Weld Connect - October 2022

IN

Victoria VET Centre

Wrap-Up:

5131

Need For

Wrap-Up: AS/NZS

IX

Help with Burn Through

3834:

WELD AUSTRALIA

NATIONAL OFFICE

Box 197, Macquarie Park BC

1670

8748 0100

Crittenden

Executive Officer

8748 0100

ENGINEERING

Victor Blain, Engineering Team Manager

823 991

TRAINING

MARKETING

MEMBERSHIP

Australia

IWE Practical Training in Ballarat

Supervisor

Technologies

Course in

SWR-F Spool

Change of Ownership for Delta

Welding Courses

QUALIFICATION & CERTIFICATION

NEW SOUTH WALES & NORTHERN TERRITORY

VICTORIA, TASMANIA &

AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Australia will need an additional 70,000 welders by 2030 based on the existing pipeline of work. One way to help ameliorate this looming skills shortage is the use of cutting-edge technology.

Automation, robotics and collaborative robots (also known as cobots) have the power to change the way the welding and manufacturing industries work.

According to a recent report commissioned by Google, automation has the power to deliver a $2.2 trillion boost to Australia’s national income by 2030 from productivity gains. This includes $1 trillion boost from accelerating the rate of automation and a $1.2 trillion boost from transitioning Australia’s workforce to higher skilled occupations.

Automation offers a raft of benefits, from improved productivity, quality and repeatability, through to safer

working conditions and greater job satisfaction. Increasingly, advanced technology is becoming a critical factor in the success of globally competitive welders, fabricators and manufacturers. And yet, Australia’s adoption rates lag well behind other advanced economies.

As noted in the recent Federal Government report Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation, Australia leads the world in research in cyber-physical systems, computer vision, field robotics, simulation and robotic vision.

And yet, as a nation, Australia’s adoption rates of robotics and automation are well below our international counterparts—Australia ranks 18th in the world in application of industrial robots.

Australian companies adopt automation technologies at less than half the rate of their Swiss

and American counterparts. In Switzerland, over 25% of publicly listed firms engage in automation. In the US, over 20% of publicly listed firms are engaged in automation. Australia lags far behind, with just 9% of firms actively engaged in automation.

China, Korea, Singapore and Japan are making significant national investments in robotics. The Chinese Government has invested an estimated US$100 billion in robotics, with automation technology a focal point of its strategy ‘Made in China 2025’. When the strategy was released in 2015, China set national goals of producing 100,000 industrial robots a year and having 150 robots in operation for every 10,000 employees by 2020.

In Japan, the ‘New Robot Strategy’ aims to make the country the world´s number one robot innovation hub. In the manufacturing sector, Japan has

WHAT IS A COBOT?

Cobots are designed to work alongside human employees, assisting employees with work that may be too dangerous, strenuous, or tedious. This helps to create a safer, more efficient workplace without eliminating jobs. Cobots are easily pro grammable and are capable of ‘learning’ on the job. In welding, cobots can be used for several purposes, from joining metal parts and holding parts steady for workers, through to sorting hardware using a vision system.

advanced manufacturing technology designed to solve specific manufacturing problems, enhanced productivity; increased safety, and minimised employee turnover.

The Centre offers a range of benefits to industry partners:

• Access to full range of research projects, outcomes from research including IP that can be used within your field.

• Flexible and adaptive approach to research and its application to mirror the needs of your business.

• Access to international and national experts in the field, free of charge.

• Collaboration with other companies who have similar challenges and the opportunity to work together to learn and grow and adapt to those challenges.

If you’d like further information, or are keen to be a part of the program, contact me on g.crittenden@weldaustralia.com.au

Geoff Crittenden

CEO, Weld Australia

THE BENEFITS OF COBOTS

Cobots are specifically designed to share the work space with human beings, making automation easier for businesses of all sizes, particularly SMEs. Cobots are generally versatile, lightweight, require relatively little space, and are much easier to program than their industrial counterparts. They can also capture large volumes of data that can be deployed in areas such as predictive maintenance.

Improved Productivity and Profitability

Robots and cobots play an essential role in creating lean manufacturing processes, helping reduce or eliminate redundancies, errors, bottlenecks and waste. The right type of technology can help eliminate workflow delays and duplications and accelerate entire processes through the automation of individual tasks.

Superior Quality and Repeatability

The integration of cobots into production processes is proven to deliver superior quality outcomes and higher repeatability. Any process that improves weld quality and repeatability is worthwhile. Welding is not just a commodity, or a simple, straightforward process. When welds fail, the results can be disastrous. A poor quality weld can be hugely expensive, and can cause massive damage, injuries, and even fatalities.

Growth in Domestic and Export Markets

With increased productivity, quality and repeatability, manufacturers are able to leverage new domestic and export markets. Increases in productivity enable manufactures to deliver on changing customer needs and mass customisation, while maintaining a sustainable competitive advantage.

Safer Working Conditions

The use of robots and cobots has the power improve safety for welders and manufacturing workers. As automation reduces routine, dangerous manual work, workplace injuries are expected to drop by as much as 11%. For instance, the use of robots and co-bots (particularly in confined spaces) helps to remove welders from immediate exposure to welding fumes, ultraviolent radiation, heat and sparks.

Greater Job Satisfaction

A move towards the use of robots and cobots will unburden the average Australian of two hours of the most tedious and manual work each week. Approximately 62% of low-skilled workers will experience improved job satisfaction, and wages for non-automatable work will increase by around 20%. Introduction of cobots into production lines allow businesses to make better use of human skill and innovation, with machines taking over mundane tasks so that employees can focus on critical thinking, quality and creativity.

