industrial sector.”

Australian Welding: December 2019

“We also use some of Weld Australia’s other services from timeto-time. We work with Weld Australia for welder qualifications, and have own training school that has been certified by, and is supervised by, Weld Australia.”

Matthew Ellis, Special Projects Manager, Frontline Manufacturing “Frontline Manufacturing was asked to meet several different requirements by Rheinmetall.

In order to do so, we looked for a company that could help us throughout the whole AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials certification process. Weld Australia was suggested as the peak industry body that we should be working with on certifications.”

“Once we decided that we wanted to leverage Weld Australia’s expertise in this area, we decided to join Weld Australia as a corporate member—to support the industry.

The support and advice we received throughout the certification process was exceptional. We made a few

mistakes internally along the way on how we went about the process.

We found that Weld Australia was really good in communicating the requirements to us and supporting us in terms of getting through the process. Their team was very open, honest, and encouraging through all the new and difficult requirements.”

“Paolo Corronca (Senior Welding Engineer) was one of my main points of contact. He was outstanding in his communications with me. Paolo has been very accommodating and quite a good business relationship has ensued as a result.”

“We are also utilising Weld Australia for training at the moment. We have two staff currently completing advanced training in Wollongong, and another in Brisbane. One is undertaking the International Welding Supervisor course, and the other is completing the International Welding Engineer course.”

“Now that Frontline Manufacturing is certified, I’m sure that we will find we need help with new opportunities as they arise. In doing so, we are now in

2019 Year In Review: Member Testimonials

a position to draw on the significant resources offered by Weld Australia.”

Adam Packer, Business Development Manager, TEi Services “TEi Services decided to join Weld Australia because they are the peak industry body and a great advocate for industry. Weld Australia really does advocate the importance of Australian manufacturing and keeping the industry on-shore, particularly with the defence primes that TEi is targeting.”

“We recently used Weld Australia’s technical hotline service, which was a great experience. The hotline helped us to overcome a problem that we were having some difficulty with. The problem actually turned out to be quite simple—we were just misinterpreting the Standard. Weld Australia’s technical experts certainly have sound knowledge of how to interpret Australian and International Standards.”

“We also used Weld Australia’s auditing service to obtain our certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834.2

Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. The certification process itself was very rewarding. While our systems and processes were generally in line with the Standard’s requirements, going through the desktop and site audits with Weld Australia helped us to identify areas for improvement, to raise our practices to the next level, and close some gaps that we identified. It has set us on a pathway to readiness for global supply chain opportunities.”

“The Australian welding industry has always been focused on Australian Standards when it comes compliance. Now we have to shift mindset to global Standards and acceptance so that Australian manufacturers can access global supply chains. Weld Australia is advising and training industry on how to do exactly this. We currently have personnel undertaking the training in ISO 9606 Qualification testing of welders - Fusion welding, and in the International Institute of Welding (IIW) International Welding Specialist (IWS) training programs.”

43

Kent Wyllie, General Manager, Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council “We first got involved with Weld Australia as a result of the need to establish an Advanced Welding Training Centre. Collaborating with Weld Australia, we were able to attain the appropriate equipment and define the curriculum, which played a vital role in the development and implementation of the Centre.”

“We’ve found Weld Australia to be very approachable at all levels, and have certainly appreciated their ongoing support and willingness to think ‘outside the box’ to find solutions as problems arise.”

“Weld Australia plays a pivotal role in promoting welding in general, and raising awareness around the need for welder training to incorporate new forms of advanced teaching methods, tailored to the needs of business and industry. As the national industry body, Weld Australia is able to give the sector one common voice to achieve results that are positive for all businesses.”

Join Weld Australia Today Weld Australia membership is an investment in the success of your career or the success of your business. We will help you increase your income, decrease your costs and give you a competitive advantage over companies or people who are not Weld Australia members.

A Weld Australia membership delivers: • Community and networking opportunities • Widespread credibility • Visibility within the industrial sector • Career opportunities and professional development • Industry insights and knowledge sharing • Expert help and technical advice • Collective power To join Weld Australia: • Visit: weldaustralia.com.au • Email: membership@weldaustralia.com.au • Call: +61 (0)2 8748 0100

44

Australian Welding: December 2019

2020 & Beyond: The Industry Outlook Manufacturing entered 2019 with a positive outlook. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, as at March 2019, more than 6% (or a little over 1 in 20) of all jobs in Australia were in manufacturing.

