Catalog Description
- Transfer Status
- CSU
- Prerequisite
- WLD 50 and NCCER Level II Welding Qualification
- 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:
- Safely operate GMAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Safely operate FCAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Safely operate GTAW units to weld in the flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions.
- Safely operate the GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes, demonstrating the skill needed for certification.
- Demonstrate proper base metal and bead qualification procedures per requirements set by the American Welding Society (AWS).
- Identify and use the AWS classification of electrodes, wires, and rod when selecting the correct electrode for the job.
- Master the skills needed to pass certification as per the requirements set by the AWS.
Course Content
Topic Titles / Suggested Time Topic
Lecture
| Topics | Lec 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 Metals | 1.00 |
| Total Hours: | 17.00 |
Lab
| Topics | Lab 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 Metals | 6.00 |
Introduction and safety | 1.50 |
| Total Hours: | 102.00 |
Methods of Instruction
- Homework: Students are required to complete two hours of outside-of-class homework for each hour of lecture
- Instructor Demonstrations
- Laboratory Experiments
- Lecture
Methods of Evaluation
- Exams/Tests
- Homework
- Lab Projects
- Lab Final/Mid-term Project
Examples of Assignments
Reading Assignments
- Read chapter 1 of the GTAW handbook and be prepared to discuss in class.
- Read assigned AWS journal article and be prepared to discuss in class.
Writing Assignments
- Write a 500-word essay explaining how the assigned AWS article can be implemented into the process and how it relates to the class.
- Describe an order of operations for GTAW equipment setup.
Out-of-Class Assignments
- Research the proper process for setting up GMAW equipment using manufactures publication.
- Answer review questions for chapter 5.
Recommended Materials of Instruction
Minnick, W., & Prosser, M. (2021). Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Handbook. Goodheart-Wilco, 7th. 9781645641377.
National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). (2025). Welding Level Two. Pearson, 6th. 9780138216160.
Other Learning Materials
All tools listed in the Full-Time Welding Program Semester 2 tool list on the Butte College Welding Technology website.
Minimum Qualifications
Welding