Welding certifications

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How would I go about getting some sort of "certification" in TIG for stainless and aluminum tubing? Also vacuum vessels (typically -14.7 PSI) and cryogenic applications for aerospace use? Which might be an applicable certification spec, and where to do this? I've been welding for years and ought to get legal. There are no called out specs for my work, except sometimes leak tightness with a helium leak detector, which I pass.
Reply:Yeah, I am in the same boat.   Im certified for carbon steel (7018, 3G & 4G) but I mostly weld stainless tubing and pipe on cryogenic vacuum jackets.   I also test each weld seam with a He L.D.   I would like to know if there is a cert or even a course to learn some more....
Reply:The "Aerospace and Missile" certification is currently the AWS D17.1.  This is based on the Department of Defense MIL-STD-1595.  The DoD has cancelled the MIL-STD-1595 and issued a letter adopting the AWS D17.1.  It covers different metal groups including aluminum, magnesium, inconel, carbon steel, stainless, cobalt, and titanium.  The plates are relatively easy, but the tubing can be a bit of a bear, and it's always a hoot to watch experienced aerospace welders practice up.Truth is that the AWS standard is the old mil standard with a new coverpage.As to cryo, pressure, and tubing (non-aerospace), AWS has standards for those.  The cryo should simply be the certs for stainless pipe (had those back in the mid to late nineties).  I'm really not sure what the tubing ones would be.Oh, and the one thing they all have in common is the clean.  Clean, clean, clean.(edit)You're biggest concern is going to be what your employer or customer requires.  Employers tend to require re-cert for new employees, even though their previous certs are good.Last edited by Kalroy; 09-12-2006 at 10:08 PM.Kalroy"It's all about the OODA Loop."
Reply:Originally Posted by KalroyThe "Aerospace and Missile" certification is currently the AWS D17.1.  This is based on the Department of Defense MIL-STD-1595.  The DoD has cancelled the MIL-STD-1595 and issued a letter adopting the AWS D17.1.  It covers different metal groups including aluminum, magnesium, inconel, carbon steel, stainless, cobalt, and titanium.  The plates are relatively easy, but the tubing can be a bit of a bear, and it's always a hoot to watch experienced aerospace welders practice up.Truth is that the AWS standard is the old mil standard with a new coverpage.As to cryo, pressure, and tubing (non-aerospace), AWS has standards for those.  The cryo should simply be the certs for stainless pipe (had those back in the mid to late nineties).  I'm really not sure what the tubing ones would be.Oh, and the one thing they all have in common is the clean.  Clean, clean, clean.(edit)You're biggest concern is going to be what your employer or customer requires.  Employers tend to require re-cert for new employees, even though their previous certs are good.
Reply:Good information guys. Thanks! How can I find out more about those specs and where could I do this certification, once prepared for it?
Reply:Wow, I haven't the faintest idea.  We do our certifications here since we have the x-ray and metallographic facilities and experience on site.  I know that in the Air Force if they don't have the facilities on site they'll go temporary duty to another AF base, but I haven't the slightest idea how it is done in private industry.  They probably do the coupons and tubes on site and send them out for x-ray.Kalroy"It's all about the OODA Loop."
Reply:Oh, the AWS standard is available on their web site.  Figure between $35USD and $50USD.  I've never priced it so I don't really know.Kalroy"It's all about the OODA Loop."
Reply:Well, I took the first steps towards certification. I officially joined the AWS for 2 initial years, and also ordered AWS D17.1. This spec now costs $156.-!!
Reply:alanaker congratulations on joining aws i  have been a member now 10 yrs i carry a D1.1 Structural cert and a D14.3 Earthmoving/const.equipment for my line of work i,m involved in.
Reply:Vacuum stuff is often not welded like you would pipe.  With tube, you don't even have to use filler if you don't want to.  If you can't get full penetration on large or thick parts in one pass, you weld it inside (one pass) and tack it outside.I spent 5.5yrs doing nothing but vacuum stuff.  It's interesting work.  To my knowledge, there's no specific code required for welding that stuff.  I worked for a company called Vacuum Technology.  They're a pretty well known company in that business...and we didn't do certifications of any kind.  However, your welds had to be NICE!!!  If they didn't, you'd be looking for a job really quick.
Reply:alanaker what website did you go to? i cant find anything on AWS. what does this certifacation do for you?
Reply:Originally Posted by smokkealanaker what website did you go to? i cant find anything on AWS. what does this certifacation do for you?