Plus, manufacturing jobs increased by 16,000 jobs in the 12 months to June 2019. These changes have seen manufacturing remain the 7th highest employing industry in Australia. This growth with change can be attributed, in part, to new models of manufacturing that rely upon trends such as technological innovation and increasingly globalised supply chains.

As 2020 progresses, it is likely that companies operating within the Australian manufacturing industry will need to keep pace with these trends to succeed. In addition, all manufacturing stakeholders (including industry, government, unions and associations) will need to work together to overcome existing challenges in areas such as energy security, and workforce capability and availability.

Technological Innovation & Global Supply Chains According to the most recent edition of KPMG’s Global Manufacturing Outlook report, there is no time to waste in building a comprehensive digital transformation strategy. Global manufacturing is being disrupted to its foundations and industrial demarcation lines are blurring.

The fourth industrial revolution is dramatically changing the barriers to entry and is expected to lead to the reshaping of many companies — and even entire industries. But this is an ‘opportunity and not a threat’ said 95% of the CEO respondents to KPMG’s recent survey.

The game-changing tools around data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), advanced robotics, augmented reality and others promise great benefits when they are combined with the connective power of the Internet of Things (IoT). But the manufacturing CEOs surveyed in KPMG’s latest poll (as part of a wider

survey of a total of 1,300 CEOs) do not expect to realise them quickly, even though they are under pressure from investors for rapid results.

Digital transformation is clearly a long-term commitment, and one of the many tasks CEOs must undertake is to persuade stakeholders to be patient, while they lead their organisations on the exciting and challenging journey. It is a journey that can drive growth to levels not achievable under current business models and strategies.

According to KPMG, successful manufacturers will be those that blend artificial and human intelligence most effectively. Despite fears frequently expressed in the media

that AI and other digital technologies will lead to the loss of millions of jobs, manufacturing CEOs take a more sanguine view; 64% of CEOs surveyed by KPMG believe that AI will create more jobs than it eliminates.

Barriers to Success Australia’s manufacturing industry has survived a difficult period, in the face of both domestic and global challenges. However, several indicators suggest that the opportunities in manufacturing have improved significantly. Employment has increased over the last few years, exports and profits have expanded, and business confidence is positive. Yet, there are two major constraints holding back Australia’s manufacturing industry: energy

“

Having an appropriately sized, skilled, readilyavailable workforce at the right time is key to delivering major projects. Developing this workforce presents a complex and long term challenge—it requires a significant amount of individual training and company up-skilling to meet global standards.”

2020 Industry Outlook

insecurity and fragmented skills and training.

Energy Insecurity Australia’s energy supply is among the world’s costliest and dirtiest.

It has also become increasingly unreliable, with regulators warning that gas shortfalls on the east coast are highly likely. The increasing cost and unreliability of Australia’s energy supply is putting manufacturing under considerable pressure, undermining the sector’s competitiveness in today’s global market.

According to industry experts, the way to ensure energy security in Australia is through renewable energy sources, balancing the intermittence of these sources with battery technologies, and investing in training skills for the manufacturing sector. In fact, Australia has a comparative advantage in the new world of renewables, with abundant solar and wind resources along the west-facing coasts and peninsulas of southern Australia.

In addition, in late November, the COAG Energy Council agreed to Australia’s National Hydrogen Strategy. The Strategy sets a path for Australia to become a major global player in the hydrogen industry by 2030. According to Dr Alan Finkel AO (Australia’s Chief Scientist and Chair of the COAG Energy Council Hydrogen Working Group), “Australia has a number of competitive advantages as a hydrogen exporter: expertise and infrastructure we can

leverage to develop hydrogen export energy supply chains; proximity to markets in Asia and well-established trading relationships; and an abundance of renewable energy and low-cost fossil-fuel resources.”

Workforce Capability and Availability According to a recent employment outlook survey in Australia, skilled trades workers (such as electricians and welders), engineers (electrical, civil and mechanical) and technicians are scarce. In fact, 34% of Australian employers admit that filling job vacancies is increasingly difficult, mainly due to lack of applicants (25%), lack of skills (21%), and lack of experience (19%).

