WELD 116 - Intermediate Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Credits: 8
Instructional Contact Hours: 8

This course introduces the fundamentals of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), covering essential welding terminology, principles for selecting filler metals, electrodes, and shielding gases, along with considerations for various welding joints. Through hands-on laboratory exercises, students will gain experience in arc starting, running beads, and performing fillet welds on plate, establishing foundational skills for practical GTAW applications.

Prerequisite(s): None
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 60 Lab Hours: 60
Meets MTA Requirement: None
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate understanding of the fundamentals of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
1. Recognize the significance of GTAW in manufacturing and industrial applications.
2. Identify key considerations for effective GTAW use, including the following: chemical, metallurgical, electrical, and physical properties.
3. Compare GTAW with other welding processes to understand its unique characteristics and complementary relationships.

Demonstrate safe practices and procedures in GTAW.
1. Recognize the importance and purpose of safety equipment specific to welding environments.
2. Identify essential personal protective equipment (PPE) required for GTAW operations, including gloves, helmets, respirators, and protective clothing.
3. Apply consistently safety protocols and procedures in all laboratory activities to minimize risks and maintain a safe workspace.

Demonstrate appropriate equipment operation.
1. Recognize the importance of precise and safe equipment set-up for optimal GTAW performance.
2. Identify and implement correct machine settings, such as current, polarity, and gas flow rate, based on material and joint requirements.
3. Confirm that equipment, including torches, cables, and connections, are properly assembled and in safe working condition before use.

Follow a written Welding Procedure Specification (WPS).
1. Recognize the significance of adhering to a WPS to ensure consistent, high-quality welds.
2. Identify and define key welding terminology, symbols, and essential variables outlined in a WPS.
3. Execute welds by accurately following the WPS parameters, adjusting for material, position, and process specifications.

Analyze weld quality and identify defects.
1. Develop the skills to evaluate weld quality through visual inspection techniques and understand the causes and implications of common welding defects associated with GTAW.
2. Conduct visual inspections of their welds and their peers' work, applying established criteria for weld quality assessment.
3. Discuss the potential impacts of identified defects on the integrity and performance of welds in real-world applications.

Demonstrate proper techniques for fillet and groove welds.
1. Apply proper welding techniques to complete fillet and groove welds on various types of parent metal in both flat and horizontal positions.
2. Assess the effects of parent metal properties and joint configurations on welding performance and quality.
3. Conduct visual inspections of completed welds to evaluate appearance and soundness, discussing any observed characteristics and how they relate to technique and material interaction.