Welding Economics
Cost Estimation, Process Efficiency & Practical Cost Reduction Strategies
Learn welding cost estimation, process efficiency, productivity improvement and practical cost reduction strategies to optimise welding operations and maximise profitability.
- Online – Microsoft Teams
- 17 - 18 September 2026
- 2 CPD Points
- Price : R 8 999.00
LEARNING OUTCOMES
After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:
Understand the role and importance of welding cost within the broader economics of fabrication
Identify and assess all factors that determine welding cost
Apply a step-by-step methodology to estimate costs in welded fabrication
Compare welding processes and consumables based on productivity and cost-efficiency
Calculate welding costs using established methods and worked examples
Apply practical cost control measures across the welding process
Identify and correct causes of over-welding
Reposition welding as a profit center rather than a cost center within their organization
Overview of Welding Economics
- Introduction to welding economics
- Importance of welding in the economy
- Factors and components responsible for welding cost
- Cost of over-welding and under-welding
- Welding as a profit center — not a cost center
Factors Affecting Welding Costs
- What should be considered when determining welding costs
- Why greater consideration of relevant factors produces more accurate cost estimates
- How considering all relevant factors increases opportunities for cost reduction
Cost Estimation for Steel Construction
- Importance of accurate welding cost estimates
- Step-by-step methodology to estimate costs in welded fabrication
Welding Process & Consumable Efficiencies
- Comparison of arc welding processes in terms of cost and efficiency
- Evaluating consumable choices against productivity outcomes
Cost Calculation Methodology & Examples
- Basic methods for calculating the cost of welding
- Worked examples of actual welding cost calculations
Control of Welding Costs
- Analyzing the delivery of consumables and accessories to welding points
- Practical methodology for controlling welding costs in fabrication
- Identifying and correcting causes of over-welding
- Enhancing current welding processes and procedures
- Safety considerations in cost control decisions
Steps and Practices to Reduce Welding Costs
Five practical steps to reduce the cost of welding fabrication, illustrated with examples:
- Understand the true cost of welding and react accordingly
- Reduce weld metal volume (prevent over-welding)
- Minimize reject, rework, and scrap rates
- Eliminate unnecessary pre-weld preparation steps
- Eliminate unnecessary post-weld grinding of spatter and excess weld metal