BOC DELIVERS LOCALLY-PRODUCED GREEN HYDROGEN

Weld Australia member, BOC is now making regular deliveries of locally-produced green hydrogen to Whyalla. The first hydrogen tube trailer from Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG)’s Hydrogen Park South Australia facility arrived at BOC’s Whyalla site earlier this month and was used to produce high-purity argon for our industrial and welding customers including the Whyalla Steelworks. This new source in South Australia replaces hydrogen deliveries from Victoria, reducing BOC’s CO2 emissions by 122,000 kilograms each year.

BOC recently announced that it will build a multi-million dollar carbon dioxide processing facility in Longford, Victoria as part of a new long-term CO2 supply agreement with the Gippsland Basin Joint Venture. The new facility will have the capacity to produce more than 60,000 tonnes of beverage-grade liquid CO2 annually, making it the largest merchant CO2 production facility in the South Pacific.

AUTOMATE

WELDING WITH COBOTS

The cobot Weld Mate 355 from Diverseco is your welding buddy and is designed to perform the time-consuming and menial tasks, enabling your human welders to perform the more complex and specialised

Image courtesy of BOC.

KEEL LAYING ACHIEVED FOR FIFTH OFFSHORE PATROL VESSEL

The Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel Program continues to go from strength to strength, with the keel laying ceremony held for the fifth vessel. The vessel will be known as HMAS Illawarra when it is commissioned.

The ceremony took place in Henderson, Western Australia, and was attended by Deputy Secretary National Naval Shipbuilding, Tony Dalton, Head Navy Capability, Rear Admiral Pete Quinn AM CSC, and the Chairman of Luerssen Australia, Tim Wagner.

A keel laying ceremony is a tradition dating back to the times of wooden ships and is said to bring luck to the ship during construction, and to the captain and crew during her life. In keeping with tradition, two shipbuilders from Luerssen Australia placed the coin under the keel, alongside Rear Admiral Quinn.

Chairman of Luerssen Australia, Tim Wagner, said, “The progress on this program has been fantastic and I’m very happy to see it has opened up new opportunities for local businesses. Luerssen Australia is creating local jobs, and investing in the shipbuilding industry in Australia. We strongly believe there is a bright future with a lot of opportunities nationally and for exports from Henderson.”

(L-R): Bertrand Gorjux (Shipbuilder, Luerssen Australia), Rear Admiral Peter Quinn (Royal Australian Navy) and Sam Abi-Ali (Shipbuilder, Luerssen Australia) at the keel laying ceremoy. Image courtesy of Luerssen Australia.

Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessel.

TEi

LAUNCHES THEIR NEW TROMMEL WELDING ROBOT

Townsville business, TEi Services recently launched their new trommel welding robot. TEi Services tapped into the assistance of the Queensland Government’s Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program to equip itself with the best available technology on its journey towards becoming a worldleading smart manufacturer leveraging IR4’s benchmark automation technology.

A Weld Australia member, TEi Services has been operating in Townsville since 1968 and has been providing engineering services to multiple sectors including construction, sugar, mining, rail and defence supplying manufactured steel products.

Why the Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program?

Through the $18.5 million Manufacturing Hubs Grant Program for regional manufacturers, TEi Services engaged in meetings with policy developers to identify opportunities for growth and how training can be accessed for certifications with peak industry bodies like Weld Australia. The Townsville Manufacturing Hub helped TEi Services with their advance manufacturing ideas and awarded the company a grant to purchase new robotic welding equipment.

What did the Project Involve?

TEi Services purchased a robotic trommel welding solution to manufacture equipment for the mining industry. The new robotic equipment includes state-of-the-art artificial intelligence software programming which will help TEi Services meet their growing demand.

TEi Services kept the project in country choosing to collaborate with the automation systems solutions provider IR4, based on the Gold Coast. With IR4 having previously proven similar technology in the fabricated structural steel space, the collaboration with TEi provided the perfect opportunity for IR4 to showcase its benchmark technology in an aligned market.

With TEi backing home grown technology, the grant funding from the Manufacturing Hub significantly benefited and facilitated the growth of the two local organisations.

TEi Services General Manager Richard Parker said that the new manufacturing equipment will drastically reduce the amount of time for some of the products they make. “One of the company’s key manufactured products is the steel trommel, a rotary sieve used to separate materials, mainly in the mineral and solid-waste processing industries,” Parker said.

“The new robotic equipment will reduce the time it takes to manufacture steel trommels from around 150 manhours down to just 16 hours.”

“Cutting edge technology in the workshop drives improvement. Workers at all levels are learning new skills, from creating the digital information to operating the Robot.

These skills will be transferable to future projects.”

“Along with time savings in welding, our skilled boilermaker welders are able to be put on other creative tasks. This is an advantage given the current skills shortage and improves the quality of their role within the business.”

“We’re excited to use world-leading technology and proud to export Townsville-made steel products all around the globe, and I want to thank the Queensland Government for this funding, which will make TEi Services a more competitive business,” said Parker.

WATCH A VIDEO ABOUT TEI SERVICES & THE MANUFACTURING HUB

WELCOME BACK TO CORNELIS VAN NIEKERK

Cornelis Van Niekerk has returned to Australia and rejoined the Weld Australia team in the role of Business Manager Defence Welding. Cornelis will work to build and expand the capabilities of Weld Australia in this sector, and grow the current business with regards to the distribution and integration of new technology, including robots, cobots and Soldamatics.

