MCCCD Program Description

Introduction to GMAW/FCAW and GTAW

Course: WLD206AA

First Term: 2025 Fall

Lec + Lab 5.0 Credit(s) 8.0 Period(s) 8.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Instruction in theory and practice of gas metal arc welding (GMAW, commonly referred to as MIG), flux cored arc welding (FCAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, commonly referred to as TIG). Basic welding procedures on ferrous and nonferrous metals. Setup and operation of welding process equipment. Covers selection of proper filler materials and shielding gas options.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Adhere to industry safety regulations applicable to welding environments. (I) 2. Demonstrate proficient use of power sources, tools, and equipment in welding and cutting processes. (I-III, V) 3. Describe basic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) processes including the metal transfer modes. (II) 4. Describe basic flux cored arc welding (FCAW) processes including gas shielded and self-shielded. (II) 5. Set up GMAW and FCAW equipment for proper operation. (III) 6. Select the correct GMAW/FCAW filler material to use based on material to be welded per industry standards. (IV) 7. Select the correct shielding gas to use in accordance with welding procedures. (V) 8. Utilize applicable welding procedures to weld various joint types, including each GMAW metal transfer mode and FCAW process. (VI) 9. Interpret technical drawings and welding symbols. (VII) 10. Set up gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) equipment for proper operation. (VIII) 11. Select the correct GTAW filler material and shielding gases. (IX) 12. Utilize GTAW welding procedures to weld various joint types on aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel per industry standards. (X) 13. Use visual inspection techniques to assure weld quality. (XI) 14. Repair weld discontinuities per industry standards. (XI) 15. Identify the challenges and employment opportunities within the field of welding. (XII) 16. Demonstrate professional knowledge and personal accountability. (XIII) 17. Document work according to industry standards. (XIV)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Safety A. Personal protective equipment B. Workplace environment C. Power sources, tools, and equipment for cutting and welding II. Welding processes A. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) 1. Metal transfer modes a. Short circuit b. Globular c. Spray d. Pulsed spray B. Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) 1. Gas shielded 2. Self-shielded III. Operate GMAW/FCAW equipment A. Constant voltage power sources B. External and internal feeders C. Rollers 1. V-groove 2. Knurled 3. U-groove 4. Sizes D. Guide tubes IV. GMAW/FCAW cable assemblies A. Liners B. Guns 1. Gas diffusers 2. Contact tips 3. Nozzles C. Filler material D. American Welding Society (AWS) specification E. AWS classification F. Selection (size/type) G. Storage V. Shielding gases A. Manufacturers` recommendation 1. Material type to be welded B. Flow rate per welding procedure specification (WPS) C. Cylinder transport and storage VI. GMAW/FCAW weld joints A. Pad welds B. Fillet welds (tee joint) C. Groove welds (single vee) D. GMAW (open root) E. FCAW (with backing) F. Positions - flat VII. Technical drawings and welding symbols VIII. Operate gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) equipment A. Inverter/transformer rectifier controls B. Remote control C. Torches D. Shielding gas system E. Tungsten electrodes IX. GTAW filler material and shielding gases A. AWS specified filler metal B. AWS classification C. Selection (size and type) D. Storage E. Gases per welding procedure or manufacturer recommendation X. GTAW standard industry joints A. Beads with and without filler metal B. Fillet welds (lap and tee) C. Groove weld (square groove) D. Material type 1. Aluminum 2. Carbon steel 3. Stainless steel E. Material thickness (18-11 gauge sheet) F. Position - flat XI. Weld inspection A. Quality B. Size C. Location D. Repair 1. Identification of discontinuity 2. Preparation 3. Process performance XII. Employment challenges and opportunities A. Manufacturing B. Construction C. Maintenance D. Nuclear E. Aerospace XIII. Accountability A. Ethics B. Professionalism XIV. Work documentation A. Welding procedure specification (WPS) B. Welder performance qualification record (WPQR)

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 25, 2025

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.