gmAW Course details

Purpose: Provides welder training in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), delivered by a CWI, in 4-hour blocks (up to 8 hours/day) for industries like manufacturing, construction, automotive repair shops, fabrication, facility maintenance, etc.

Duration: Short courses (e.g., 1-4 days, ~8-32 hours) or part of welding programs.

Target Audience: Businesses or professionals seeking GMAW skills and/or certification for production welding, metal fabrication, and precision welding competencies. 

Key Learning Objectives

1. Understanding GMAW:
   
   

   • Learn GMAW basics: semi-automatic process using a continuous solid wire electrode and shielding gas with a constant-voltage power supply.

   • Understand transfer modes (short-circuit, globular, spray, pulsed) and shielding gases (e.g., 75% Argon/25% CO2, 100% CO2).

   • Explore applications for mild steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and thin-to-medium materials in clean environments.

2. Equipment and Setup:
   
   

   • Master GMAW equipment: power source, wire feeder, welding gun, gas regulator, and ground clamp.

   • Select wires (e.g., ER70S-6, .035-.045-inch) and adjust voltage, wire feed speed, and gas flow rate.

3. Welding Techniques:
   
   

   • Perform fillet/groove welds in all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead).

   • Practice push/pull techniques (10-15° angle, 1/2-3/4-inch stickout) for smooth bead and penetration.

4. Safety and PPE:
   
   

   • Use PPE (helmets, gloves, leather jackets, steel-toe boots, glasses) to protect against UV, sparks, and burns.

   • Manage fume exposure and fire hazards per safety protocols.

5. Weld Quality and Inspection:
   
   

   • Achieve welds meeting Structural Steel Codes, guided by CWI expertise.

   • Address defects (lack of fusion, spatter, burn-through, porosity).

   • Practice surface cleaning for high-quality welds.

Course Structure

• Theory: GMAW principles, equipment, settings, and standards, taught by CWI.

• Hands-On: Lab-based welding with CWI feedback on technique and quality.

• Assessments: Weld tests and evaluations per criteria.

Prerequisites

• Basic welding knowledge or introductory safety training.

• Minimum age (e.g., 18) and physical ability to weld.

Outcomes

• Skills Gained: GMAW proficiency for production welding and consistent welds.

• Certifications: Prepares for code certification testing.

• Career Paths: Roles in manufacturing, structural welding, or automotive fabrication.

Advantages

• CWI-led training ensures industry-standard GMAW skills.

• Suits clean, high-speed welding for thin-to-medium materials.

Challenges Covered

• Managing fume exposure in welding environments.

• Ensuring proper gas shielding and weld cleanup.

• Troubleshooting GMAW issues (e.g., wire burn-back, spatter).

Note: Contact Marc Conner for course scheduling.