In expanding Weld Australia’s business in the defence sector, Cornelis will integrate and further expand the current business capabilities of engineering, consultation, and auditing to a larger defence industry across Australia. This includes providing pragmatic approaches to the solving of materials-related and welding engineering problems to industry and supply chains, the evaluation of the suitability of materials in applications of laser cladding and GMA added manufacturing. Cornelis will continue to work closely with Weld Australia’s Training department in development and delivery of the IWE qualification and lecturing on materials in other courses as required.

Prior to joining Weld Australia in 2020 as Assistant Training Manager, Cornelis spent five years at the University of Wollongong’s School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering Department. He provided training and lecturing for the International Welding Engineer program and was an Academic Tutor and Laboratory Demonstrator for materials engineering and manufacturing subjects, including Materials in Design.

MEET WELD AUSTRALIA’S NEWEST TEAM MEMBER: GEORGIA GREGG

Weld Australia would like to extend a warm welcome to its newest team member, Georgia Gregg. Georgia has joined our Wollongong office in the role of Graphic Designer. Georgia will work closely with the Training team, on projects such as the national resources for the Manufacturing and Engineering (MEM) Training Package.

Georgia is currently studying a double degree at the University of Wollongong: a Bachelor of Creative Arts and Bachelor of Computer Science. Prior to joining Weld Australia, Georgia gained experience as a freelance graphic designer, and as a Production Assistant.

With experience in the design of a range of marketing collateral, as well as customer service and sales, Georgia’s enthusiasm, dedication and strong work ethic will be a real asset to the Weld Australia team.

Weld Australia would like to congratulate Nima Dehghani for his recent promotion to the role of Assistant Training Manager.

Nima Dehghani joined the Weld Australia team in 2021 as a Graduate Learning Developer after completing an internship with Weld Australia in 2020 as part of his Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering.

Nima works closely with the Training team, with his responsibilities including the production of digital resources for Weld Australia’s courses.

Prior to joining Weld Australia, Nima was the Marketing Manager for Simply Self Storage in Wollongong for four years. In this role, he undertook a range of marketing activities, from online advertising and search engine optimisation, through to market research and planning.

Nima also gained three years experience as an independent Sales and Marketing Contractor for both Centrix Promotions and Insight Marketing Group in Wollongong.

In both of these roles, Nima engaged in various sales and marketing tactics to deliver solid sales returns based on client needs. Some of the clients that Nima worked with included Google, and Astron, as well as charities such as The McGrath Foundation, The Smith Family, and Doctors Without Borders.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JOE SANDOR

Weld Australia would also like to congratulate Joe Sandor, who has just been promoted to the role of Principal Welding Technology Trainer.

Joe joined Weld Australia in early 2021 in the role of Welding Technology Trainer. With over 45 years experience, Joe has a strong passion for welding. Prior to joining Weld Australia, Joe was a metal fabrication and welding teacher for TAFE NSW.

His other positions have included leading hand at Joy Mining where was involved in the manufacturing of a prototype mining machine; and Welding Supervisor for many years with Able Engineering.

Over the years, Joseph has worked on rail stock, mining equipment, pressure vessels, truck bodies for the RMS, and light and heavy steel structures.

Joe has been a judge on numerous occasions in the regional competitions for WorldSkills in the Illawarra, and holds a Cert IV in training and assessment, a diploma in welding, all tickets in AS 1796 including Certificate 10, and AS 2214 Welding Supervisor certification.

AN UPDATE FROM WELD AUSTRALIA’S INDUSTRY GROUPS

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 Technology Network members to ensure they remain diverse and resilient in the ever-changing and increasingly challenging global markets. Here’s an update on what our Industry Groups have been up to over the last few months.

POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY GROUP

Meetings of the Power Generation Industry Group were held in the offices of CS Energy (Brisbane) over 22 and 23 June 2022. The Power Generation Industry Group comprises the: Boiler Industry Group; PG9

Project; Process Safety Industry Group; and the Asset Integrity Board.

Boiler Industry Group

The Boiler Industry Group met on 22 June. Geoff Crittenden (CEO Weld Australia) gave an overview of Weld Australia and issues which are affecting the Power Generation industry. In particular there is a current shortage of welders which is affecting maintenance works in the power generation industry and also Australia’s fabrication industry. Weld Australia is also developing a suit of welding training courses for TAFEs around the country. These courses will give a consistent approach around the country. The transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy will require a large number of wind turbines to be constructed. Some failures have already been experienced which is of concern. Geoff emphasised that Wind towers imported into Australia must comply with Australian Standards. Also, Australian

The 2022 Welding Excellence Awards

across the country in November and December 2022.

includes

• Perth: Monday

• Adelaide: Thursday

• Brisbane:

• Sydney: Tuesday

• Melbourne:

two-course meal and drinks. Register now:

Terrace, Adelaide)

Herston Road,

Road,

Street,

Hill South)

manufacture must be a part of the development of wind towers in Australia. There is currently only one wind tower fabricator in Australia. We need a lot more.

Bruce Cannon (Technical Publications Manager) gave an update on Technical Notes, Guidance Notes and Australian Standards.

Power Generation members also gave a number of presentations on major maintenance works, major projects, plant incidents, operations issues. These sessions were collegiate in nature with much discussion afterwards.

Supplier UNEEK Tube Bending gave a presentation on tube bending and an acoustic temperature measurement array system. HRL gave presentations on flexible operations and how this may be used in a volatile energy market over the forthcoming transition towards renewable energy.

The meeting concluded with a progress update for Power Generation Project PG9. This involves the development certification and qualification for a range of weld procedures for use by members.

