Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

This is an outcome based course utilizing a lecture/lab format. This course includes classroom discussions, videotapes, and lab demonstrations of technical skills.  Course outcomes will include: theoretical concepts, layout, fabrication and welding, 

Upon completion of the course students will be able to:

• Function safely in the PCC Welding Lab.
• Interpret blueprints to accurately lay out, prepare, and assemble weld joints.
• Understand and apply fundamentals of GTAW operations on mild steel.
• Weld common joint assemblies with GTAW to AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code visual acceptance criteria in all positions.
• Apply visual examination principles and practices in accordance with AWS D1.1.

Welding lec/lab courses are Open Entry and Open Exit (OE/OE) and are offered concurrently. Courses are designed to meet the needs of the students with flexible scheduling options.  Students may attend full time or part time. This is an OE/OE course which does not align with the normal academic calendar.

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, welding tests and task performance.   

Function safely in the PCC Welding Lab.

• Understand and practice personal safety by using proper protective gear
• Understand and practice power tool safety
• Understand and maintain a safe work area
  • Recognize and report dangerous electrical and air/gas hose connections
  • Understand and practice fire prevention

Interpret blueprints to accurately lay out, prepare, and assemble weld joints on mild steel.

• Interpret lines, symbols, views and notes
• Lay out material per specifications
• Assemble project per specifications

 Understand and apply fundamentals of GTAW operations on mild steel.

• Describe and demonstrate equipment setup, shut down, and operation
• Identify  electrode types
• Demonstrate proper arc length and travel speed
• Demonstrate correct starting, stopping and restarting techniques
• Demonstrate proper bead placement

Weld common joint assemblies with the GTAW to AWS D1.1 Structural Steel Welding Code visual acceptance criteria in the following joints and positions:

 Flat Position:

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

Horizontal Position:

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

Vertical Position:

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

Overhead Position:

• T-Joint
• Lap Joint
• Outside Corner Joint               

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

• Evaluate welds using appropriate welding inspection tools
• Assess weld discontinuities causes and corrections