2009-02-27 - The ABB Robotics Training Center located in Auburn Hills, Michigan, has been chosen by the American Welding Society (AWS) to be an Authorized Testing Center for the certification of Operators and Technicians in the AWS Certification in Robotic Arc Welding (CRAW) program.
ABB is one of four Authorized Testing Centers in the U.S. and the only one in the State of Michigan. To be considered, ABB was required to have an instructor on-site who has earned the CRAW-T status. Instructor Keith Lloyd, who is a Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Educator and Certified in Weld 4G, has done just that. “Earning the CRAW-T is quite an accomplishment,” said Steve Pacitto, Manager of ABB Robotics Training. “Three others had tried before, but Keith Lloyd is the only one to receive the distinction of CRAW-T.”
The CRAW program provides a standard qualification guideline for the certification of individuals involved with the robotic arc welding process. It consists of CRAW-O for Operators and CRAW-T for Technicians. Each program has several levels and is based on knowledge of robotics, welding experience and education. The student has to take a comprehensive written examination, two hour practical examination, and demonstrate the ability to perform a proper weld from a schematic drawing. Requirements are set by the AWS and certification must be renewed every three years.
Becoming CRAW-O or CRAW-T certified is important to a welder because, “It’s proof through the AWS that you’re capable of setting up and executing a procedure for that robot by producing certified welds,” said Lloyd.
ABB will provide the personnel, facilities and procedures to perform certification testing for AWS CRAW-O and CRAW-T including written exams and performance testing using a designated arc welding robot. ABB will also develop procedures to assure equipment operates within required parameters and that traceability of test materials is maintained.
Pre-requisites for the ABB CRAW Certification Program include submitting an application to AWS along with the appropriate fees. The Performance Test Candidate Information Booklet and the Application can be downloaded from the AWS web site at: http://www.aws.org/w/a/certification/CRAW. Students must also submit the ABB CRAW training enrollment form to the registrar.
For any questions relating to the CRAW certification process or schedule of classes, please contact ABB CRAW instructor, Keith Lloyd, at 248-275-3192 or email him at keith.r.lloyd@us.abb.com.