Process Safety Industry Group

The Process Safety Industry Group met on 23 June. Geoff Crittenden gave a short overview of the current trades shortage in Australia. This shortage emphasised the need to encourage young engineers into the industry and also need to retain skilled staff. This is in an environment where the average age for skilled staff is high and will get higher as people retire or leave industry. Alternate business models also need to be considered.

The was an open discussion on Process Safety Baseline Audits. An essential part of Process Safety Systems is regular audits. These audits identify gaps and areas for improvement and as such improve safety outcomes for organisations. This is an ongoing process and a part of a continual improvement process.

The Process Safety Industry Group has been developing a Process Safety Incident Classification Guide for use by the members. This has been subject to much development and editing and is approaching completion. A small sub-group was tasked with a final edit of the document for presentation to the next meeting.

CS Energy gave a number of presentations on the Callide C4 incident and the implementation of process safety across CS Energy. This has been a massive project for CS Energy and presentations gave much insight into the development and logistics of implementation. Time and time again, the importance of taking people on the journey of process safety was emphasised.

There was an open discussion on safety incidents that

have occurred. While the likelihood of a major incident is low, they do happen from time to time. Members were able to share experiences and learn from others in an open supportive forum.

Asset Integrity Board

The Asset Integrity Board discussed the higher level strategic issues affecting the Power Generation Industry Group.

Each of the members gave an overview of their current issues and issues with energy market.

Skills shortages has been a common theme and is a major issue. This is not only affecting the power generation companies but also contractors used by the companies.

Some of the major suppliers to the industry are reducing their presence in Australia. There will be a greater need for internal technical support and the use of specialist consultants. Also there is a need for a Turbine Industry Group and an Electrical Industry Group to facilitate learnings and the development of staff through the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

The transition to renewable energy will also need specialist knowledge for battery energy storage systems, pumped storage, wind and hydrogen. These must be considered by the Power Generation Industry Group.

There are currently very few younger engineers and other staff joining the power generation industry. It is therefore very important to have a graduate development program in place. This must also include leadership, support and mentoring to ensure that these staff receive the required development. Other companies may also provide experiences in major maintenance outages or major projects.

Want Information on the Industry Groups?

For details,

Andrew Davies (Manager Technical Industry

a.davies@weldaustralia.com.au or

UPCOMING MEETINGS

Power Generation Industry Group

The next meetings of the Power Generation Industry Group are planned for 30 November and 1 December in Melbourne. The issues affecting the Power Generation industry are changing and these will be discussed in these meetings.

In particular the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy is becoming a major issue. The size, scope, resourcing, skills and financing required will be massive. The energy market is also expected to become more volatile which will put major pressures on the power generators. These issues will also have a great effect on plant operations and process safety.

Defence Industry Network

Weld Australia is re-forming the Defence Industry Network which was on hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online Webinar was held in August to discuss issues in the defence industry and how a Defence Industry Network could provide a vehicle for knowledge sharing, support and learning for primes and suppliers.

Weld Australia is now working towards the next phase of forming the Defence Industry Network.

Welding Safety Council

The last meeting of the Welding Safety Council was held in May 2022. Attendees included representatives from most states. The meeting discussed Standards, IIW updates, safety issues, safety incidents and case studies. A paper on women’s health in welding and electrical trades was also presented.

The next meeting of the Welding Safety Council is planned for 3 November 2022.

Take advantage of our advertising packages. With a multi-channel marketing approach, you can reach as big an audience as possible. Plus, Weld Australia members get a significant discount on all our advertising rates.

Diamond Package: $6,000

If you have a ground-breaking story to tell, or a brand new product or service to launch, take advantage of our ‘Diamond Package’ for maximum impact and exposure:

1. Australian Welding: 1 x full page inside cover ad

2. Weld Connect: 1 x third of a page front cover ad

3. Weekly Wrap-Up: 1 x right-hand sidebar advert (420px x 250px) in 4 x editions

4. 3 x social media posts

Gold Package: $5,000

Our ‘Gold Package’ provides great value for money, as well as fantastic impact and exposure:

1. Australian Welding: 1 x full back cover advert

2. Weld Connect: 1 x back cover advert

3. Weekly Wrap-Up: 1 x right-hand sidebar advert (420px x 250px) in 3 x editions

4. 2 x social media posts

Silver Package: $4,000

Our ‘Silver Package’ provides great value for money, as well as great impact and exposure:

1. Australian Welding: 1 x full page advert

2. Weld Connect: 1 x full page advert

3. Weekly Wrap-Up: 1 x right-hand sidebar advert (420px x 250px) in 2 x editions

4. 1 x social media post

Weld Australia would like to welcome the

new members who have joined over the last month.

CORPORATE MEMBERS

IRISndt Australia: irisndt.com/au

Dandygas: dandygas.com.au

GVP Fabrications: gvpfabricators.com.au

Rockpress: rockpress.com.au

Thornton Engineering: thorntoneng.com.au

Ventia: ventia.com

DBC Group Australia: dbcgroup.com.au

INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Rachel Abbot

Abhishek Trivedi

Alireza Samimi Mottaghi

Brandan Wootton

Carl Pasco

Chandran Athisivan

Charlton Mendes

Inho Baeg

Kohan Hanby

Mohsen Alvani

Omid Beagimoradi

Richard Clegg

Selvakumar Subbiah

Somtochukwu Francis Okeke

Travis Brokenshire

Queries? Wondering how Weld Australia can help support your business,

or career progression?

David Choudry (Membership Manager, Weld Australia) on

to set up a

minute Zoom chat. Michelle will take you through the ways that Weld Australia can help.

VICTORIA VET CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM

In 2022, Corrections Victoria expanded the VET Centre of Excellence model to deliver Fusion Welding to ISO 9606 certification standard to complement the Metal Fabrication industry at Langi Kal Kal prison. Federation University delivers the training program with the support of Weld Australia and on-site prison industry staff.

As part of the program, augmented reality (AR) training was introduced to expand the welding skills of the prisoner learners to meet international standards. A welding workshop sits alongside the AR training room so that participants can work on projects to use and practice their welding skills in the physical as well as virtual environments.

To participate in the program, prisoners are invited to submit an Expression of Interest and then selected through an interview process. Up to eight participants can be accommodated in the intensive 14-week program.

The VET Centre of Excellence model links participating prisoners with prospective employers and pre- and post-release support service providers. These connections provide prisoners with sustainable pathways to employment and support to reintegrate to society post- release.

One of students said: “I wanted to take part in this course to not only further my knowledge and experience of welding but to be able to give myself the ability to provide a positive, reliable, and sustainable future for my family.”

“When I am released I am keen to find as much work as possible in the engineering trade working in the railways, or similar areas that require good welders. I don’t see my life revolving around prison and I want to have real work opportunities in the community when I’m released.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Australia is facing a looming shortage of skilled welders—70,000 additional welders will be needed in the next 10 years.

VET training and employment pathways as part of prisoner rehabilitation could help alleviate some of these skills shortages.

The national roll out of the VET Centre of Excellence model will require commitment and collaboration from industry nationally in providing secure employment opportunities for prisoners post-release.

If you’d like to get involved as a prospective employer, click on the link below and complete this quick and easy Expression of Interest form.

Soldamatic welder training at HM Prison Langi Kal Kal.

Geoff Crittenden and Jeff Wanliss inspect a prisoners welding at the Welding Employment Expo.

EVENT WRAP-UP: THE NEED FOR AS/NZS ISO 3834 & AS/NZS 5131 CERTIFICATION

In conjunction with the ASI, Weld Australia recently hosted a technical event that covered the topic of: The Need for AS/NZS ISO 3834 and AS/NZS 5131 certification. The face-to-face event was held at Chisholm TAFE in Melbourne.

Many industries (such as rail and roads) are mandating that fabricators hold certifications to AS/NZS ISO 3834 and AS/NZS 5131. Perfect for Fabricators, Inspection Authorities, Project Engineers, this event outlined the benefits and processes involved in gaining the two certifications.

AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials specifies the production control requirements for fusion welded products, whether they are fabricated on-site or in a workshop. It is the internationally recognised benchmark for welding quality. Certification increases the likelihood of global supply chain opportunities and repeat business, and increases the technical knowledge of all welding personnel, bolstering profitability.

AS/NZS ISO 3834 considers all aspects that could affect weld quality—it seeks to control the entire lifecycle of the welding process, from design right through to inspection.

AS/NZS 5131 defines good practice for fabrication and erection of structural steelwork for projects in Australia, and is the basis for the National Structural Steelwork Compliance Scheme (NSSCS).

AS/NZS 5131 utilises a risk-based fit-for-purpose approach implemented through the classification of the ‘Construction Categories’ for the whole or parts of the structure. This establishes a Quality Benchmark responsive to the needs of your project and client

Presenters included Victor Blain (Engineering Team Manager, Weld Australia), Bushan Salunke (General Manager, Steelwork Compliance Australia) and Michael Dawson (State Manager, ASI).

EVENT WRAP-UP: AS/NZS ISO 3834: AN OVERVIEW

Weld Australia recently hosted a webinar that provided an overview of AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials. The presentation detailed what AS/NZS ISO 3834 is, how it is structured, why you need it, the requirements outlined in the standard, the benefits of undergoing the certification process, as well as the steps involved in the certification process.

AS/NZS ISO 3834 specifies the production control requirements expected for fusion welded products. The Standard builds production control into welding management.

The webinar was presented by Weld Australia team members Louis Victor Blain (Engineering Team Manager) and Bruce Cannon (Principal Welding Engineer), both of whom answered a range of questions at the end of the webinar. The webinar was very well attended, with lots of positive feedback received.

ASME Section IX Three Day Course

Need to use ASME Section IX?

Course Overview

The ASME code is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standard that regulates the design, development and construction of boilers and pressure vessels. ASME Section IX specifies the requirements for the qualification of welders and the welding procedure specifications. This three day course will give participants a working knowledge of ASME Section IX, including how to comply with its requirements.

The course will be facilitated by Walter J. Sperko, P.E., the President of Sperko Engineering Services, a consulting firm specialising in metal fabrication technology. He has particular experience in piping and pressure vessel fabrication, installation, maintenance and repair. Mr. Sperko is also a past-Chairman of the ASME Welding, Brazing and Fusing Standards Committee IX and a member of ASME Subcommittee III, Nuclear Components.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for people who are involved in writing and qualifying welding and brazing procedure specifications, qualifying welders, brazers and operators, reviewing suppliers procedures, auditing or reviewing in-house procedures and qualifications and estimating jobs which impose the requirements of Section IX.

