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July 2025
Feature Articles
The Value of AWS Membership
This marks my eighth editorial in the Welding Journal, and it also serves as my inaugural message as the executive director and CEO of AWS. Since stepping into this exciting new role in January 2025, I have reflected on nearly two decades of dedicated service as a volunteer, including seven years on the board of directors.
see moreGuidelines for Electrode Material Selection in Resistance Welding
Selecting the correct electrode material and geometry is critical to achieving consistent, high-quality welds, but it can be a complex process. While this Q&A focuses primarily on electrode materials, it’s important to note that factors such as part geometry, dissimilar metals, and varying material thicknesses also play a role in determining the optimal solution.
see moreMonitoring Resistance Welding for Production Success
Resistance welding can be tricky. Small changes in material, tooling, equipment performance, or process settings can disrupt operations and halt production. To ensure weld effectiveness, many manufacturers rely on destructive audits; however, real-time process monitoring tools, such as resistance weld monitors, provide insight into what’s happening during the process, detecting problems as they occur and enabling quick corrective action.
see moreYour Next Hire May Be an AI Robot
Manufacturing today demands constant improvement. Better quality, higher throughput, and lower costs are all at the top of mind. If you’re a manufacturer in the resistance welding industry — often in the automotive, aerospace, or defense sectors — you’re feeling these pressures intensify, especially with economic factors like tariffs and inflation squeezing margins.
see moreUnderstanding Aluminum Storage and Preparation
As many welders can attest, welding aluminum is a different ball game than welding steel. With its low melting point but high thermal conductivity, aluminum can go from solid to liquid very quickly, catching both beginners and seasoned welders off guard during the welding process. Practice definitely helps when welding aluminum, but proper material prep and equipment can significantly ease that steep learning curve.
see moreSummary of Changes to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section IX
The following article discusses significant changes in the 2025 edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section IX. All changes can be readily identified in the “Summary of Changes” found at the front of Section IX. These changes will become mandatory for new qualifications on January 1, 2026.
see moreRemembering Bill Rice
William “Bill” A. Rice Jr. wore many hats throughout his life as a cherished son, husband, father, friend, businessman, colleague, and committee member. He cared about AWS and the welding industry, serving as the Society’s interim executive director (2002), president (2012), and Foundation chair (2015–2025), and was widely regarded as a true advocate for the field.
see moreRiding the Welding Rodeo
Welding is a cornerstone of many critical industries, from construction to shipbuilding, yet finding qualified welders has become increasingly difficult. The urgency to recruit, train, and retain new talent has become a national conversation, and institutions like Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) are stepping up to meet the challenge, developing solutions to address the workforce gap while fostering collaboration between education, industry, and communities.
see moreNews and Updates
Society News
Explore AWS news, Tech Topics, Membership activities, and much more.
see moreNews of the Industry
FABTECH Mexico, a prominent exhibition for metal forming, fabrication, welding, and finishing, held its 2025 show May 6–8 in Monterrey, Mexico. The event hosted over 450 exhibiting companies and an engaged professional audience.
see morePublication Archive
View past issues of our magazines, including Welding Research Supplements in PDF format.