Automotive Steel Welding Moves into Fast Lane at FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show; Conference Comes to Southeast's Booming Auto Industry

MIAMI--July 24, 2006--The Southeast United States (U.S.), an automotive production hot spot, is the setting for a conference on welding advanced high-strength steel (AHSS), the latest trend that is driving automotive production in new directions. The "Welding New Materials for the Automotive Industry" conference, being held by the American Welding Society (AWS), the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the science, technology and application of welding, takes place on October 31, 2006, at the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show in Atlanta, at the Georgia World Conference Center.

High-strength steels are becoming more popular for their ability to optimize weight, cost, and performance. With demand rising for safer, lighter and more fuel efficient vehicles, new AHSS' have been introduced to meet the increasing specifications of the auto industry. Yet, in spite of their growing popularity, welding these materials can be challenging, particularly as the strength of the steel increases. The full day conference will feature a lineup of keynote speakers who will address these and other important issues in AHSS welding, including the latest research and applications in dual-phase and martensitic steel welding. The sessions will also focus on innovative welding processes, current and future trends of AHSS applications, fiber lasers and ultrasonic inspection.

Eliot Biro, the senior research specialist for Dofasco(TM) Inc. , Canada's largest steel producer, said, "As a leading supplier of AHSS, Dofasco recognizes the customer need for information on how welding affects the properties of the fusion and heat affected zones in these materials. The AWS Welding Show offers an excellent forum to discuss these issues and provide a better understanding of these new steels."

Home to major auto manufacturers, such as General Motors, Nissan, Hyundai, and DaimlerChrysler, the Southeast automotive industry continues to remain strong. In fact, according to the Federal Reserve Bank, automakers in the region represent about 15% of total U.S. auto production, employ approximately 32,000 people, and create numerous jobs at parts suppliers located near auto plants. Additionally, favorable weather, ease of access, and state and local government incentives are expected to keep auto production in the southeast corridor in high gear, indicating steady growth for regional employment in the industry.

For details and/or to register for this and other AWS conferences and seminars, call AWS at 800-443-9353, ext. 224, or visit the Show website at http://www.aws.org/expo/.

About AWS

The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a multifaceted, nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the science, technology and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering, and thermal spraying. Headquartered in Miami, Florida and led by a volunteer organization of officers and directors, AWS serves nearly 50,000 members worldwide and is composed of 22 Districts with more than 200 local Sections. For more information, visit the Society's website at http://www.aws.org.