Course Details

Perth Date: 16, 17 & 18 November 2022

Venue: Novotel Perth, 388 Murray Street, Perth Room: Cottesloe Room

Registration first day: 7:30am Course time: 8:00am – 5:00pm Brisbane

FOR PERTH

Date: 22, 23 and 24 November 2022

Venue: Novotel Brisbane, 38 Cordelia Street, Brisbane Room: Musgrove Room

Registration first day: 7:30am Course Time: 8:00am – 5:00pm

A review of the welding processes and variables, and basic steel welding metallurgy will be conducted to provide all participants with sufficient background in welding technology to interpret and understand Section IX. The mechanics of using Section IX and how to address its requirements will be explained in a simple, straightforward manner.

Emphasis will be placed on writing welding procedures so that they contribute positively to the manufacturing process and on qualifying procedures in a cost-effective manner. The requirements for welders and operators will be examined with particular emphasis on minimising the cost and maximising the usefulness of qualifications.

Time will be provided to address individual participant’s problems and concerns. Attendees will receive copies of the course notes covering the course’s content. Attendees must bring a copy of the current edition of Section IX. Multiple choice tests will be given for each section.

Cost

Early Bird Rate:

• Weld Australia Members: $3,610 inc GST

• Non Weld Australia Members: $3,810 inc GST

Rate After 1 September 2022:

• Weld Australia Members: $3,760 inc GST

• Non Weld Australia Members: $3,960 inc GST

Please note: in order for the course to go ahead in two locations, minimum attendee numbers must be reached.

For further information, contact: Michelle Bignold (National Manager, Sales and Marketing) on 0437 106 726 or m.bignold@weldaustralia.com.au

Learn how to minimise cost and maximise qualifcation usefulness.

NEED HELP WITH BURN THROUGH CALCULATION? WELD AUSTRALIA CAN HELP

Do you need help with strategies for avoiding burn through and the development of crack susceptible weld microstructures?

Burn through occurs if the unmelted area beneath the weld pool has insufficient strength to contain the internal pressure of the pipe during hot tapping weld repairs.

Weld Australia’s expert engineers can provide services for burnthrough calculation as per the PRCI Pipeline Repair Manual using thermal analysis computer modelling. Our team understands that the key factors to consider are the material, wall thickness, welding heat input, and operating parameters of the pipeline.

Our burn through calculation can help ensure that your pipeline repair, hot tapping and in-service welding is undertaken in a way that ensures the safety of your workers; reduces the probability of a shutdown, failure or service interruption; and extends the lifecycle of your pipeline systems.

WHY WELD AUSTRALIA?

The Weld Australia engineering group has the largest single team of International Welding Engineers (IWE) in Australia. This qualification, issued by the International Institute of Welding, is the highest post-graduate professional welding qualification available.

All solutions delivered by our Engineering Group are reviewed by another Senior Welding Engineer and often, depending on the complexity of the assignment, one of our Principal Welding Engineers.

By taking advantage of Weld Australia’s consulting services, you will have access to the peak industry body in Australia’s welding industry. This will provide your commercial enterprise with access to our expert engineering services, delivered by highly qualified International Welding Engineers and materials specialists.

With expertise in a wide range of industries, from defence, manufacturing and composites to rail and resources, we have the unique capability to solve your welding problems.

SUCCESSFUL WELDER CERTIFICATION AUDITS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Ross O’Bryan (Engineering Team Manager – East, Weld Australia) recently performed several successful surveillance audits for AS/NZS ISO 3834 Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials over the last month, including at Bendworx, HVAC and TEi Services

Bend-Worx was founded in 2005 as a direct response to the lack of customer-focused steel processing providers in the market. That keen insight proved exactly right, and the company had to expand to a much larger facility in 2007 to cope with growing demand. Continued growth and success saw Bend-Worx merge with their direct competitor, Steelpro, in 2015, to become BendworxSteelpro. Today, Bendworx provides specialist brake pressing, plate rolling, section rolling and bending, steel processing, and pipe and steel casing services to Australian and international clients of all sizes.

HVAC was originally established in 1984 as a specialist air conditioning company. The company soon expanded their business to offer custom solutions on a wide variety of engineering and fabrication needs. Today,

HVAC operates across a truly national footprint, with head offices and workshop facilities at Redbank in Ipswich, as well as secondary facilities in both Brisbane and Adelaide. Their business units—mechanical services, telecommunications, water infrastructure, specialised fabrication and environmental—provide complex and specialist services to Australian industry.

Since its incorporation in 1968, TEi Services has built its success on a diverse range of engineered solutions, from architectural projects, industrial warehouses and complex mechanical agriculture equipment, through to transport assets, mining infrastructure and mineral processing equipment.

Boasting one of the largest fabrication workshops in northern Australia, TEi has modern facilities, complete with heavy lift overhead cranes and state of the art plasma cutting equipment. Their manufacturing facilities have an annual capacity of approximately 2,000 tonnes of structural steelwork, and approximately 1,000 tonnes of platework.

UPDATES TO THE WELDQ PHONE APP

Weld Australia recently updated the phone app version of the WeldQ platform. These updates included adding digital ID cards and making exam results available, as well as various styling and general bug fixes.

The WeldQ app is available for download via both the Android and iOS platforms. The app makes accessing the WeldQ platform even easier for welders and employers alike. It is particularly handy for use on-site or in a workshop when a computer is not readily available. There are still some tasks for which you’ll need to use the website, including creating and updating your profile, creating and submitting applications (like renewal applications and resits), and exams.

WeldQ is a purpose built software solution that facilitates management of the entire process of handling welder qualifications and certifications, including applications, assessment workflow, conducting examinations, awards, reviews, resits, renewals, and issuing certificates. It is a fully online system, with an easy to use interface.

