Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This is a outcome based course utilizing a lecture/lab format. This course includes classroom discussions, video tapes, and lab demonstrations covering technical skills.  Course outcomes will include; theoretical concepts, layout, fabrication, welding, safety and environmental awareness, communication, computations and human relations.

• Function safely in the PCC Welding Lab.
• Demonstrate professional work ethics (Habits)
• Apply math and science to the related welding process
• Interpret drawings and symbols to accurately layout a project;  prepare and assemble to specified tolerances and weld joints in accordance to AWS D1.1.
• Weld common joints using Gas Tungsten Arc Welding to code quality standards in the flat, horizontal, vertical and over head positions.

The student will be assessed on his/her ability to demonstrate the development of course outcomes. The methods of assessment may include one or more of the following: oral or written examinations, quizzes, written assignments, visual inspection techniques, welding tests, safe work habits, task performance and work relations.   

Function safely in the PCC Welding Shop.

• Student will understand and practice personal safety by using  proper protective gear.
• Student will understand and practice hand and power tool safety.
• Student will understand and maintain a safe work area.
• Recognize and report dangerous electrical and air/gas hose connections.
• Understand and practice fire prevention.
• Access and explain the importance of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).

Demonstrate professional work ethics (Habits).

• Track training hours on time card
• Perform projects in accordance to specifications and procedures
• Follow directions in a positive manner
• Manage time productively
• Respects equipment and others
• Demonstrate skill in problem solving and decision making

Apply math and science concepts related to GTAW of aluminum

• Compute amperage settings when using  rheostat type power sources
• Demonstrate ability to comprehend  welding reference charts
• Identify the effect of weld cleanliness on porosity
• Define the Arc Plasma in GTAW
• Identify causes of porosity in aluminum welds
• Explain the advantages of using alternating current to weld aluminum
• Explain the differences between pure tungsten and zirconiated tungsten

Interpret drawing and symbols to accurately layout,  prepare and assemble weld joints

• Interpret lines, symbols and verbiage on project drawing
• Layout material per drawing specifications
• Assemble weld project per specification

Weld common joints using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process to code quality standards in the flat, horizontal, vertical and over head positions.

• Use correct terminology.
• Define terms used in the GTAW process.
• Equipment identification, setup, shut down, and principles of operation for GTAW
• Power source identification and adjustment.
• Electrode identification, characteristics, preparation and use.
• Know essential variables, of GTAW by demonstrating the effects of the following variables:
  • current, travel speed, torch angle, arc length, gas flow and importance of tungsten preparation.
• Demonstrate correct welding techniques with the GTAW process
  • Starting and stopping.
  • Bead placement.
  • Follow welding procedure.

Demonstrate correct welding techniques in the following joints: Flat Position:

• Fuse weld a flat position edge joint
• Fuse weld a flat position corner joint
  • Bead Plate
  • T-Joint
  • Butt Joint

Horizontal Position:

• T-Joint
• Lap Joint
• Outside Corner Joint
• Butt Joint

Vertical Position:

• T-Joint  
• Lap Joint
• Outside Corner Joint
• Butt Joint

Over head Position:

• T-Joint
• Lap Joint
• Butt Joint              

Demonstrate visual examination principles and practices in accordance with AWS D1.1