Professor William Lucas has an extensive background in welding and metallurgy – achieving his PhD and DSc from the Queen’s University of Belfast in 1967-70 and 1987 respectively. He took some time to speak to The Welding Institute as part of our centenary celebrations about his career and experience with The Institute…

Can you start by telling us about how you got involved in engineering, joining The Welding Institute and working at TWI?

I left school at the age of 16 to work at Leyland Motors, Leyland which was a major manufacturer of heavy trucks and buses. It was as an apprentice Metallurgist working in the foundry that I gained my first experience of casting and welding of metals.

After obtaining my first degree in Metallurgy in Manchester in 1967, I studied explosion welding at Queens University of Belfast obtaining a PhD in 1970. My two professors encouraged me to join The Welding Institute because of my keen interest in welding.

I began my working life at TWI as a Scientific Officer in the Arc Welding Department in 1970. In 1985, I became the Head of the Arc Welding Department and Technology Manager in 1993 before retiring in 2007. However, I continued to work part - time on a number of different projects for several years afterwards.

What are some of your professional achievements?

I supervised many welding projects for TWI Member companies in the power generation, nuclear, petrochemical, offshore, shipbuilding and automotive industry sectors. I have provided expert technical advice and acted as an expert witness in a number of company / contract disputes, both in the UK and in France and Norway. 

 My research has led to new welding processes and techniques including pulse mode of operation AC and microwave welding, CCD based sensor systems for control of arc and laser welding processes, and instrumentation. In collaboration with Liverpool University, I pioneered microcomputer techniques for process control and data analysis, as well as producing the first 3-axis arc-welding robot. In 1983, I set up a section at TWI devoted to research into microcomputers for information technology. Over twenty software programs were written on welding engineering and over 2,000 packages sold worldwide. Three AI systems were written, including a welding procedure generator, a machine fault diagnosis and a defect analysis program.

My research work and industrial practice guidelines have been published in four textbooks and in over 150 technical papers. In recognition of my contribution to the advancement of welding technology internationally, I have been awarded the following:

• Sir William Larke Medal (1984); awarded by The Welding Institute for the development of the AC MIG welding process
• Sir William Larke Medal (2002); awarded by The Welding Institute for writing the series of Job  Knowledge for Welders articles for welding engineers and welders
• The Paton Award (2003); awarded by the IIW / National Committee and EO Paton Electric Welding Institute, Ukraine (2003), for significant contribution to the advancement of science and technology
• AA Smith Award (2008); awarded by the IIW for the contribution to the activities of the International Institute of Welding
• Distinguished Service Certificate (2018); awarded by the British Standards Institute for the development of British, European and International standards 
• Distinguished Service Award (2020); awarded by The Welding Institute in recognition of contributions to the operation, events and promotion of membership and status of The Welding Institute

Why did you choose a career in engineering?

As a metallurgist, I was very interested in understanding the processes and mechanisms for joining metals. At the outset of my career, there was very little fundamental knowledge on arc welding processes, the cause of weld defects and the failure of welded components and structures. With a background in metallurgy, I have been able to develop new arc welding processes and control techniques in order to apply arc welding in a wide range of industrial applications.

When did you join The Welding Institute?

1970, with Professional Membership in 1983

Why did you initially join The Welding Institute?

In recognition of its technical and professional standing in British industry.

What have been some of your core involvements with The Welding Institute?

I have been a member of The Welding Institute's Education and Accreditation Board for over 10 years and I am currently the Chairman of the Board. For many years, I acted as an approved assessor in professional review interviews and I represent The Welding Institute on the Engineering Council's Engineering Accreditation Board. I am also an approved accreditor for The Welding Institute's accreditation of university courses. 

How would you say Professional Membership has helped you throughout your career?

As a Fellow of The Welding Institute, I am recognised as an expert in welding technology - both technically and professionally - in the UK and worldwide.

As one of The Welding Institute’s longest serving Members, what are one or two of your fondest memories from being a Member?

I was encouraged to organise several Welding Institute events and to chair seminars and workshops on welding technologies both here and abroad. This paved the way to establish international links with universities and centres of excellence over many years.

As the winner of the Distinguished Service Award in 2020, please could you tell us about this accomplishment?

The citation for the award was as follows:

‘The award was conferred  in recognition of outstanding contributions to the operation, events and activities of The Welding Institute as a result of which the membership, status and position of the Institute has been significantly advanced.’

Finally, what advice would you give to your younger self, beginning your career in engineering?

Welding engineering is a very rewarding profession, offering the opportunity to develop technologies to improve welding processes, increase fabrication economics, and overcome production and quality problems. 

Join The Welding Institute not only to establish your technical and professional standing in industry, but also as an opportunity establish relationships with people who share a common interest in developing welding technology. Attendance at Branch, National and International meetings will broaden your perspective of the work of engineers and the needs of industry across the world.

You will share knowledge and experiences with a wide range of people throughout the world, some of whom will become friends for life.

Finally, on a lighter note, the practical experience gained in mechanical engineering and electronics will be invaluable when called upon to fix grandchildren's toys, to repair bicycles or to carry out 'dangerous' experiments in your workshop!