This is compounded by the fact that approximately 30% of Australia’s existing welding workforce is aged over 45 years. This heavy proportion of older skilled trade workers, particularly welders, puts into focus the looming issues that industrial sectors are likely to face when baby boomers finally reach retirement age—welding positions will simply become impossible to fill, particularly given the projected increased demand.

Our lack of skilled workers combined with an aging workforce demographic is exacerbated by strong employment growth. Recent labour force data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics indicates that employment growth among manufacturers surged by 86,000

45

over the past 12 months—the highest growth rate of any Australian industry—closely followed by both the mining and construction industries. There is also further projected employment growth over the next five years for structural steel and welding trade workers.

This employment growth rate is not surprising given some of the major projects on the horizon, from the Federal Government’s $90 billion Naval Shipbuilding Program, through to major infrastructure projects such as the $12 billion Sydney Metro project, and the $5 billion Melbourne Airport Rail Link.

The skills shortage is clearly reaching breaking point in Australia.

Having an appropriately sized, skilled, readily-available workforce at the right time is key to delivering these major projects. Developing this workforce presents a complex and long term challenge—it requires a significant amount of individual training and company up-skilling to meet global standards.

Perhaps more importantly, it requires a shift in thinking and a focus on the skills that will be essential to the manufacturing industry of the future, such as automation, robotics, advanced manufacturing processes.

Government, industry and education all play a role in solving this complex, long-term challenge, and in attracting, skilling and retaining workers.

46

Australian Welding: December 2019

Member Directory Weld Australia is dedicated to providing members with a competitive advantage through access to industry, research, education, government, and the wider welding community. When you join Weld Australia, you become part of a network of engaged companies and individuals, with which you can share technology transfer, best practices, and professional opportunities. For further information, please contact membership@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0100.

Weld Australia Industry Group Members Weld Australia hosts and administers several Industry Groups, providing a forum for technology transfer and R&D, linking members with industry and research organisations. The Weld Australia Industry Groups: represent a source of vital technical welding information; optimise welding practices through standard development and tools; and assist members to prepare specifications.

AGL Energy www.agl.com.au 131 245 customer.solutions@agl.com.au

Transport and Main Roads (Queensland) www.tmr.qld.gov.au +61 7 3066 6358 TMRStructuralMaterials@tmr.qld.gov.au

ANSTO www.ansto.gov.au +61 2 9717 3111 enquiries@ansto.gov.au

Navantia Australia www.navantia.com.au (02) 6269 5900 navantia.australia@navantia.es

ASC www.asc.com.au +61 8 8348 7000 David.Price@asc.com.au

NRG Gladstone Operating Service www.nrggos.com.au +61 7 4976 5211 cmcguinn@nrggos.com.au

Ausgrid www.ausgrid.com.au +61 2 4951 9555 cchiodi@ausgrid.com.au

Stanwell Corporation www.stanwell.com 1800 300 351 www.stanwell.com/contact-us

Austal www.austal.com +61 8 9410 1111 info@austal.com

Synergy www.synergy.net.au +61 8 9781 6720 Doug.Harman@synergy.net.au

CB&I www.cbi.com +61 8 93245555 www.cbi.com/contact

Thales Australia www.thalesgroup.com +61 2 8037 6000 MaritimeBusinessSupport@thalesgroup.com.au

CS Energy www.csenergy.com.au +61 7 3854 7777 energyinfo@csenergy.com.au

Transport for NSW www.transport.nsw.gov.au +62 2 8202 2200 stakeholder.relations@transport.nsw.gov.au

Energy Australia www.energyaustralia.com.au 133 466 Wayne.Hill@energyaustraliansw.com.au

Vales Point Power Station (Delta) www.de.com.au +61 2 4352 6111 info@de.com.au

LYB Operation & Maintenance Loy Yang B Power Station www.loyyangb.com.au +61 3 77 2000 contactus@loyyangb.com

VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au +61 3 8391 3216 vicroadstechnicalservices@roads.vic.gov.au

