CWS (ABWM) case studies
CWS · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The Certified Welding Supervisor (CWS) is a professional credential listed by the American Welding Society (AWS) alongside its inspector, educator, engineer, and welder certifications. It is aimed at people who direct welding operations - lead welders, foremen, shop supervisors, and production or quality staff moving into supervision - rather than at individuals whose main job is to inspect or to weld. The CWS case studies are 5 cases and about 3,588 words.
1A Valid WPQ That Does Not Cover the Joint
Your shop runs six FCAW welders on nights fabricating three A709 Gr. Flange-to-web joints are 1 in thick, CJP, single-V with steel backing; the WPS requires FCAW-G, 150 °F minimum preheat, 350 °F maximum interpass, 3G position, and 100% UT.
776 words, about 4 min2Gas Supply Shortfall and the Temptation to Swap Electrodes
A shop is mid-way through 1,200 ft of 1/4 in fillet welds on A36 angle frames. The only qualified WPS/PQR combination is FCAW-G: 0.045 in E70T-1, 75Ar/25CO2 at 35 cfh, DCEP, 200-240 A, 24-27 V, 50 °F minimum preheat, 300 °F maximum interpass, qualified on 1/4 in plate in the 2F and 3F positions.
615 words, about 3 min3Transverse Indications on a Cyclically Loaded Girder
100% RT is required on CJP groove welds in a pedestrian bridge fabricated from 1/2 in A709 Gr. 50; the contract classifies the structure as cyclically loaded.
752 words, about 4 min4Manganese Exposure Against the Throughput Target
A bay produces 1,800 ft of 1/4 in fillet welds per week on clean mild steel. Option A is the current manual FCAW-S operation: eight welders, 0.045 in E71T-8, 8 lb/h deposition, 40% operating factor, labour at 58/h fully burdened.
671 words, about 3 min5Repair Rate Triples in Week Three
Repair rate on a structural job has risen from a 4% baseline to 18% in week three. The work is 600 ft per week of 5/16 in fillet, FCAW-G, 0.052 in E70T-1, with three experienced welders plus two new hires who started in week three.
774 words, about 4 min