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The purpose of this paper is to present and implement an algorithm to prioritize welding quality deterioration factors for improving welding personnel performance. A case study is carried out in a piping components fabrication process which supplies these components to oil and gas production and processing facilities on the Norwegian continental shelf (NCS).

The quality deterioration factors' prioritization is carried out using statistical methods in conjunction with the data recorded in the welding inspection database (WIDB) of the case study company. Data cleaning and rearrangements were performed to reflect final objective. Based on the welding procedure specifications (WPSs) and quality imperfection groups classified in NS‐EN ISO 6520‐1, the analysis is performed to prioritize the welding quality deterioration factors.

Based on the WPSs and quality imperfection groups classified in NS‐EN ISO 6520‐1, it is possible to prioritize the welding quality deterioration factors. These factors are possible to use for improving the performance of welding personnel to assure the quality of welds in steel fabrications.

The factors prioritized are possible to use for improving the performance of welding personnel to assure the quality and reliability of welds in a steel fabrication.

Assuring quality as proposed in the manuscript, the catastrophic failures that are potential in production and process plants can be mitigated. This enhances health, safety and environmental performance of welds in steel fabrications.

The value of this paper is to illustrate an innovative approach to a real life quality problem; it demonstrates how the application of qualitative and quantitative quality instruments in accordance with technical specification can help in increasing and maintaining product compliance and in optimizing the management of resources.

Aims to present general concepts and framework for increasing the flexibility in robotic arc welding with respect to use of sensors and small series production.

Presents a conceptual model with a framework that integrates existing tools and needed developments and research to increase the usefulness of sensors in robotic arc welding. The conceptual model is based on research within the field which covers supporting tools like robot simulation, sensor modelling and handling and optimization issues with respect to the robot task execution. A descriptive structure and concept is outlined to include welding procedure specifications (WPS) as a key module to provide an integrated and holistic control model of the robotic.

Finds that the outlined conceptual model and architecture supports an increased flexibility of sensor controlled robots for arc welding applications. The arguments are specifically made for small series and one‐off production.

The paper is limited to arc welding applications and the concept and arguments are made with small series and one‐off production in mind.

Increased use of sensors and robots in small series production.

Introduces a holistic approach for task level control of a robot which introduces a structured way for integrated and coordinated control of the arc welding task. The objective is to execute the welding task with maintained robustness with respect to predefined specifications (quality, productivity).

The development of robotized welding is truly impressive and is today one of the major application areas for industrial robots. The first industrial robots were introduced in the early 1960s for material transfer and machine tending. Not long after that, robots were used for spot welding and in the early 1970s for arc welding as well. During the years, significant developments have taken place both concerning the robot equipment and the welding equipment to meet the different challenges within the application area. This paper describes the development and progress of robotization in welding over the years and also some projections and trends for the near future.

This paper aims to identify issues with joining selective laser melting (SLM) steels with conventional cold rolled steels through remote laser beam welding.

A novel approach for substituting conventional cold rolled metal sheets with SLM metal sheets, made of 316L and 18-Ni 300, is presented. The characteristics of the interaction of wrought and SLM materials are described, and joining benchmark parameters are presented and compared to known existing joining results. Finally, the joints are assessed in line with automotive specifications. This research also addresses the importance of joining technologies for the implementation of SLM as a full-fledged manufacturing technology for the automotive industry.

New parameter ranges for laser beam welding of SLM steels are defined.

This research is limited to the examined steels and the used machines, parameters and equipment.

The presented benchmark parameters are expected to be useful for designers, product developers and machine operators.

Little knowledge is available about the behavior of SLM materials and their suitability for assembly processes. Novel information about SLM steels and their interaction with conventionally produced steel sheets is presented.

The rapid introduction of new technology and the various needs for human resource development are changing the priorities for vocational and technical training. While the fundamental goals for training remain, emphasis is shifting from a focus on content delivery to a recognition of the importance of a systems approach. As a consequence, professionals involved with training are increasingly aware of the need for more rigour in the process by which training is developed, implemented and evaluated. The chief purpose of this monograph is to introduce training and other interested personnel to the Instructional Systems Development (ISD) approach. Collected in this one document is the essential information on the ISD process for the development and conduct of efficient and effective performance‐based training programmes. For those planning a new training programme, this logical and organised approach provides a road map. Furthermore, the procedural steps presented are useful when modifying and revising existing programmes. Instructional Systems Development methodology is presented in five phases: analyse, design, develop, implement and control.

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the welding quality of the friction stir joints of Al-SiC with diverse shape of pin geometry tools.

Aluminum matrix composites are gaining unlimited interest and special position in aeronautical industry because of their properties enhanced by the presence of ceramic reinforcement, such as lower density, dimensional stability, exceptional wear and abrasion resistance. Friction stir welding arises as a promising welding process with more advantages than traditional fusion process in the joining of aeronautical components with the utilization of a non-consumable rotational tool shaped by a shoulder and a pin, which can be designed in as many possible geometries. However, the welding quality is not always achieved when varying these pin configurations.

The fabrication and implementation of different pin geometry tools to weld the plates of the material allows to study the behavior of the joints assessing some discontinuities produced in the welds.

To examine the microstructural evolution and its behavior in the different zones of the joint, the practical implication consists in the use of different characterization techniques like the optic microscopy and scanning microscopy, furthermore mechanical test such as the measurement of hardness.

The study of the joints uses different welding tool geometries that were fabricated at prototype scale contribute in the microstructural analysis as well as in the evaluation of the possible discontinuities that are presented.

Describes the materials and methods used in the building of two multipurpose icebreaker vessels by a Finnish shipyard. Details the different welding processes used for each vessel and the welding consumables chosen for each of the vessels' hulls.