To perform any kind of professional welding, you'll want an ASME coded welder at the helm. Sparkman Industries’ fabrication facility is ASME “U” Certified for construction of new pressure vessels in accordance with ASME Code (Section VIII, Division 1) and NBBI “R” Certified for repairs and alterations to items in accordance with National Board Inspection Code. Additionally, we are fully certified by the ASME to perform the following welding processes:

FCAW

FCAW stands for Flux-Cored Arc Welding, which is a popular welding process used in various industries for joining metals. FCAW is similar to MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, but instead of a solid wire electrode, it uses a tubular wire filled with flux. FCAW welding offers several advantages, including high welding speeds, deep penetration capabilities, and the ability to weld in various positions. It is commonly used in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, pipeline fabrication, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

GMAW

GMAW stands for Gas Metal Arc Welding, also known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. It is a widely used welding process that utilizes a consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas to join metals together. GMAW welding is known for its versatility, as it can be used to join a wide range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper alloys.

SMAW

SMAW stands for Shield Metal Arc Welding, also known as stick welding. It is a widely used welding process that involves the use of a consumable electrode coated with a flux to join metals together. SMAW welding is widely used in various industries due to its versatility and simplicity. It can be used to weld a wide range of metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and other alloys. SMAW is often favored for its portability and ability to perform well in outdoor and remote locations. 

GTAW

GTAW stands for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, also known as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. It is a precise and versatile welding process commonly used for joining metals. GTAW welding is valued for its ability to produce high-quality welds with excellent aesthetics and minimal spatter. It is commonly used for welding thin materials, critical joints, and applications that require precise control, such as aerospace, automotive, and food processing industries.

Find out more about our fabrication division:

What an ASME Certification Requires

Certification from the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) for a fabrication shop typically involves adherence to specific standards and requirements to ensure quality and safety in fabrication processes. While the exact requirements can vary depending on the specific certification sought, here are some general aspects that a fabrication shop needs to fulfill for ASME certification:

Quality Management System (QMS)

The fabrication shop must establish and maintain a documented Quality Management System (QMS) that complies with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and other relevant standards. This QMS ensures that processes, procedures, and controls are in place to consistently deliver products that meet the specified requirements.

Quality Control Processes

The fabrication shop should have robust quality control processes in place to monitor and verify the quality of materials, workmanship, and fabrication techniques. This includes inspections, tests, and documentation of results to ensure compliance with ASME standards and customer requirements.

Welding Procedures and Qualifications

An ASME welding certification typically requires adherence to specific welding procedures and qualifications. This includes having certified welders, maintaining welder performance records, conducting periodic welder qualification tests, and following approved welding procedures that align with ASME codes and standards.

Material Control and Traceability

The fabrication shop must implement procedures for material control and traceability to ensure that materials used in fabrication are of the specified grade and meet the required standards. This includes proper material identification, tracking, and documentation throughout the fabrication process.

Documentation and Record-Keeping

An ASME welding certification requires thorough documentation and record-keeping to demonstrate compliance with standards. This includes maintaining records of design calculations, material certifications, inspection reports, welder qualifications, and other relevant documentation.

Quality Audits and Inspections

Regular audits and inspections are conducted by ASME-authorized inspectors to evaluate the fabrication shop's compliance with ASME standards. These inspections ensure that the shop is following the required processes, procedures, and quality control measures.

Safety Procedures

The fabrication shop must have comprehensive safety procedures and protocols in place to ensure a safe working environment for employees and to prevent accidents during fabrication processes.

Continuous Improvement

ASME certification involves a commitment to continuous improvement and the implementation of corrective and preventive actions to address any identified non-conformities or areas for improvement.