June 15, 2015 - Kevin Hockings (pictured), X-ray Inspection Coordinator at Laboratory Testing Inc., Hatfield, Pa., has been certified by the American Welding Society (AWS) as a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Hockings has successfully completed the required written and practical examinations and complied with all requirements of AWS QC1, Standard of American Welding Society Certification. The certification enables him to perform weld inspections and related activities as described by AWS D1.1, which applies to structural steel. Hockings is also certified as a Level 2 Inspector in the Radiographic and Visual Inspection methods in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A.
Laboratory Testing Inc. is an accredited, independent materials testing, nondestructive testing and calibration laboratory. As a certified welding inspector in a test laboratory environment, the CWI is responsible for inspecting the quality of the metal joining work submitted by customers for Welder Qualification and Welding Procedure Qualification. With his background in the nondestructive testing area of Laboratory Testing Inc., he will perform visual inspections of weld samples to ensure that the weld joint meets all requirements as stated in a specification or other customer requirements.
The materials and nondestructive testing services provided by Laboratory Testing Inc. are performed to ensure the quality, reliability and safety of metals, polymers and other materials used in construction or product manufacturing. When used in critical applications such as aircraft, bridges, buildings, vehicles and much more, parts are often assembled with welds, so it is also imperative to know that the welds will hold up and are safe for their intended use. The CWI has a crucial role in assuring that welds will be prepared by qualified and verified welders.
AWS administers internationally recognized certification programs for the welding industry. Their certification exams are conducted in locations around the world, including 550 U.S. sites and 40 countries each year. The AWS Certified Welding Inspector program began in 1976 and is just one of their internationally recognized accreditations.
