April is National Welding Month and at Schaumburg Specialties we’d like to give a big shoutout to all our welders and the craft that plays such a pivotal role in building the world around us.
Welding is an art that has evolved continuously since its ancient beginnings and today forms the backbone of countless industries. Bridging the gap between cutting-edge design and real-world performance, it’s responsible in no small part for building our homes and infrastructure, powering our towns and cities and manufacturing the equipment and systems that produce our food.
And behind every precise and polished weld, there’s a skilled fabricator who is highly trained and dedicated to their craft, fusing old-world skills and techniques with new-world innovations such as AI, robotics and automation.
Read on as we reveal a brief history of welding, discuss the opportunities a career in welding can offer, and profile one of the longest-serving welders on the Schaumburg team…
A Brief History Of Welding
Welding is a craft as old as civilization itself. It can be traced back 4,000 years to the Egyptians and other early cultures, who used basic forge welding techniques – heating metal until it was malleable and then hammering the pieces together. Indeed, archaeologists have found gold boxes from the Bronze Age that have been joined with pressure welds, showing just how old the craft really is.
By the Middle Ages (roughly 500 AD/CE), blacksmiths had refined forge welding using charcoal-fuelled forges to craft tools, armor and weapons. Though still a manual process, the foundations had been laid for the precision welding techniques that are used in our workshop today!
Forge welding by a blacksmith
The 19th Century was when the spark of modern welding was ignited, with the discovery of the electric arc by Sir Humphry Davy in the early 1800s. This led to the invention of arc welding in the late 1800s – a breakthrough that used a carbon electrode and electricity to melt metal. Oxy-fuel welding – using a flame to weld or cut metals – also emerged around this time, and by the end of the 19th century, welding was moving from blacksmith shops to factories.
The two World Wars of the 20th century dramatically accelerated the pace of welding innovation. Huge demand for ships, tanks and aircraft led to the widespread adoption of stick welding (SMAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG) – indeed Schaumburg Specialties can trace its welding roots back to the Second World War when its metal fabrication expertise contributed to the war effort in Europe and the US.
The 20th century also saw the development of TIG welding (GTAW) for precision welds, particularly on stainless steel and aluminum. In fact, MIG and TIG welding are two of the main precision technologies we now use every day in our Schaumburg, IL, manufacturing plant!
Our welders at work
In our modern world, welding is at the heart of a plethora of industries, including food production, aerospace, manufacturing and construction. We really could not survive without it and that’s what makes it such a necessary, skilled and creative job that’s in very high demand.
Welding As A Career
Welding offers a rewarding, interesting and sustainable career path. Welding skills are in high demand and very transferable, so you can work anywhere in the world if you so choose!
There’s a low barrier to entry and welding provides opportunities for hands-on work, career growth and advancement, competitive pay and job security. Whether it’s through apprenticeships, technical colleges, or on-the-job training, there are many ways into the trade and lots of different types of welding to specialize in. If you enjoy problem solving and precise craftsmanship and enjoy physical work with your hands, welding could be the career for you!
Profile Of Schaumburg Welder Dave Bilby
Dave Bilby
Dave, our brilliant first shift supervisor, is one of the longest-serving members of our welding team. His welding career spans 32 years, seven of which have been at Schaumburg Specialties!
He began at our company as a member of the team but worked his way up to a supervisory role and is now responsible for overseeing our daily welding operations, ensuring quality control, managing the workflow of projects, and leading a team of welders to meet production goals.
With a passion for metalworking since he was a child, Dave started welding at a young age in his father’s garage with a stick welder. He went on to build his skills in various welding processes and materials through practical application in the field.
He gained his initial welding skills through extensive on-the-job training, starting with MIG welding on lawn carts and hand trucks. Recognizing the importance of continuous improvement, he consistently pursued and leveraged every training opportunity provided by each position he held, and credits his dedication to learning for allowing him to develop a versatile welding skillset.
Over his career, Dave has had the opportunity to build wind towers and train cars, as well as the wide ranges of food production, medical, manufacturing and aerospace equipment that we build here at Schaumburg Specialties.
Dave at work
So what does Dave really enjoy about being a welder? “I like the mix of skill and artistry involved,” he says. “It’s rewarding to see raw materials transformed into finished products. Plus, the industry is constantly evolving, which keeps the work interesting.”
Any top tips for anyone aspiring to be a welder? “My top tips would be to prioritize safety above all else and master the fundamental skills,” he says. “Be patient and persistent in your development; welding requires practice and dedication.
“Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support and never stop learning. The welding industry is constantly evolving, so be open to continuous improvement and consider pursuing certifications to demonstrate your expertise and increase your career opportunities. Finally, be prepared to work hard; welding is a physically demanding but ultimately rewarding profession.”
Expert Metal Fabrication From Schaumburg Specialties
We’re proud to say that metal fabrication is in our blood. With over 40 years’ experience delivering the highest-performing production equipment to customers across a wide range of sectors, we know we have what it takes to help your business thrive. Find out all about our metal forming expertise on our website and contact us so we can get a clear understanding of your requirements. We’ll take it from there!