Buyer guide · 2 min read · Updated Oct 27, 2026
What each one means, when your job needs it and how to check it yourself.
| Certificate | What it covers | Ask for it when |
|---|---|---|
| CWB W47.1 | A company's welding of steel | Structural steel and welded steel structures |
| CWB W47.2 | A company's welding of aluminum | Welded aluminum structures |
| ISO 9001 | The shop's quality management system | Your company or customer requires it |
| AS9100 | Aerospace quality, the 9100 series | Aerospace parts |
| ISO 13485 | Quality for medical devices | Medical device parts |
| Controlled Goods | Registration to handle controlled goods | Defence parts and drawings |
| CPCSC Level 1 | Cyber security | Select defence contracts, from summer 2026 |
The CWB Group certifies companies, not just welders. W47.1 covers steel. W47.2 covers aluminum.
For welded structures built to CSA S16, CWB says the fabricator must be Division 1 or 2. A Division 3 shop can work under them as a subcontractor.
Check it: search the CWB certified companies directory. It shows the standard, division and location.
On our shop profiles, certifications are what each shop states. Check the ones your job depends on.
Shops that do this
Ottawa 6 km
Precision metal fabrication, machining and sheet metal work for customers including defence, with welding, powder coating and chemical conversion finishing.
Stittsville 23 km
Machining and sheet metal fabrication of prototypes, jigs, fixtures and production parts for aerospace, telecommunications and medical device customers.
Ottawa 13 km
Custom sheet metal fabrication, machining and powder coating for industrial, commercial and railway customers, from design and prototypes to production runs.
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What powder coating costs
Real prices from shop price lists: rims, railings, furniture and hourly rates. Plus what pushes a quote up.
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What CNC machining costs
Shop rates, minimums and the five things that set a machining quote. With real numbers.
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What to send a shop for a fast quote
The right file and a few details get you a real price instead of questions back.
One free request reaches up to 3 local shops that do the work.