Welders, inspectors, supervisors and engineers can create their own WeldQ account. You can view all the certifications on offer, create an application, pay fees, get assessed, take exams, view awards or certificates, maintain professional development points, apply for continuity extensions, renewals, and do much more. If you haven’t already created your account, log-in now

WELD AUSTRALIA’S EXAM CALENDAR

Do you need to book an exam through WeldQ?

We’ve made the process even easier, with our new exam calendar, which can be accessed via the WeldQ homepage. The calendar includes all exam dates for 2022, making planning ahead as simple as possible.

Just some of the upcoming exam dates include:

• Wednesday 19 October: National Welding Supervisor Online Exam

• Friday 28 October: AS 1796 Cert 1-9 Theory Online Exam

• Thursday 10 November: National Welding Supervisor Online Exam

• Friday 18 November: IIW IWE and IWT EA3 and TA3 Online Exam

• Tuesday 22 November: IWI-B B5 and WTB Online Exam

• Friday 25 November: AS 1796 Certificate 1-9 Theory Online Exam

• Friday 25 November: IWI-B C3 Practical Exam

WELD AUSTRALIA TEAM MEMBERS QUALIFIED

INTERNATIONAL WELDING INSPECTORCOMPREHENSIVE (IWI-C)

Weld Australia would like to congratulate several of its team members who recently qualified to IIW International Welding Inspector – Comprehensive (IWI-C). Our International Welding Engineers (IWEs) including Victor Blain (Engineering Team Manager – South & West), Ross O’Bryan (Engineering Team Manager – East), Mehdi Tajfar (Senior Welding Engineer) and Arya Sharifian (Welding Engineer) were all successfully qualified.

Weld Australia’s team members were awarded the qualification through the alternative route, by sitting written exams and a technical interview. This method of qualification may be open to the general public from 2023. For further information, contact qnc@weldaustralia.com.au.

IIW IWI-C is the highest level of qualification available for Welding Inspectors. Individuals with this qualification possess in-depth knowledge of welding and inspection theory and application. This knowledge enables them to tasks like:

• Manage Welding Inspection activities

• Supervise the activities of, and provide instructions to, people who hold IWI-S and IWI-B qualifications

• Act as a technical expert for the Welding Inspection function

• Develop, comment and review Quality Control Plans and Inspection Testing Plans for applications not covered by product standards, codes, specifications, drawings and regulatory requirements

• Manage inspection activities for non-conventional applications with reference to materials, processes, and advanced destructive testing and NDT techniques

Weld Australia would like to congratulate the following people on becoming newly qualified over the last month.

AS 1796 CERTIFICATE 10

Haitao Zhou

Lucas Lane

Matthew Waterton

Wonseok Choi

Graham O’Keeffe

2214

Saul Teague

David Moloney

Madan Lal AWCR EXAMINER

Ronald Hanby IIW IWI-B

Nigel Vanden Hurk

Jordan May

Timothy Graham

John WATSON

Daniel Hamlyn

Imseop Byun

Geoff Mackey

Kahlani Mooney

Richard Lane

Matthew Pinner

Nicholas Dallen

Chris Ross

Gavin Nautili

Keith Sperring

Kerry Raumati

Chiragkumar Panchal

Darren Mc Henry

Simon Dallas

Garrett Jones

Jason Moylan

IIW IWI-C

Mehdi Tajfar

Louis Victor Blain

Ross O’Bryan

Arya Sharifian

Welding Supervisors play a vital role in industry, they understand the factors that influence welding quality, how to oversee welders effectively, and the variables that help maximise productivity. This blended learning course can help boost your earning potential and job stability. With three modules, this course will kick off on Wednesday 1 February 2023. If you’re keen to have a successful career in the supervision of welding, the best place to start is this course

ENROL NOW

The Welding Fundamentals online course gives professionals an understanding of some of the issues that may arise with welded components, and provides an overview of welding processes, weld defects, testing and welder qualification as required by various Australian and international Standards. This highly engaging online course will start on Wednesday 8 February 2023. It might not be until next year, but the course is already filling fast. Don’t miss out—book now!

ENROL NOW

An AS1796 Welding Certificate is—by far—the most well known and requested welder certification in Australia. It is referenced in both structural steel and pressure equipment

Standards. The training covers topics like safety, welding terms and symbols, heat treatment and control, cutting and gouging, arc conditions, welding procedures and regulations, welding equipment and so much more.

This course is run across eight weeks, with 15 sessions delivered online, live via Zoom. Participants have the opportunity to ask questions, in real time, of our experienced welding technology trainer.

Only theoretical requirements outlined in AS1796 for Certificates 1-9 are covered in this course. Once the candidate has passed the theory examination they will be required to complete the practical training and examination at a TAFE or a similar training organisation. Weld Australia does not conduct the practical training.

Kicking off on 23 January 2023, there are limited spots available. Enrol online today to avoid disappointment

ENGINEER

Weld Australia recently facilitated practical training for the IIW International Welding Engineer (IWE) qualification at Federation TAFE in Ballart.

An IWE qualification expands your career horizons enormously. Defence contractors are on the hunt for Welding Engineers to undertake work on naval vessels and armoured vehicles. Companies seeking certification to AS/NZS ISO 3834 need Welding Engineers to fill the role of Responsible Welding Coordinator. Oil and gas companies need Welding Engineers to adhere to the revised version of AS/NZS 2885.2. Welding Engineers can work in fields as diverse as structural steelwork, bridges, pressure vessels, pipelines, storage tanks, offshore structures, ship building and repair, and power generation.

