The topics are drawn from four main categories: filler metal, power sources, shielding gases, and automation. Under filler metals for steels, there are solid wires, flux-cored wires, and metal cored wires. Vastly improved power sources are being introduced. Robotics is becoming enormously popular among users of GMAW. Also, the conference is not restricted to steels, but also includes information about welding of stainless steels and aluminum.

Conference Program
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2002

9:00 a.m.
Welcoming Remarks
Robert R. Irving, Conference Chair
Irving & Associates, Yardley, Pennsylvania

9:15 a.m.
Determination of the Optimum Toughness Envelope for Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welds (GMAW) in HY80 Steel
Defence R&D Canada's efforts have led to the identification of Gas Metal Arc Welding with T.I.M.E (Transfer Ionized Molten Energy) gas as the preferred process, from the perspective of providing a combination of optimal arc characteristics and superior weld zone mechanical properties. Dynamic Tear Transition Testing and Explosion Bulge Testing are the primary special tests used for weld process and consumable approvals. This work has yielded a connection between the transition results and quantitative fracture mechanics. Dynamic tear testing is used to develop notch toughness transition curves for five weld heat input levels.
Darren S. Begg, BMT Fleet Technology Limited, Ontario, Canada
Dr. James R. Matthews, Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic, Nova Scotia, Canada
John F. Porter, Defence R&D Canada-Atlantic, Nova Scotia, Canada

10:00 a.m.
Gas Metal Arc Welding of Nickel-Base Alloys and Stainless Steels
Compared to GMAW of mild steel, some modifications to the welding procedures must be done when welding the nickel-base alloys and the stainless steels. The reasons for these changes are explained. Typical welding conditions for various transfer modes are given and the recommended filler metals for many of the alloys are presented. Shielding gas selection is discussed at length.
Donald J. Tillack, Nickel Development Institute, Cattletsburg, KY

10:45 a.m.
Morning Refreshment Break

11:15 a.m.
Process Monitoring before, during and after Welding
New laser vision technology facilitates improved process monitoring and control of GMAW. Information can be used to improve weld quality and to reduce the cost of welding.
Jeff S. Noruk, Servo-Robot Corp., Mequon, Wisconsin

12:00 noon
Lunch (Provided)

1:00 p.m.
Understanding Welding Costs - Using Metal Cored Wire for Cost Reduction and Quality Improvement
This presentation will initially provide the attendee with a basic understanding of what comprises total welding costs. The second part of the presentation will focus on how metal cored wire can be used to replace solid wire for improved weld quality, higher productivity, and lower total welding costs.
Steven E. Barhorst, Hobart Brothers Co., Troy, Ohio

1:45 p.m.
Robotic Welding in Heavy Fabrication
Robotic welding of heavy section fabrications will be discussed. Important concepts for successful implementation will be presented, including control of manufacturing variability, use of process simulation, and robotic programming. The use of a well-structured, integrated plan will be emphasized.
Howard L. Ludewig, Caterpillar, Inc., Peoria, Illinois

2:30 p.m.
Modern Power Supplies for Gas Metal Arc Welding
The design and control technologies used in new power supplies will be discussed. In addition, the benefits of pulsed versus non-pulsed and constant-voltage versus constant-energy power supplies will be summarized. Guidelines for power supply and process selection will be provided for various applications.
Frank G. Armao, The Lincoln Electric Co., Inc., Cleveland, Ohio

3:15 p.m.
Afternoon Refreshment Break

3:45 p.m.
Weld Monitoring System on Torque Converter Line at Ford Motor Co.
Weld monitoring was used to diagnose problems with the closure weld on a production line. The monitor provided information that was used to crease the welding productivity to over 150%, and reduce the repair/rework rate from 5% to less than 1%."
Dr. Jerald E. Jones, NA Technologies, Golden, Colorado

4:30 p.m.
Adjournment

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2002

9:00 a.m.
Metallurgical Concerns in Gas Metal Arc Welding
This presentation will discuss the metallurgical aspects of gas metal arc welding. Better understanding of GMAW process variables and their influence on materials will greatly enhance the production capability and efficiency.
Dr. Glen R. Edwards, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado
Dr. Stephen Liu, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado

9:45 a.m.
Shielding Gases for High Productivity Welding
The selection of the right shielding gas blend can have a significant impact on the productivity of a gas metal arc welding operation. Welding speeds can be increased by 20-30% by utilizing multi-component gas mixtures tailored to a specific application. Both carbon and stainless steel welding can benefit from the proper choice of a shielding gas for the GMAW welding process variation used.
Kevin A. Lyttle, Praxair, Inc., Tonawanda, New York

10:30 a.m.
Morning Refreshment Break

11:00 a.m.
Advantages to Gas Metal Arc Welding with Solid Wire
The presentation discusses high production GMAW solid wire welding in automotive applications, welding on coated steels with GMAW solid wire, advantages of GMAW solid wire welding in robotic applications, and decreasing downtime in automotive solid welding wire applications.
Fred P. Bernier, Thermadyne Industries, Lake Orion, Michigan

12:00 noon
Lunch (Provided)

1:00 p.m.
Arc-Weld Monitoring for AC Power Supplies
A number of new power supplies use AC operation to better manage gap control and penetration effects. How do these new supplies affect arc-weld monitoring techniques? The talk presents the results of a series of fault analysis tests performed with different supplies.
Stephen P. Ivkovich, Impact Engineering, Inc., Jackson, Michigan

1:45 p.m.
Selection of Power Sources
This presentation will cover the GMAW modes of transfer and equipment best utilized for these transfer modes. Topics include power sources for shop and field GMAW welding along with equipment-vs.- operator skill level and options available on GMAW power sources. In addition, the presentation will go into the economics of upgrading equipment.
Guy S. Mulee, Eastman Kodak Co., Rochester, New York

2:30 p.m.
Refreshment Break

3:00 p.m.
Welding Stainless Steel Piping with No Backing Gas
For the first time in welding history, Fluor and partners are welding austenitic stainless steel with no backing gas (NBG) in shop and field. The achievement combines an inverter power source, high content silicon filler wire, and a tri-mix shielding gas to successfully produce quality Code welds that directly contribute to the reduction of overall welding and setup costs. A commitment to innovative thinking, quality improvement and reduction of construction costs moved "welding of stainless steel piping with no backing gas" from concept to reality!
Charles W. Patrick, Fluor Corp., Sugarland, Texas

3:45 p.m.
New Developments in Flux-Cored Arc Welding Electrodes
This presentation will reflect on flux-cored gas-shielded arc welding (FCAW-G) electrodes - summary of the most popular electrodes and applications.
Kenneth Y. Lee, The Lincoln Electric Co., Inc., Cleveland, Ohio

4:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks and Conference Adjournment

Dues include $28.30 for Welding Journal subscription and $4.00 for the AWS Foundation.
* The non-member conference fee includes a two - year membership in the American Welding Society. Please note that your AWS Membership will be active after completion of event.
LOCATION AND ACCOMMODATION:
Grosvenor Resort
WALT DISNEY WORLD Resort
Downtown Disney
1850 Hotel Plaza Blvd.
Post Office Box 22202
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830-2202
Ph: (407) 828-4444
www.grosvenorresort.com
Individuals who call and say they are attending the AWS Conference are eligible for a special rate of $90 + 11% tax for single/double occupancy. The room block will be held until August 17, 2002. After that date, reservations will be accepted on a space-and rate-available basis.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED:
Pursuant to the Americans with the Disabilities Act (ADA), AWS and The Grosvenor Resort strive to ensure accessibility for all of their guests. Please inform the hotel when you make your reservations and contact the AWS Conference Business Unit at (800) 443-9353, ext. 449.
SPECIAL CONFERENCE FEATURES:
* Nonmember attendees will become AWS members for two years at no additional charge.
* Each participant will receive an AWS Certificate of Attendance listing a total of 10 Professional Development Hours (PDHs). These hours can accrue towards your education/training requirements for the renewal of your Certified Welding Inspector's license.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY
AWS knows your plans change and offers a flexible refund policy. If you notify AWS at least two weeks before a scheduled seminar that you are unable to attend, you will receive a full refund less a $75 administration/hotel attrition fee. Notification received less than two weeks before a seminar is scheduled will result in a refund less a $175 administration/hotel attrition fee. If you are a no-show, no registration fees will be refunded. AWS encourages substitutions at any time and will work to reschedule registrants on a space-available basis.
Note: AWS reserves the right to cancel any event in its reasonable discretion. In the event of cancellation by AWS, registration fees will be refunded in full. AWS shall have no further liability.