Critical Systems Presents Copper Orbital Welding at NCPWB 2026

Each year, the Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) holds the Critical National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau (NCPWB) Technical Conference. This year, the event was held in San Antonio. The NCPWB Technical Committee provides a forum for sharing technical information and presenting topics related to pipe welding. Committee sessions covered policy and procedures for the joint UA/NCPWB welder certification program and addressed chapter questions. Chapter operation seminars, held every other year, train administrators on maintaining welder qualification records.

Ted Jones and our industry partner, David Payne, Industrial Process Specialist at Control Air Enterprises, presented an overview of the Copper Orbital Welding – Red Metal Process. Their presentation was well received and prompted several thoughtful questions. Ted Jones, owner and founder of CSI, also presented test results highlighting the burst test data we’ve received from national testing labs.

In addition to the technical presentations, CSI also had an information booth manned by Rick Malmgren, CEO of CSI, and Tim Tycz, Director of the Orbital Technologies Group at CSI. Our booth was busy, and Rick and Tim received a lot of questions and interest regarding our copper orbital welding technology. We brought along a new batch of samples provided by the R&D team, as well as Lightning Series weld heads, which generated a lot of curiosity among attendees.

All in all, it was a strong showing of our technology for Critical Systems. We recently received testing information from Republic Testing indicating our welds can handle pressures of up to 4,000 psi. This may lead to additional opportunities with high-pressure coolant systems. We also had conversations with several contractors during the event and will be following up with them over the next few weeks. We look forward to what is to come!

CSI thanks the UA for supporting the development of a highly trained professional workforce. Their work is essential to the success of businesses and the nation.