April is National Welders Month, and we’re celebrating all the ways our welders support the warfighter and the U.S. taxpayer with their expertise and skills. With welders spanning two shifts, DeVal’s certified welding plays a crucial role in ensuring high quality standards as part of our full service production process by performing a range of specialized welding tasks. These tasks include the welding of carbon steel, low carbon, corrosion, and heat-resistant alloys. The department's activities are crucial in manufacturing integrity and quality into DeVal's products.
The welding department ensures product reliability and compliance with stringent industry standards. Welders follow detailed work instructions with expert levels of craftsmanship in support of DeVal’s reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Quality control protocols, including regular inspections and adherence to AS9100D standards, play a critical role in fulfilling on time delivery and supporting customer readiness rates.
DeVal Welding Techniques and Certification
The welding program at DeVal Lifecycle Support outlines a comprehensive certification process for its weld shop personnel, who specialize in the welding of carbon steel, low carbon, corrosion, and heat-resistant alloys. Certification testing is performed under the oversight of the Weld Shop Supervisor or an authorized designee, adhering to ASTM regulations. Welders must successfully complete a qualification test and maintain their certification with a valid justification for a two-year period, which can be extended indefinitely provided that the welder remains active in the qualified process.
DeVal’s welding showcases a broad spectrum of certifications over a range of materials and welding techniques. The AWS A5.21-A5.21M certification pertains to the specification for solid and composite welding rods, electrodes, and filler metals, particularly relevant for welding corrosion-resistant alloys. The AWS D1.1-D1.1M certification is a standard for structural welding, establishing guidelines for welding steel structures that are strong and safe. The AWS D17.1-D17.1M represents welding standards within the aerospace sector, focusing on the precision welding of aviation and spaceflight hardware, where the quality and durability of welds are critical.
DeVal's welders apply their certified skills to an array of materials including carbon steel known for its versatility and strength, alloys that offer unique properties for specialized applications, stainless steel which is valued for its corrosion resistance, and aluminum, a lightweight option commonly used in aerospace and transportation industries. This combination of high-level certifications and expertise in a wide range of materials positions DeVal as a leader in mechanical manufacturing, capable of meeting the demanding and varied needs of our customers.
The welding department adheres to strict quality management and compliance protocols. Certified inspectors oversee the adherence to welding procedures, verifying compliance with all specified conditions, ensuring that the final products are of the highest quality. This compliance is crucial for customer satisfaction and for meeting regulatory requirements, which helps to mitigate risks associated with product failures or non-compliance with industry standards.
Types of Welding at Deval
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Also known as stick welding, SMAW is a common method used for joining metals using an electrode and electric current. This type is useful for its versatility and simplicity, making it ideal for construction and repair work.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG)
TIG welding is used for its precision and ability to produce high-quality, clean welds. It is particularly effective for welding thin materials or metals that require careful heat control, such as stainless steel or aluminum.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)
MIG welding is favored for its speed and ease of adaptation in automated systems, which is highly beneficial for industrial applications. It’s suitable for thicker materials and a variety of metals.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Similar to MIG, this method uses a tubular wire filled with flux and is commonly used in construction because of its high welding speed and portability.
Welding Workforce Development and Training
Training and Workforce Development are key components in DeVal’s welding program. Our core values are to innovate, accelerate, and empower, and we believe strongly in creating opportunities for our people by offering multiple options for skilled training development and career growth.
The weld shop is run by Weld Shop Supervisor DaeQuan Jordan-Stead. Starting at DeVal in 2021, DaeQuan has worked his way up from Welder to Weld Shop Supervisor in October 2023. A graduate of Randolph Technical High School in Philadelphia in 2018, he studied welding under Joseph Williams. DaeQuan leads his team of 12 welders across two shifts, and works closely with his boss, Production Manager Daniel Fisher, to meticulously plan out jobs and check priorities within the master production schedule.
In addition to his role at DeVal, DaeQuan is also a Build Submarines Dream Team Ambassador. An initiative of the U.S. Navy and “We Build Giants” campaign, the Build Submarines Dream Team program seeks to expand and enhance regional workforce capacity and create life-changing career opportunities with Philadelphia’s most dynamic manufacturers. The ambassadors visit high schools, share their experience, and describe their manufacturing careers to students, teachers, and administrators. The goal of this effort is to inspire high school students to think about manufacturing-related post-secondary education or training and careers working for a Defense Supply Chain Manufacturer.
In keeping with our goal of developing skilled talent in the defense industrial base, effective May 1st, Moses DeHart will be promoted to weld shop instructor. A recent hire specifically made to help our people upscale our welding operations, Moses will represent DeVal by serving on the occupational Advisory Committee at Ben Franklin High School.
Happy National Welder’s Month to all of our Welders! Thanks for your hard work and dedication, we appreciate you and all that you do!
DeVal Lifecycle Support, a Parts Life, Inc. Company, is a full service build to print mechanical manufacturer of armament and ground support equipment, sub-assemblies, and major parts and components for military systems and sub-systems for 70 years. As a small business certified HUBZone contractor for the Department of Defense, DeVal LCS is a full-service original equipment manufacturer with extensive high precision machining capabilities used to support our prime and government customers. Products include munitions trailers adapters & add-ons, drawbars, cargo loaders, weapon transport adapters, bomb hoist, dollies, self-propelled weapons loaders, testing and tool sets, and more. DeVal operates under regimented performance guidelines constituted by ISO9001:2015 and AS9100D Certified Quality Management Systems Programs.