A master welder is an individual who has professional experience and expertise as a welder. As there is not a standardized procedure for a master welder classification, the set amount of time and knowledge required to qualify for the role varies based on the requirements of an employer. Welders work for manufacturing companies to combine pieces of metal using the application of heat. A master welder typically works with many different types of material, including steel, titanium, aluminum and even plastics. The materials are fused and bonded together by the welder using electrical currents.
While there may be region-specific requirements for welder certification in different areas, there is not generally a standardized and required licensing process to become a welder. Technical schools and community colleges may offer classes and degree certification for welding, though in many cases, most learning in the profession is obtained through on-the-job experience. A master welder often has both years of experience and technical training.
Master welders work with schematics, blueprints, and computers to use the equipment that binds materials together. Work is preformed both manually with a heating rod and automatically with machines that use electricity. For some industries, the job requires supervision of robots that guide the welding. Welders are employed by a variety of businesses that require metal bonding, such as car and airplane manufactures, construction companies, and bridge builders.
When working in construction, a master welder fuses together steel beams and joints for buildings and structures. In manufacturing, welders often work on a factory floor, sometimes as part of an assembly line process. Since a master welder typically works in a production-oriented environment, there are often hours of overtime in the profession, and shifts occur both during non-standard working hours and on the weekends.
The work often requires long hours of standing and makes extensive use of safety equipment. Goggles, protective clothing, and headgear are worn at all times. The equipment is meant to protect against heat, gases, and falling objects. Most regions have specific safety standards and regulations that must be followed for welding to occur.
A master welder uses both physical labor and classroom learning to combine materials. Skills used everyday in the profession include problem solving, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination. Welders are able to use mathematics, computers, metallurgy and knowledge of electricity in combination with each other to efficiently perform job functions. With the increased role of computers and automation techniques, programming is also used frequently.