The International Institute of Welding (IIW) was founded in 1948 by the welding institutes/societies of 13 countries who considered it crucial to make more rapid scientific and technical progress possible on a global level. Their vision was for the IIW to be the international vehicle by which innovation and best joining practices could be promoted, while providing an international platform for the exchange and dissemination of evolving welding technologies and applications.

The IIW's Mission is to operate as the global body for the science and application of joining technology, providing a forum for networking and knowledge exchange among scientists, researchers and industry. Through the work of its 25 Technical Commissions and Working Units, the organization's technical focus encompasses the joining, cutting and surface treatment of metallic and non-metallic materials by such processes as welding, brazing, soldering, thermal cutting, thermal spraying, adhesive bonding and microjoining. IIW work also embraces allied fields including quality assurance, non-destructive testing, standardization, inspection, health and safety, education, training, qualification, design and fabrication.

AWS and the American Council of the IIW are hosting the 65th Annual Assembly of the IIW in Denver from July 8 to 13, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.iiw2012.com