APRIL IS NATIONAL WELDING MONTH 2024
April is National Welding Month, so we want to give a special thanks to all our welders who work hard behind the scenes here at MariCorp. We appreciate their hard work and dedication. They have made our company so successful.
WHAT IS NATIONAL WELDING MONTH
Since 1996, the American Welding Society, a non-profit dedicated to promoting welding science, awareness and testing certifications, has designated April as National Welding Month. It’s goal is to recognize an industry that improves our lives on daily basis and is vital to driving our economy. Beyond the products and structures that are manufactured and used everyday, welders are also key to the safety of these same products and structures.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF WELDING IN THE US MARITIME INDUSTRY
Welding in the maritime industry has been a game changer for how we build and repair ships in the United States. It all began in the early 20th century when welding techniques started to replace traditional riveting methods used in shipbuilding. This shift was largely driven by the need for more efficient construction methods and stronger, more watertight ships.
During World War II, the demand for rapid ship production really pushed welding into the spotlight. The United States needed a lot of ships, and fast, to support war efforts. Welding allowed for quicker construction compared to riveting, drastically reducing the time it took to build a ship. This era saw the introduction of techniques like arc welding, which became a staple in ship construction.
Post-war, the maritime industry continued to evolve with advancements in welding technology. The introduction of automatic welding in the 1950s and 1960s further boosted productivity, making it easier to undertake large-scale projects. Safety standards and welding techniques have continuously improved, leading to the sophisticated processes we see today, like submerged arc welding and friction stir welding.
Today, welding is an integral part of the maritime industry in the U.S., crucial for building everything from small boats to massive aircraft carriers. The focus now is not just on speed and efficiency but also on sustainability and reducing environmental impact, pushing the boundaries of traditional welding techniques. Whether it’s repairing old vessels or crafting new designs, welding remains at the heart of shipbuilding in the marina industry.
Maricorp employs modern welding techniques daily. We set the standard for the marina industry by spearheading advances in the design of covered floating docks. Welded galvanized steel truss frames as a dock’s foundation improve strength and durability, ensuring they can withstand constant exposure to ever-changing marine environments and extreme weather.
More Information:
- American Welding Society
- Celebrating 10 Decades of Welding Research (PDF)
- Interested in a Welding Career with MariCorp?
Additional Reading:
