WELD 104 - Aluminum Welding Lecture and Blueprint Reading

Credits: 1-3
LEC hours per week: 3
As part of the WWCC Aluminum Welding program, this course introduces students to the knowledge and skills needed for working in the aluminum industry. The course focuses on aluminum Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), including a variety of aluminum joint designs relevant to working in the industry. Safety standards for all processes are covered.
Corequisite(s): Students must enroll in WELD 104 and WELD 170.
Course Outcomes:

Identify safety essentials, including:
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Shop safety
- Equipment safety
Interpret blueprints and the various elements of a print
Describe proper set-up and safe operation of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) machines, including GMAW gun parts and assembly
Describe proper set-up, safe operation, and maintenance of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and manual plasma systems, including the major components of plasma cutting equipment, and CNC and manual bender .
Explain types of shielding gas and how to test gas system for leaks
Describe and classify all positions for GMAW welding.
Explain specific aspects of aluminum welding, including:
- Aluminum metal categories
- Alternating Current (AC) and its use in aluminum welding
- The processes of aluminum welding
- The difference between ferrous and nonferrous metals
- Electrode classification

Course Topics:

GMAW equipment, setup, operation, and safety standards
Blueprint reading: print types, print language, print format
Mathematics and measurement for welding
Welding positions and processes
Structural metals
Alternating Current and electrode classification
Types of joints and welds, including fillet and groove welds
Shielding gas types and characteristics
Welding symbols