Fundamentals of Welding (SMAW & GMAW)

SMAW and GMAW Fundamentals and Safety

Set up to weld safely and correctly. This module covers the principles and equipment of shielded metal arc and gas metal arc welding, electrode and wire classification such as E7018 and ER70S-6, material and joint preparation, weld positions, and the AWS/ISO safety standards you will follow throughout.

Flat and Horizontal Position Welding

Lay sound welds in the easiest positions first. You will weld fillet and groove joints in the flat and horizontal positions (1F/2F, 1G/2G) using SMAW and GMAW, select electrodes, wires and parameters, and inspect and test welds with visual, bend and macroetch methods, rectifying defects.

Vertical and Overhead Position Welding

Master the harder positions. This module covers fillet and groove welds in the vertical and overhead positions (3F/4F, 3G/4G), uphill and downhill and weaving techniques, heat-input control, and testing with dye-penetrant, bend and ultrasonic methods to ISO 9606.

Pipe Welding and Advanced Techniques

Weld pipe in every position. You will prepare and weld pipe butt, socket and fillet joints in rolled and fixed positions (1G, 2G, 5G, 6G, 4G), inspect for root penetration, and test with hydrostatic and radiographic methods, completing a pipe-assembly project.

Defect Analysis, Certification Preparation, and Assessment

Test, rectify and prepare for certification. This module covers identifying weld imperfections, non-destructive and destructive testing, rectifying complex defects, and simulating AWS/ISO welder-qualification scenarios — completing a structural frame with pipe and plate welds.

Final Examination

Resources & Further Reading

Assignments