The American Welding Society (AWS) was founded in 1919 as a non-profit organization with a global mission to advance the science, technology and applications of welding and allied cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying. In 2014, AWS opened AWS Asia based in Hong Kong, China with a second office in Beijing. AWS offers industry-respected certifications, industry-trusted technical standards development, technical standards sales, education, membership and expositions. (less)