As an IWE, you may have overall responsibility for managing, supervising, coordinating and overseeing all company welding activities. You will be authorised to sign on behalf of your company in all welding quality matters, and to verify that your company has complied with all relevant quality considerations in production of welded products and materials.

With Australian Standards placing more and more importance on the role of Welding Engineers, it is envisaged that IWE qualification will be in more demand in the coming years.

WELDING SUPERVISOR IN-HOUSE COURSE IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Weld Australia recently facilitated in-house Welding Supervisor training for ASC according to AS 1796 Certificate 10 and AS 2214 in Perth.

Welding Supervisors play a vital role in industry, they understand the factors that influence welding quality, how to oversee welders effectively, and the variables that help maximise productivity. A Welding Supervisor is responsible for ensuring that all welding meets the appropriate standards.

Welding Supervisors understand the sector’s complex theoretical knowledge, and how it applies in practice. By pursuing a career in this area, you can open yourself up to many new professional qualities – leadership, teamwork, communication, responsibility and problem solving.

NOVARC TECHNOLOGIES LAUNCHES SWR-F SPOOL WELDING ROBOT

Novarc Technologies is recently announced the launch of SWR-F, which makes welding of slip-on flanges a lot easier with the Spool Welding Robot (SWR™).

What SWR-F delivers:

• Easier and faster slip-on flange welding

• X-ray quality welds

• Accountability and traceability for Quality Assurance and Quality Control managers

The SWR™ is a welding cobot designed specifically for pipe, small pressure vessel, and other types of roll welding. Companies that have invested in the SWR™ have increased their pipe welding productivity to 200350 diameter inches per shift on carbon steel pipes, and 569-998 diameter inches per shift on stainless steel, and have dropped their repair rate to less than 1%. This is making their workshops more competitive when bidding on jobs, and it has increased margins on contracts they’ve already won.

The SWR™ has one of the smallest footprints in the industry and when combined with Novarc’s proprietary Welding Vision System with the insights provided from NovData™, it delivers a world-class solution that can improve your competitiveness.

Ready to see the benefits? Book a demo of SWR-F with the Novarc Technologies team.

A CHANGE OF OWNERSHIP FOR DELTA ELECTRICITY

The owners of Delta Electricity recently agreed to a 100% share sale to Sev.en Global Investments (Sev. en), a Czech Republic investment group focused on the energy and mining sectors.

According to Greg Everett (Chief Executive, Delta Electricity), “The proposed acquisition of the Delta Electricity Group by Sev.en is a positive development for Delta and its stakeholders. Sev.en has shown a clear interest in energy businesses in Australia, ensuring that it is well placed to provide reliable generation through the energy transition. This will benefit customers, employees and system security for all energy users.”

“Delta Electricity is a provider of electricity to approximately 11% of New South Wales. Together with Sev.en’s prior investments in Australia, this investment will strengthen its position as one of Australia’s significant electricity businesses,” said Everett.

Delta thanks Trevor St Baker and Brian Flannery for their leadership of the business since privatisation in 2015. Due to their sound control and direction, together with a commitment to maintain extensive investment in the business, Vales Point has continued to be a significant contributor to the energy needs of our community.

Sev.en is already present in Australia through its 50% interest in InterGen N.V. which has interests in the Milmerran and Callide power stations in Queensland in addition to its four gas-fired power plants in the United Kingdom with the total output of 10.7 TWh, and around 300 employees across the two countries.

There are various government approvals and consents required for a transation of this nature. It is expected that, subject to these approvals, the transaction will be completed in the coming weeks.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWR-F

Vales Point Power Station.

There are two fusion welding courses that adhere to ISO 9606 Qualification test of welders on Training.gov.au. This is the authoritative source of nationally recognised training and Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These two courses were developed in Victoria in 2018 and use augmented reality welding simulators as a key component of the training.

TRANSITION WORKERS

To be awarded a certificate for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Transition Workers, you must successfully complete seven units of competency (four core and three elective). Core units:

• Simulate fusion welding processes using augmented reality equipment

• Identify welding processes, safe welding practices and use of hand and power tools

• Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes

• Perform fusion welding procedures to meet the procedures of ISO 96061 (Steels – carbon steels)

EXPERIENCED WELDERS

To be awarded a Statement of Attainment for the Course in Fusion Welding to AS/NZS ISO 9606 for Experienced Welders, you must successfully complete three units of competency (one core and two elective). The core unit is: Interpret and apply AS/NZS ISO 9606 for fusion welding processes.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information, contact: training@weldaustralia.com.au

ENROL IN A FUSION WELDING COURSE TODAY

Enrol in a fusion welding course through any Advanced Welder Training Centre below.

ACT Canberra Institute of Technology cit.edu.au 81 Mildura Street, Fyshwick

Queensland TAFE Queensland tafeqld.edu.au

• Cairns Campus: Gatton, Newton, Eureka and, Wilkinson Streets, Manunda

• Townsville (Trade Centre Bohle) Campus: 763 Ingham Road, Bohle

• Toowoomba Campus: 100 Bridge Street, Toowoomba City

• Ashmore Campus: Benowa Road & Heeb Street, Ashmore

• Nambour Campus: 91 Windsor Road, Burnside

• Bundaberg Campus: 118 Walker Street, Bundaberg West Tasmania Tasmanian Minerals and Energy Council tasminerals.com.au 13 Wellington Street, Burnie

Victoria Box Hill Institute boxhill.edu.au 465 Elgar Road, Box Hill, Melbourne

Bendigo TAFE bendigotafe.edu.au 23 Mundy Street, Bendigo

Federation University federation.edu.au Lydiard Street South, Ballarat