47

Inside Weld Australia: Member Directory

Premium Corporate Members ALS Industrial www.alsglobal.com/au +61 2 4922 2400 powerservices@alsglobal.com Applied Ultrasonics Australia www.appliedultrasonics.com.au +61 2 9986 2133 info@appliedultrasonics.com.au Baker & Provan www.bakerprovan.com.au +61 2 8801 9000 info@bakerprovan.com.au BOC www.boc-limited.com.au +61 2 8874 4400 contact@boc.com Callidus Welding Solutions http://callidusgroup.com.au +61 8 6241 0799 info@callidusgroup.com.au CIGWELD www.cigweld.com.au 1300 654 674 enquiries@cigweld.com.au Coregas http://coregas.com.au +61 2 9794 2222 info@coregas.com

Hardchrome Engineering www.hardchrome.com.au +61 3 9561 9555 office@hardchrome.com.au

QENOS www.qenos.com +61 3 9258 7333 enquiry@qenos.com

HRL Technology Group www.hrlt.com.au 1800 475 832 info@hrl.com.au

Quest Integrity Group www.questintegrity.com +61 7 5507 7900 Info-APAC@questintegrity.com

Liberty www.libertygfg.com 1800 178 335 capital@libertygfg.com

Santos www.santos.com +61 8 8116 5000 reception.ade@santos.com

Lincoln Electric www.lincolnelectric.com +61 2 9772 7222 sales@lincolnelectric.com.au

Tronox Management www.tronox.com +61 8 9411 1444 info@tronox.com

LMATS http://lmats.com.au +61 8 9200 2231 admin@lmats.com.au

UGL Pty Limited www.ugllimited.com +61 2 8925 8925 uglinfo@ugllimited.com

Main Roads Western Australia www.mainroads.wa.gov.au 138 138 enquiries@mainroads.wa.gov.au

Welding Industries of Australia (WIA) www.welding.com.au 1300 300 884 info@welding.com.au

MMG www.mmg.com +61 3 9288 0888 info@mmg.com

Wilmar Sugar www.wilmarsugarmills.com.au +61 7 4722 1972 info@wilmar.com.au

Join Weld Australia Today.

Help Secure the Future of

Australian Welding +61 2 8748 0100

|

membership@weldaustralia.com.au

|

www.weldaustralia.com.au

48

Corporate Members 3M Australia: 3m.com.au A & B Welding: abwelding.com.au A&G Engineering: agengineering.com.au Abrasion Resistant Materials: arm.com.au Able Industries Engineering: ableind.com.au Adept Inspections & Training: adeptengineering.com.au Aerison: aerison.com AF Gason: gason.com.au Aitken Welding: aitkenwelding.com Ancon Building Products: ancon.com.au Antec Group: antec.com.au ARL Laboratory Services: arllabservices.com.au ATTAR: attar.com.au Austal: austal.com Austedan Fabrications: austedan.com.au Austin Engineering: austineng.com Austral: australtechnologies.com.au Australian Rail Track Corporation: artc.com.au Australian Welding Supplies: awsi.com.au AWS Centre of Excellence: australianweldingsolutions.com.au BAE Systems: baesystems.com Barker Hume Homes: N/A Baxter Institute: baxter.vic.edu.au Beenleigh Steel Fabrications: beenleighsteel.com.au Ben Baden Services: craneconnection.com.au Berg Engineering: bergengineering.com.au Bisalloy Steels: bisalloy.com.au BlueScope Steel: bluescopesteel.com.au BMC Welding: bmcgroup.com.au Bombardier Transportation: bombardier.com/en/transportation.html Bossong Engineering: bossong.com.au Bradken: bradken.com Brezac Constructions: brezac.com.au Broadspectrum: broadspectrum.com Brosco Enterprises: brosco.com.au Browns Precision Welding: brownswelding.com.au Brunton Engineering & Construction: brunteng.com Caltex Refineries (QLD): caltex.com.au CCR Group: ccrgroup.com.au Central Engineering: centralengineering.com.au Chess Engineering: chessindustries.com.au CPT Engineering: cptengineering.com.au

