Develop an understanding of engineering drawings. Use information to communicate setup and welding instructions from the designer to the welder and fitter. Learn AWS(R) A2.4 Symbols for Welding and Nondestructive Examination Standard which provides a vital link between the designer and those responsible for producing and planning welding.

Gain understanding of arc welding, welding safety, arc welding power sources, electrode classifications and selection. Develop skills to make shielded metal arc welds in all positions on mild steel from 3/16’’ to 1/2’’ plate, single and multiple pass, using mild steel, low hydrogen and iron powder electrodes, with DC welding current.

Produce quality multi-pass groove welds with backing on 3/8’’ plates (horizontal, vertical and overhead positions). Gain exposure to hard surfacing, repair of cast iron, metal identification, welding procedures and welder qualification on destructive and nondestructive testing methods.

Practical application of cutting and welding processes.  Students will fabricate several small projects in lab using combination squares, levels, cutting equipment and welding processes throughout the program.   

Practice oxyacetylene welding, cutting and safety.  Produce quality 11-gauge fillet welds and open root 3/16’’ V groove bevel welds. Practice flame cutting mild steel plate, weld quality and fuel gases applications.

Understand gas metal arc welding, equipment adjustments, metal transfer and shielding gases. Gain skills to make quality gas metal arc welds in all positions on mild steel from 3/16’’ sheet to 3/8’’ plate, single and multiple passes, using short circuit transfer process. Learn about problems associated with welding situations and corrective action. Learn pulse transfer other than short-circuiting. Learn how pulse transfer provides for high deposition rate for all position welding. Also included is gas metal arc welding of aluminum.

Learn to produce quality fillet and groove welds on carbon steel using small diameter electrode wires, large diameter gas shielded, self-shielded electrode wires and metal cored wires. Develop skills for Welder Arc. Weld on carbon steels using small and large diameter flux-cored electrodes, with and without shielding gas, in all positions on fillet and groove welds.

Understand gas tungsten arc welding, arc characteristics and welding safety. Develop skills necessary to make quality gas tungsten arc welds on 16 and 11 gauge mild steel, .060’’ and .062’’ gauge stainless steel and .125’’ aluminum, using both direct and alternating current. Learn characteristics of carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

Provides beginning theory and practical instruction in preparation for pipe welding. Gain instruction in stringer, open root groove welds on plate. Students will demonstrate an open root weld on pipe in the 1G position. Welds will be in accordance with ASME Section IX carbon steel pipe.