Course Descriptions

Introduction to Welding Processes

WEL100

Overview of the three main welding processes used in industry today: shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) to establish competencies for the non-welding majors. Includes an introduction to oxy-acetylene and plasma cutting systems.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Welding Blueprint & Layout

WEL102

Introduction to the fundamentals of blueprint reading specifically for students in the welding field. Emphasis on the interpretation and understanding of mechanical drawings, specifications, and notes. The American Welding Society (AWS) welding symbols and related applications found in the welding and fabrication industry are covered. CAD fundamentals are introduced and used to layout projects and interpret prints.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Welding for NDT I

WEL103

Introduction to the principles and practices of basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) using various types of mild steel electrodes. Emphasis on the inspection and creation of defects for these processes. As needed.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Welding for NDT II

WEL104

Introduction to the principles and practices of basic Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) using various types of mild steel electrodes. Emphasis on the inspection and creation of defects for these processes. As needed.

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

WEL119

Introduction to the principles and practices of basic shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) using various types of mild steel electrodes in multiple positions with emphasis on flat and horizontal positions. Development of practical hands-on techniques with various power sources using alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC) polarity. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Flux Cored Arc Welding

WEL133

Introduction to the principles and practices of flux cored arc welding (FCAW) using various types of mild steel electrodes in multiple positions. Development of practical hands-on techniques using semi-automatic machines. Focus on the American Welding Society's (AWS) numbering system for FCAW, machine capability, technical terms, gases and their mixtures, and the various types of filler materials. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Introduction to Welding Inspection

WEL141

Overview of standard welding terms and definitions along with the common welding symbols used in the industry. Emphasis on visual inspection of weld discontinuities commonly found in welding. Discussion of the requirements and duties of the certified welding inspector. Follows the topical outlines published in ASNT CP-105. As needed.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Gas Metal Arc Welding

WEL142

Introduction to the principles and practices of basic gas metal arc welding (GMAW) applied to ferrous metals. Development of practical hands-on techniques using various modes of metal transfer and wire electrodes in multiple positions. Focus on GMAW equipment, modes of transfer and welding technique, shielding gases, electrode classifications, and process troubleshooting. Spring Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL133; or
WEL132 and WEL136

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

WEL146

Introduction to the principles and practices of basic gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) applied to ferrous and non-ferrous metals in various joint configurations in multiple positions. Focus on related equipment, electrical concepts, material properties, arc characteristics, puddle control, and appropriate application of filler materials. Spring Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Advanced Semi-Automatic Processes

WEL209

Principles and applications of advanced modes of transfer for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and submerged arc welding (SAW) applied to ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Development of practical hands-on techniques include the set up and execution of advanced waveforms on various forms of ferrous and non-ferrous materials in all positions. Topics include single- and multi-pass welds using a variety of shielding gases (dual and tri-mix), electrode wire types, diameters, waveforms and transfer modes, as well as material properties and classifications, electrode properties and classifications, and flux properties and classifications. Emphasis on modified short circuit (STT, RMD, CMT), GMAW-CV, and GMAW-P for steel, aluminum, and stainless steels as well as SAW for steel. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL142; or
WEL120 and WEL124

Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welding

WEL216

Advanced principles and applications of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) applied to various joint designs and positions using a variety of electrode types and sizes. Development of practical hands-on techniques with emphasis on vertical and overhead positions utilizing the open root and backing bar methods. Focus on an introduction to weld procedure specifications (WPS), procedure qualification report (PQR), codes, standards, and specifications as it pertains to the welding industry. Fall Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL119; or
WEL114 and WEL116

Basic CNC Programming

WEL240

Introduction to the theory and applications of programming and operation of CNC cutting equipment. Topics include: set up of equipment, electrical concepts, and use of computer software to create programs. CAD/CAM software is used to produce and trouble shoot programs.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL102

Gas Tungsten Arc Pipe Welding

WEL244

Advanced principles and applications of gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) applied to pipe and tube weldments. Development of practical hands-on techniques of joining pipe in multiple positions using various joint designs and electrode types and sizes. Emphasis on welding of ferrous pipe and tube utilizing the cup walking method. Spring Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL146; or
WEL123 and WEL129

Robotic Welding

WEL249

Introduction to robotics, robot classification and the application of robotics to the welding industry. Study includes the safety of robotics in industrial applications and different types of end effectors. Lab work includes operating various pieces of industrial equipment and robotic systems using computer and teach pendant modes. 

