Abstract Scope |
The American Council of the IIW (ACIIW) connects the US welding and joining communities of manufacturing, engineering, education, and research with the people, technical innovations, emerging technologies, and resources available through the International Institute of Welding (IIW). The ACIIW links the USA to global expertise, research, and resources to advance the capabilities and competitiveness of the US welding and joining community. Researchers, industry practitioners, educators, students, and young professionals from over 50 countries worldwide are all part of the collaborative working platform of the IIW. This unique international cooperation is achieved through annual and intermediate meetings of IIW technical working units (Commissions), networking, shared projects, events, publications, and web-based communications. Research and new developments are presented and shared throughout the world, promoting optimum use and innovation in joining technologies and the development of international welding and joining standards. IIW also offers education, training, qualification and certification programs for individuals and companies through their members. The IIW offers eighteen technical Commissions, in three broad categories: joining processes, structural integrity and industrial applications, and industry support. For those involved in researching, developing or using joining processes, the Commissions include additive manufacturing, arc welding, friction stir welding, electron beam welding, laser welding, resistance welding, brazing, soldering, diffusion bonding, solid state welding, microjoining, nanojoining, polymer joining, adhesive technology, surfacing, thermal cutting, and filler metals. In the field of structural integrity, the Commissions address nondestructive testing, structural health monitoring, weld microstructure, performance of welded joints, fatigue, failure of in-service structures and components, brittle fracture avoidance, fitness for service, pressure vessels and boilers, pipelines, and the analysis, design and fabrication of welded structures (buildings, bridges, and tubular structures). Industry support Commissions include topics such as health, safety, environment, welding education, welding training, quality management systems for welding and allied processes, personnel qualification and certification, company qualification and certification, and terminology. The American Council is the link to participate in these IIW activities, providing one access to IIW resources, and connections to experts from not only the US but from around the globe. The activities of IIW and the ACIIW, and how to join in this global welding and joining community, will be discussed.
In addition, Mr. David Landon, Manager of Welding Engineering for the Vermeer Corporation, Pella, Iowa, and the current President of the IIW, will discuss the impact of IIW participation for both himself and the Vermeer Corporation. Keywords: International Institute of Welding, American Council of IIW, manufacturing, engineering, education, research, joining processes, structural integrity, industry support |