EST 3050 - Welding Principles

Clock Hours: 70

Delivery Mode
on-ground

Course Description:
Welding Principles is an advanced-level course designed to teach theoretical understanding and practical skills across multiple welding processes. This course expands on the foundational knowledge of a basic welding course by complementing it with a focus on advanced techniques in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students will also gain proficiency in blueprint reading and interpretation to support precise fabrication and weldment layout.

The SMAW component includes vertical and overhead welding on carbon steel plates and introduces pipe welding in 2G and 6G positions, evaluated using AWS D1.1 visual inspection and AWS B2.1 destructive testing standards. In GMAW, students will perform axial-spray transfer and vertical/overhead short-circuit transfer welds and will be introduced to aluminum welding in flat and horizontal positions. FCAW (dual-shield flux-core) welding on carbon steel plates are also included. Students will begin GTAW with carbon steel in flat and horizontal positions and advance to welding stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon steel pipe in 2G and 6G positions. Throughout the course, students will utilize guided bend and fillet break testing to assess weld integrity. Blueprint theory and reading are integrated to teach students how to interpret technical drawings, layout weldments, and apply welding symbols effectively. Upon successful completion, students will be prepared for more specialized certifications and skilled positions in the welding industry.

Student Learning Outcomes:

Apply advanced safety procedures and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) specific to SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, and GTAW processes in both plate and pipe welding environments.

Execute fillet and groove welds on carbon steel plates in the vertical (3G) and overhead (4G) positions using various electrodes, meeting AWS D1.1 visual standards.

Weld carbon steel pipe in 2G (horizontal) and 6G (inclined) positions using appropriate techniques and preparing samples for AWS B2.1 destructive testing, including guided bend and fillet break tests.

Apply Gas Metal Arc Welding techniques to carbon steel using axial-spray transfer in the flat position and short-circuit transfer in the vertical and overhead positions; assess weld quality using AWS D1.1 visual inspection standards.

Use dual-shield flux-cored arc welding techniques to produce welds on carbon steel plates in the flat position, demonstrating correct machine setup and weld quality.

Weld aluminum plate using GMAW in flat and horizontal positions, understanding transfer modes and heat control unique to aluminum welding.

Execute fillet and groove welds on carbon steel plate using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) in the flat and horizontal positions, demonstrating proper torch and filler rod handling.

Weld stainless steel and aluminum plate and carbon steel pipe in the 2G and 6G positions using GTAW, preparing samples for AWS B2.1 destructive testing.

Conduct visual inspections according to AWS D1.1 and prepare and interpret results from guided bend and fillet break destructive tests in accordance with AWS B2.1.

Read and interpret technical drawings and welding blueprints to accurately lay out weldments, identify points of origin, and apply standard welding symbols.

Combine multiple welding processes and blueprint interpretation skills to plan and complete complex fabrication tasks with attention to precision and structural integrity.

Exhibit industry-level craftsmanship, time management, and professional conduct in preparation for certification exams and employment in welding and fabrication careers.