3 Credits: 1 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL142; or
CIM222; or
EET246; or
WEL120 and WEL124

Welding Blueprint & Layout II

WEL252

Principles and applications of advanced blueprint and layout skills used in the welding industry. Projects will require use of various pieces of equipment to fabricate sheet, plate, tubing, and pipe using various material types. Applicable codes and standards are used to ensure proper design and applications of the materials.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL102

Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Pipe Welding

WEL264

Advanced principles and applications of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) applied to pipe and tube weldments. Development of practical hands-on techniques focused on joining pipe in multiple position using various joint designs and electrode type and sizes. Continuation of weld procedure specifications (WPS), procedure qualification report (PQR), codes, standards, and specifications as used in the pipe welding industry. Emphasis on welding of ferrous pipe and tube utilizing the uphill and downhill methods. Spring Only.

4 Credits: 1 Lecture, 9 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL216; or
WEL221 and WEL223

Advanced High Energy Density Processes

WEL302

Continuation of the study of robotics, robot classification and the application of robotics to the welding industry. Emphasis on the introduction of Electron Beam Welding (EBW), laser welding and cutting (LW, LC), and plasma welding (PW).

4 Credits: 2 Lecture, 6 Lab

Prerequisites:
MTH230 and WEL249; or
MTH240 and WEL249

Fabrication of Alloys

WEL400

Fundamental principles of welding metallurgy applied to the joining of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Iron-carbon diagrams and isothermal transformation diagrams will be used to show changes in material properties caused by heat. Lab topics include cladding, joining of ferrous and nonferrous metals, surfacing, heat treatments, and corrosion. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
DSG323 and MSC106

Industrial Project Support Systems

WEL401

Focus on continual process improvement projects with an emphasis on Deming's management philosophy, statistical process control (SPC), and other process improvement philosophies. Successful completion of capstone project with moderate oversight by a faculty mentor using said philosophies is required. Projects will be monitored, adjusted, and reapplied to help solve quality improvement issues found in industry. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
WEL252

Robotic Cell Building & Offline Programming

WEL405

Advanced principles of designing robotic cells utilizing computer-aided design (CAD) and Solid Works. Applied skills include implementing robotic cells into offline programming software for download into actual cell contained laser welding and cutting robots. As needed.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
EET444 and WEL249

Industrial Weld Design

WEL410

Introduction to the design, drawing, manufacturing engineering, and cost considerations of creating weldments. Topics include: engineering graphics review, estimation of welding costs, production considerations needed in designing and fabricating of weldments, tolerance dimensioning, mechanical and section properties of materials load and stress analysis, and code requirements for welding. Codes covered include AWS D1.1, API 1104, and ASME Section 9. Fall Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
DSG323 and DSG328

Welding Codes & Procedures

WEL420

Review of standard welding terms and definitions along with the standard welding symbols used in the welding industry. Emphasis on visual inspection of weld discontinuities commonly found in welding. Topics include the requirements and duties of the certified welding inspector, qualifications of welding procedures and specifications, and qualifications of the welding operator with respect to the American Welding Society (AWS), American Petroleum Institute (API), and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) standards. Spring Only.

3 Credits: 2 Lecture, 3 Lab

Prerequisites:
QAL241 and WEL102

Welding Internship

WEL495

Specialized off-campus, industry-based work experience applies knowledge and skills developed during Welding Technology and Welding and Fabrication Engineering Technology instruction. Experience also provides a functional understanding of the work environment, hones interpersonal and technical communication skills, and enhances social and civic competencies. Conducted in accordance with explicitly defined guidelines and procedures. Requires a minimum of 300 work experience hours, but may include more hours depending on the individual needs of the internship experience.

1 Credit: 0 Lecture, 5 Internship

Prerequisites:
DSG328 and WEL401