Belgisch Instituut voor Lastechniek vzw
About us
The Belgian Welding Institute (BWI) carries out applied welding research, focussing on welding technologies and the weldability of materials for specific industrial use.
Next to applied research, the Belgian Welding Institute Industry (BWI Industry) provides a vast scope of services. Our experts offer advice in a wide variety of welding issues, execute failure analyses and perform materials characterisation tests.
The BWI provides internationally recognised education and trainings, workshops from our standard offer and customized trainings on demand.
Products & services
Belgian Welding Institute Industry
Introduction BIL Industry provides expertise in failure analysis, material and weld testing, and welding consultancy for industries including construction, offshore, aerospace, transportation, and manufacturing. Their accredited laboratories and engineering teams support failure investigations, structural integrity, welding quality, and innovation-driven research. 1. Corrosion and Failure Analysis BIL Industry investigates over 100 metal damage cases each year, including corrosion leaks, fatigue fractures, fire-damaged structures, …. Using techniques such as optical microscopy and SEM (Electron Microscopy), specialists identify root causes and recommend preventive measures. Corrosion testing services include salt spray, climate chamber, and CLP testing according to ISO standards. 2. Materials and Weld Testing BIL Industry is an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory for destructive testing of materials and welded components. Services include material validation, weld qualification, certification testing, CTOD fracture mechanics testing down to -196°C, and fatigue testing of welded joints to evaluate durability, integrity, and service life. 3. Welding Consultancy and R&D Welding engineers assist companies with welding quality systems, welding coordination, procedure qualifications (PQR), welding specifications (WPS), and inspection programs according to standards such as ISO 3834, EN 15085, EN 1090,... Support also includes repair welding advice, non-destructive testing, crack monitoring, and structural redesign. Ongoing R&D focuses on weld monitoring technologies, fatigue life improvement, additive manufacturing and testing of steels for hydrogen, ammonia, and CO₂ applications.
Corrosion and failure analysis
Construction or component failures can have many causes. Such degradation can be the result of corrosion, bad weld design, the use of inappropriate materials or other shortcomings. Our objectivity and multidisciplinary expertise ensure the identification of the problem’s true root cause. The Belgian Welding Institute Industry (BWI Industry) has the knowledge and the equipment to find the true cause. We have the necessary qualified people and equipment for non-destructive testing, metallography, fractography and corrosion testing. On top of the failure analysis to find the route cause and type of corrosion, leak or breakage, the BWI Industry can advise on preventive measures to take.
Materials and Weld testing
Destructive testing The Belgian Welding Institute Industry (BWI Industry) has the equipment and expertise to perform a wide array of material characterisation tests. Generally, the welded or base material test specimen(s) will be tested until fracture occurs and the specific material properties can be obtained and verified.
Trainings
The BWI provides internationally recognised education and trainings, workshops from our standard offer and customized trainings on demand. If you have any questions about which training best fulfils your needs, please feel free to contact us: academy@bil-ibs.be.
Research and innovation
The Belgian Welding Institute (BWI) carries out applied welding research, focussing on welding technologies and the weldability of materials for specific industrial use. Focus on industrial relevance Within our research activities, the voice of our members and industrie is key. Targetting the industrial end user, we have eyes for the industrial applicability of innovative joining techniques, trying as such to respond to know-how questions and supporting development projects that encourage innovation processes. It is our job to turn the results of research into economic opportunities in domains that could prove important for the industry in the longer term. Innovation support The importance of innovation in the field of welding and related techniques is undisputed: innovation is as such an significant prerequisite for sound management and a stronger competitive position. Knowledge of the current state of affairs and new developments provides a solid basis for the future. Moreover, the BWI keeps abreast of international developments by participating in European research projects.
BWI/VCL welding days
Discover the latest insights into welding during our exclusive sessions! BIL and VCL invite you to 3 days of engaging, practical sessions on current topics in the world of welding: - Training: invest in lifelong learning for welders and discover our masterclasses on certification - Welding standards: stay up to date with the latest standards and guidelines - Quality assurance: delve into monitoring, damage analysis, welding parameters and corrosion Good news: participation in all sessions is completely free! 👉 View the programme and put together your ideal trade fair schedule. Choose the sessions that will take your knowledge and expertise to the next level!