Jump to:
June 2026
Feature Articles
Aluminum Q&A
Q: I have been conducting welding procedure qualification tests in accordance with AWS D1.2, Structural Welding Code — Aluminum. I am welding 6061-T6 base metal with ER4043 filler metal. The problem I am experiencing is the failure of the guided bend tests. I am performing two root bends and two face bends, as required by the code.
see moreFocused Growth and Customer Excellence
In 2025, financial markets delivered another solid year despite an unsettled economic backdrop. Inflation continued to ease, allowing the Federal Reserve to begin a gradual shift toward lower interest rates, while economic growth proved more resilient than many had anticipated. The year was marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and the longest U.S. government shutdown in history, which temporarily weighed on confidence. Even so, consumer spending remained firm, corporate earnings held up, and economic performance ultimately exceeded early‑year expectations.
see moreSmart Abrasive Choices to Offset Labor Gaps in Shipbuilding
Shipbuilding is one of the most labor-intensive manufacturing sectors, and most large vessels take years to complete. This makes skilled workers, including welders and fabricators, critical to shipyards. The lack of skilled workers in many operations can drive up costs and put major projects months or even years behind schedule.
see moreShipbuilders Navigate Tank Welding
Last September, General Dynamics Electric Boat (EB) completed its first tank closure head interior weld using a tank welding robot cell at the Quonset Point facility in Rhode Island, achieving 100% satisfactory results in volumetric inspection.
see moreSelecting Materials and Filler Metals for Commercial Shipbuilding
Selecting Materials and Filler Metals for Commercial ShipbuildingThe core objective of commercial shipyards is to enable high volume production across a wide range of vessels, including barges, tugs, tankers, dredges, oil supply ships, support ships, and more. While the designs of these vessels are simpler than those of military ships, care must be taken throughout the welding operation to ensure the integrity and safety of the structures.
see moreHigh-Powered Laser Welding in Shipbuilding
Laser welding is well established in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics, where it is valued for its precision, low heat input, and high productivity. In recent years, it has also begun to enter the shipbuilding sector, driven largely by the need to improve efficiency and address ongoing skilled labor gaps.
see moreNews and Updates
Education 411
GMF Steel Group, Lakeland, Fla., welcomed over 900 participants to its annual career fair on February 27, marking the company’s largest turnout and reinforcing its commitment to building the next generation of skilled trades professionals. The event was held at the Sun ‘n Fun Expo Campus in Lakeland, Fla., and more than 50 students showed interest in the company’s weld school and apprenticeship Program.
see moreNews of the Industry
The ESAB Demo Tour — the company’s first interactive, nationwide mobile welding and cutting experience — has embarked on its 2026 tour of U.S. welding distributor partner locations, metal fabrication facilities, schools, and special events. The tour offers visitors the opportunity to try the company’s line of welding and cutting equipment and to connect with its process and filler metal experts for technical advice and hands-on guidance.
see moreSociety News
Explore AWS news, Tech Topics, Membership activities, and much more.
see morePublication Archive
View past issues of our magazines, including Welding Journal Research Supplement in PDF format.