WELD 123 - FCAW & GMAW Structural Welder Qualification

Credits: 1-6
LAB hours per week: 12
This course introduces students to the qualification of Flux Core Arc Welding (FCAW) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) processes in a laboratory setting. Students will practice and apply the skills needed to achieve structural qualification in a variety of FCAW and GMAW operations. Students prepare the plate assembly for qualification using basic blueprint reading skills and complete potential qualification while employing professional, ethical, and safe welding shop behavior.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or higher in WELD 112 and WELD 122.
Corequisite(s): WELD 103 and WELD 113.
Course Outcomes:

Apply proper set-up of the test plate.
Perform proper techniques in cutting and preparing test specimens for destructive testing.
Demonstrate proper welding technique on plates 3/8” and 1” thickness in preparation for qualification.
Demonstrate knowledge of code, Welding Procedure Specifications, and other references as necessary for the qualification and its essential variables and limitations.
Perform qualification using FCAW and/or GMAW processes.

Course Topics:

The importance of the Structural Welder qualification, as well as limitations, essential variables, expiration, and disqualification.
Continuity of certification.
AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code-Steel.
Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)
Fabrication techniques and mathematics in welding.
Distortion and how to correct it.