Australian Welding: December 2019

CQ Field Mining Services: cqfma.com.au CQ Steel Industries: cqsteel.com.au Crisp Bros Haywards: haywards-steel.com Cruisemaster Australia: cruisemaster.com.au Cullen Steel: cullensteel.com.au D&L Engineering Services: fabinox.com.au DGH Engineering: dghengineering.com.au Diverse Welding: diversewelding.com.au DJM Fabrications: djmfab.com DT Hiload Australia: dthiload.com Engineering Welding and Inspection Services Excel Marine: excelmarine.net.au Extrin: extrin.com.au FIELD Engineers: fieldengineers.com.au Flexco: flexco.com.au Fortress Systems: fortressresistors.com Foxheat: foxheat.com Frontline Manufacturing: frontlinemanufacturing.com.au Furphy Engineering: furphys.com.au G & G Mining Fabrication: ggminingfab.com Global Manufacturing Group: gmqld.com.au Hamilton Maintenance Group HEQ Diesel and Gas: heq.net.au Hilton Manufacturing: hiltonmanufacturing.com.au HVAC Queensland: hvac.com.au Industrial Installation & Maintenance: iimaust.com.au Incat Tasmania: incat.com.au Ingal EPS: ingaleps.com.au IRISndt Australia: irisndt.com Jacmor Engineering: jacmor.com.au JB Specialised Engineering: jordbellows.com.au JR’s Marine Engineering: jrsgroup.com.au JVA Engineering: jvaengineering.com.au Kangaroo Training Institute: kangarootraininginstitute.com.au Kenro Products: kenrometal.com.au Keppel Prince Engineering: keppelprince.com Knox Engineering: knoxeng.com LaserBond: laserbond.com.au Lendlease: lendlease.com/au Loclur Engineering: loclur.com.au Lorch South Pacific: lorch.eu/en LSW Group: lswgroup.com.au Mainetec: mainetec.com.au MaxiTRANS: maxitrans.com Mechanical Maintenance Solutions: mms.auz.net

Mechanical Testing Services: N/A Melco Engineering: melcoeng.com.au Midway Metals: midwaymetals.com.au Millmerran: intergen.com Monadelphous Group: monadelphous.com.au Monash University: monash.edu Newmont Asia Pacific: newmont.com Nix Engineering Group: nixengineering.com.au Obadare: obadare.com.au Orrcon Manufacturing: orrconsteel.com.au OSD Pipelines: osdlimited.com Precision Metal Group Aust: precisionmetalgroup.com QSM Fabrication: qsmfabrication.com.au Quality Process Services: qpspl.com.au Queensland Nitrates Plant: N/A Radio Frequency Systems: rfsworld.com RJB Industries: rjb-industries.com Robert Vernon: N/A Robot Technologies-Systems Australia: robottechnologies.com.au Rockpress: rockpress.com.au Russell Mineral Equipment: rmeglobal.com S&L Steel: slsteel.com.au Samaras Group: samarasgroup.com Saunders International: saundersint.com Scaffstand: scaffstand.com.au SMW Group: smwgroup.com.au Smenco: smenco.com.au Snowy Hydro: snowyhydro.com.au South32 Temco: south32.net Southern Cross Industrial Supplies: scis.com.au SSS Manufacturing: sssmanufacturing.com Steel Mains: www.steelmains.com Structural Integrity Engineering: siepl.com.au Supagas: supagas.com.au SWA Water Australia: swawater.com.au Synergy Aluminum Towers: synergyaccessandscaffolding.com.au Taurus Mining Solutions: taurusminingsolutions.com The Bloomfield Group: bloomcoll.com.au TEi Services: tei.com.au Topline Steel Fabrications: N/A Trade and Investment NSW: industry.nsw.gov.au Uneek Bending: uneek.com.au Victorian Testing & Inspection Services: victesting.com.au Walz Construction: walzgroup.biz Welding Guns of Australia: unimig.com.au WGASA: wga.com.au

Inside Weld Australia: Upcoming Events

49

Upcoming Events Whether you need to brush up on skills learnt years ago, want to try your hand at something new, or crave some networking opportunities, there is sure to be an industry event for you. For further information on Weld Australia events, please email events@weldaustralia.com.au.

