Butte College

Course Outline

2026-2027 Catalog

WLD 28 - Mig and Tig Arc Welding

Catalog Description

Transfer Status
CSU
Prerequisite
WLD 22, WLD 24, WLD 25, WLD 26, WLD 40, WLD 50, WLD 154 and NCCER Level II Welding Qualification
Corequisite
WLD 30, WLD 32, WLD 34, WLD 36, WLD 42, WLD 56, WLD 156
Unit(s)
3.00
  • Lecture: 17.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/51.00 Total hours/1.00 Unit(s)
  • Lab: 102.00 Contact hours/0.00 Out of class hours/102.00 Total hours/2.00 Unit(s)
  • Total: 119.00 Contact hours/34.00 Out of class hours/153.00 Total hours/3.00 Unit(s)

Course Description: This course includes the gas metal arc welding (GMAW)/metal inert gas (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)/tungsten inert gas (TIG) and flux cored arc welding (FCAW) processes, in the flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions. It will also include safety procedures, electrode identification, joint fit-up and alignment, base metal preparation, weld quality, and beads, with a focus on theory and practice.

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  1. Operate the GMAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
  2. Operate the FCAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
  3. Operate the GTAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
  4. Operate the GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes, demonstrating the skill needed for certification.
  5. Demonstrate proper base metal and bead qualification procedures per requirements set by the American Welding Society (AWS).
  6. Identify and use the AWS classification of electrodes, wires, and rod when selecting the correct electrode for the job.
  7. Master the skills needed to pass certification as per the requirements set by the AWS.

Course Content

Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic

Lecture

Lecture topics and suggested hours
TopicsLec Hrs

Introduction and safety

2.00

Introduction to GMAW

1.00

Constant voltage characteristics

0.50

Shielding gases (including gas mixtures)

0.50

Filler wire classifications

0.50

Operating variables

0.50

Weld defects

0.50

Fillet welds and groove welds

1.00

MIG welding of aluminum

0.50

MIG welding of stainless steel

0.50

Flux core wire welding processes (FCAW)

1.00

Introduction to GTAW

1.50

GTAW welding of various metals and shielding gases

1.00

Establishing the arc and forming a weld pool

1.00

Process Characteristics

0.50

Relationship of rod angle to plate and torch angle to plate

0.50

GTAW of Aluminum

1.00

GTAW of Carbon and Low Alloy Steels

1.00

GTAW of Stainless Steel

1.00
GTAW of Dissimilar Metals1.00
Total Hours:17.00

Lab

Lab topics and suggested hours
TopicsLab Hrs

Introduction to GMAW

1.50

Constant voltage characteristics

3.00

Shielding gases (including gas mixtures)

3.00

Filler wire classifications

3.00

Operating variables

3.00

Weld defects

3.00

Fillet welds and groove welds

6.00

MIG welding of aluminum

3.00

MIG welding of stainless steel

3.00

FCAW process

12.00

Introduction to GTAW

12.00

GTAW welding of various metals and shielding gases

6.00

Establishing and arc and forming a weld pool

6.00

Process Characteristics

6.00

Relationship of rod angle to plate and torch angle to plate

6.00

GTAW of Aluminum

6.00

GTAW of Carbon and Low Alloy Steels

6.00

GTAW of Stainless Steel

6.00
GTAW of Dissimilar Metals6.00

Introduction and safety

1.50
Total Hours:102.00

Methods of Instruction

  1. Demonstrations
  2. Discussion
  3. Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
  4. Instructor Demonstrations
  5. Laboratory Experiments
  6. Lecture
  7. Multimedia Presentations

Methods of Evaluation

  1. Exams/Tests
  2. Quizzes
  3. Homework
  4. Lab Projects
  5. Lab Final Project, Lab Mid-term Project

Examples of Assignments

Reading Assignments

  1. Read chapter 1 of the GTAW handbook and be prepared to discuss in class.
  2. Read assigned AWS journal article and be prepared to discuss in class.

Writing Assignments

  1. Write an essay explaining how the assigned AWS article can be implemented into the process and how it relates to the class.
  2. Describe an order of operations for GTAW equipment setup.

Out-of-Class Assignments

  1. Research the proper process for setting up GMAW equipment using manufactures publication.
  2. Answer review questions for chapter 5.

Recommended Materials of Instruction

William H. Minnick. (2000). Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Handbook. The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc..

William H. Minnick. (2000). Gas Metal Arc Welding Handbook. The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc..

William H. Minnick. (2000). Flux Core Arc Welding Handbook. The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, Inc..

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2010). Welding Level Two. Pearson Education INC, 4th.

National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2010). Welding Level Three. Pearson Education INC, 4th.

Other Learning Materials

All tools listed in the Butte College Welding Technology Program Guide.

Minimum Qualifications

Welding