Welding Apps for When You’re on the Go

In today’s digitally saturated world it’s hard to avoid the notion of the app. Apps—short for applications—are bite-sized software programs that users download onto their mobile phones or tablet from the Internet. There are apps for just about every conceivable activity. You can play games, count calories, balance your check book and find happy hour drink specials—all on the go.

Believe it or not, there are also a fair number of welding apps for use on both Apple and Android tablets and smart phones. You can identify the welding parameters of your next job, calculate weld costs, look up cut charts and error codes, and get help with the interpretation of industrial radiographs. American Welding Online even has an app that helps you prepare for the Certified Welding Inspector Examination.

The editors of the Welding Journal have delved into the world of welding apps and come up with some helpful tips and a list of welding apps for you to look into. Their full assessment appears in the May 2013 issue of the Welding Journal, which is free with your AWS membership.

Tips:

Many apps are intuitive and require no instructions to use. They usually begin by asking you to answer a few questions to define your situation, then open a scroll-down page with the answers, recommended settings, data chart, a table, equipment settings, required filler metals, etc.

Many equipment and consumable manufacturers offer apps that make it easy to compare the features and capabilities of their products.

Many apps can be downloaded for free. However some free apps are “Lite” versions designed to introduce the user to basic functions and promote the purchase of the “Full” version. Sometimes the “Lite” version is all you really need.

Many apps provide the opportunity to experiment with different metals, materials thicknesses, processes, etc., to get a feel for how various processes work.

To search for an app just Google your topic and the word app or application. Useful apps are often found on welding equipment manufacturers’ Websites.

Check for new apps online occasionally, since they are added and updated daily.

Apps:

AWS CWI Prep
AWS CWI Prep is a test preparation app from the American Welding Society (AWS) that helps prepare you for the Certified Welding Inspector Examination. This version of the app is a beta sample of the full feature app AWS will release at a future date.

 

MQ POWER Generator Selector
Helps you select the right generator to meet your specific power needs. Eliminates the need for charts, calculations or guesswork. Quick and simple answers to complex sizing applications. Free to download.

 

Miller Weld Setting Calculator
Helps you tune your machine for optimal results based on a few simple questions. Weld calculators are handy references for weld parameters, electrode/wire type, basic techniques and process information for TIG, Stick or MIG.

 

3M Respirator Protection Resource
This app is intended for use as a quick reference guide for identifying types of workplace respiratory protection that may be appropriate for use when handling certain types of chemicals.

 

Pipefitter’s Reference Book
Includes some of the following: Flange Dimensions 150,300,600,900,1500 (Pipe O.D.,ID, Stud length, number of studs, Wrench size etc.), Valve Dimensions, Pipe Schedules, 1/2 Dimensions, Pressure Ratings for Testing.

 

Pipe Fitter Calculator
Basic calculator with the ability to calculate normal fitter calculations. This application includes both quick functions and trigonometry functions to calculate advanced piping calculations.

 

Ultrasound Calc Lite
Handheld tool for NDT. Contains all calculations frequently required in industrial applications by NDT technicians. Simplifies the complexity of ultrasonic formulas used to select a transducer or setup an inspection into friendly interactive screens.

 

Phased Array Wizard LITE
Handheld tool for NDT. Simplifies the inspection set-up and the selection of the most appropriate Phased Array Transducer. Calculates the near field, beam divergence, maximum steering angle, beam focusing spot size, wedge calculation, wheel diameter and encoder resolution and maximum frequency for a given grain diameter among other important parameters. Includes glossary and a database of material properties.

 

ISMT Tube Calc
This comprehensive and easy to use app will save your time and efforts on both calculations and emailing enquiries, making your work more efficient and life easier. This Tube Weight Calculator includes a dimension and weight calculator especially for your Line Pipe requirements. Also lets you send an enquiry to ISMT directly with just a tap of a button.

 

Lincoln Electric’s CheckPoint™
Checkpoint enables users to obtain performance information on their Lincoln Electric welders and welding operations wherever they are – without the need to install, purchase or maintain specialized software or IT hardware.

 

Norton Abrasives
Norton Abrasives customers and distributors can now use the Norton Abrasives Application to find the right product and parameters for their grinding operation on the go. This application includes a product selector, grinding calculators, a distributor locator and easy access to our Abrasive Connection.

 

ShopFloor Talk
ShopFloorTalk is a discussion forum for anyone interested in welding, fabrication, machining and general metal work of all kinds.

 

 

Tool Steel Selection Guide
The Lindquist Steels “Tool Steel Selection Guide” represents an easy to use reference guide for tool makers, engineers, tool designers, and anyone interested in the proper selection and utilization of Lindquist tooling materials. Whether it’s a forming die, a rifle barrel, or an injection mold cavity, once the user selects the application, the build function provides a variety of options in different steel grades from lowest to highest quality with its respective technical data sheet.

 

ESAB Welding Parameters Set-Up

This simple, yet helpful app gives you the ability to correctly identify the welding parameters for your next job. Just choose the type of wire you’re using (solid or flux-cored), plug in a few pieces of info, and you’ll get all the information you need – including wire feed speed, voltage, current, and inductance.

 

Code313
Code 313 calculates the most common discontinuities such as cracks, incomplete penetration, internal porosity, slag inclusions, and undercutting. It also calculates IQI (penetrameter) sizes.  It has three sections, welds with no reinforcement, and welds reinforced on one or both sides. This app DOES NOT replace the code itself nor the need to have the code.

 

Welding Pro
Welding Pro contains accurate weld cost calculations for filled welds and single V-, double V- and double bevel joints. This app makes it easy to check where the main welding costs are hidden. Now you can compare labor, gas cost and the cost of filler metal in just a few seconds.

 

Resistance Spot Welding Trouble
This app helps you troubleshoot resistance spot welding problems such as overheating, weak welds, metal expulsion, electrode sticking and more. Simply highlight your problem and start checking the likely causes in order of priority starting with common material related issues, and moving on to electrode, weld head, and finally power supply related problems.

 

Axon Filler Metals-Welding
This application suggests filler metals for welding purposes. A user has to input base metal only to see the suggested filler metals/wires. Over 50 base metals are used in this app. NOTE: One should qualify the welding procedure and filler metals before using them based on this app’s suggestions.

Axon Welding Calculators
1. Arc Welding Heat Input Calculator
2. Carbon Equivalent and Composition Parameter (Pcm) Calculator
3. Pre-heat and Interpass Temperature Calculator
4. Maximum Hi-Lo of ID of a Pipe
5. Specific Location Hi-Lo of a Pipe

These calculators are open for TRIAL purposes and have to be BOUGHT INDIVIDUALLY for unlimited use. This gives users an option to try them out before they decide to buy the calculators. For a demo of these calculators, visit: http://www.axoncalc.com/

Thermal Dynamics Cut Chart
A digital cut chart and error code lookup for Thermal Dynamics Ultra-Cut series of high precision automated plasma systems. Select a material type and thickness to see the recommended best cut parameters. Enter an error code to view troubleshooting suggestions.