January 2020

May 2020

August 2020

11th Weld Cracking Symposium 20 January, Houston, USA https://www.aws.org

Conference on Railway Excellence 11 to 13 May, Perth https://www.core2020.org.au

2020 Inspection Conference 21 to 23 January, Houston, USA https://www.aws.org

Advanced Manufacturing Expo 13 to 15 May, Sydney advancedmanufacturingexpo.com.au

Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition (AIMEX) 27 to 29 August, Sydney http://www.aimex.com.au

February 2020

4th International Congress on Welding and Joining Technologies and 3rd IIW International Congress in the Western European Region 27 to 29 May, Seville, Spain http://iiwelding.org

IC 2020 - IIW International Congress in India 6 to 8 February, Mumbai, India http://iiwelding.org MISE 2020: Materials Innovations in Surface Engineering 11 to 12 February, Melbourne https://www.mise2020.com.au Resistance Welding Manufacturing Alliance Conference 26 to 28 February, San Antonio, USA https://www.aws.org March 2020 Australian Oil and Gas Exhibition 11 to 13 March, Perth https://aogexpo.com.au

July 2020 NANO 2020 - XV International Conference on Nanostructured Materials 6 to 10 July, Melbourne https://www.nano2020.org.au Ninth International Conference on Engineering Failure and Analysis 12 to 15 July, Shanghai, China www.materialsaustralia.com.au 73rd IIW Annual Assembly and International Conference 19 to 24 July, Singapore http://iiwelding.org

September 2020 International Conference on Coastal Engineering (ICCE) 13 to 18 September, Sydney http://icce2020.com November 2020 Australian Structural Engineering Conference 10 to 13 November, Melbourne https://aseconference.org.au CAMS 2020: Advancing Materials and Manufacturing 18 to 20 November, Melbourne http://www.cams2020.com.au National Electric Energy Conference 26 to 27 November, Sydney https://www.eecon2019.com December 2020 9th International Conference on Power and Energy Systems 10 to 12 December, Perth http://www.icpes.org

Australian Welding: December 2019

50

2020 Training Calendar Weld Australia delivers a comprehensive range of training and certification services, all of which are designed to help Australian welders and fabricators achieve and maintain a competitive advantage.

As the premier welding certification body in Australia, an International Institute of Welding (IIW) Authorised Nominated Body (ANB) and an Authorised Training Body (ATB), Weld Australia offers individual certifications, including: Welding Inspector, Welding Specialist, Welding Technologist, Welding Engineer, AS1796 Welding Supervisor Certificate 10, and AS2214 Welding Supervisor.

International Welding Specialist Location

Dates

Brisbane

Week 1: 25 - 29 May 2020 Week 2: 22 - 26 June 2020 Week 3: 20 -24 July 2020 Week 4: 17 - 21 August 2020 Week 5: 21 - 25 September 2020

Mackay

Week 1: 6 - 10 July 2020 Week 2: 3 - 7 August 2020 Week 3: 7 - 11 September 2020 Week 4: 5 - 9 October 2020 Week 5: 9 - 13 November 2020

Melbourne

Week 1: 3 - 7 February 2020 Week 2: 2 - 6 March 2020 Week 3: 30 March - 3 April 2020 Week 4: 4 - 8 May 2020 Week 5: 1 - 5 June 2020

Perth

Week 1: 10 - 14 February 2020 Week 2: 9 - 13 March 2020 Week 3: 20 - 24 April 2020 Week 4: 18 - 22 May 2020 Week 5: 15 - 19 June 2020

Sydney

Week 1: 29 June - 3 July 2020 Week 2: 27 - 31 July 2020 Week 3: 31 August - 4 September 2020 Week 4: 28 September - 2 October 2020 Week 5: 2 - 6 November 2020

International Welding Engineer Location

Dates

Wollongong

Module 1: 23 - 27 September 2019 Practical Phase: 25 - 29 November 2019 Module 2: 2 - 6 December 2019 Module 3: 10 - 14 February 2020 Module 4: 4 - 8 May 2020

International Welding Technologist Location

Dates

Wollongong

Module 1: 23 - 27 September 2019 Practical Phase: 25 - 29 November 2019 Module 2: 2 - 6 December 2019 Module 3: 10 - 14 February 2020 Module 4: 4 - 8 May 2020

International Welding Inspector - Basic Location

Dates

Adelaide

30 March - 6 April 2020

Brisbane

20 - 24 April 2020

Burnie

11 - 15 May 2020

Hunter

23 - 27 March 2020

Mackay

11 - 15 May 2020

Melbourne

18 - 22 May 2020

Perth

16 - 20 March 2020

Sydney

2 - 6 March 2020

Inside Weld Australia: 2020 Training Calendar

51

“

This is the second IWI course I have taken and on both accounts I have been very impressed with the presenters. The level of knowledge from all the teachers is impressive.�

International Welding Inspector - Standard Location

Dates

Brisbane

Part 1: 16 - 20 November 2020 Part 2: 7 - 9 December 2020

Perth

Part 1: 24-28 August 2020 Part 2: 14 - 16 September 2020

Sydney

Part 1: 1 - 5 June 2020 Part 2: 22 - 24 June 2020

Welding Technology Appreciation for Engineers (3DE) Location

Dates

Adelaide

11 - 13 May 2020

Brisbane

23 - 25 March 2020

Burnie

15 - 17 June 2020

Sydney

6 - 8 April 2020

Perth

27 - 29 July 2020

Mackay

2 - 4 November 2020

Melbourne

6 - 8 July 2020

Welding Workshop Supervisor (Blended Learning Program) Location

Dates

Australia-wide 7 January 2020 - 30 June 2020

Online & Blended Learning In conjunction with the American Welding Society (AWS), Weld Australia offers online courses to help develop your welding knowledge and to better inform you for your professional development. The content has been developed by senior people within the profession and is regularly updated. These courses are available any time, day and night, and are designed as self-paced modules which will allow the student to complete them in their own time. Courses include: Economics of Welding; Fabrication Maths; Metallurgy; Non-Destructive Testing; Welding Fundamentals; Welding Safety; and Welding Sales Representative.

In-House Training Weld Australia can present any of its courses to your employees in-house at the location of your choosing.

We can also tailor training courses specifically for your company and employees.

Further Information For further information, or to enrol in a Weld Australia training course today, please contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au or +61 2 8748 0150, or visit www.weldaustralia.com.au.

Weld Australia reserves the right to cancel or change dates of any training course due to insufficient registrations or other reasons beyond its control, and reserves the right to refuse enrolments.

The Benefits of Training & Qualification Weld Australia training and certification is a strong addition to your career portfolio. It demonstrates to employers that you possess advanced welding knowledge, essential to ensuring the highest levels of workmanship. Qualification demonstrates to employers that you are dedicated to continually learning and growing in your field. These are qualities that are essential for success in team leadership roles or for more complex projects.

Designed to provide an interesting and stimulating industrial perspective, all our courses are supported by a broad range of major industry groups and hundreds of Australian companies. Plus, our presenters are all International Welding Engineers or Technologists with extensive industry experience.

Australian Welding: December 2019 52 Weld Australia’s Expert Advisory

Services And Technical Support: Independent Advice You Can Trust Weld Australia has a team of highly qualified welding engineers and materials specialists available to provide expert advisory services on all welding and materials related matters. With expertise in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to composites, we have a unique capability to solve your joining problems. Our advice can help you substantially increase the operational life of your plant and equipment, thereby reducing your maintenance and repair overheads.

Our Areas of Expertise • • • • • • • • • • • •

Welding procedure development Welding coordination and management systems Material performance and weldability Welding processes and related equipment Welding health and safety Failure investigation Expert witness in welding and related matters On-site welding technology assistance On-site auditing of welding quality systems Welding codes and standards Inspection and testing Non-destructive testing

Resources

Manufacturing

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Mechanical testing Heat treatment in welding Welding quality management to ISO 3834 Welding specialists (IWE, IWT, IWS) for site work Pipelines-in-service welding, repairs and hot tapping Specialised welding and associated technologies (laser, ultrasonic peening and underwater welding) R&D and application of technology Engineering critical assessment fracture mechanics Structural and pressure equipment design Finite element analysis Weld cost estimating Life estimation

Infrastructure

Defence

Power Generation

Helping secure the future of Australia’s welding industry.

+61 (0)2 8748 0100 | info@weldaustralia.com.au | www.weldaustralia.com.au | Building 3, Level 3, 20 Bridge Street, Pymble, NSW