Faculty Syllabus

WLDG-1430 Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Kristin Burke


Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

WLDG-1430-005 (18792)
LEC MW 10:45am - 12:00pm RRC RRC5 5133.00

LAB MW 12:00pm - 1:20pm RRC RRC5 5133.00

WLDG-1430-013 (18798)
LEC MW 8:00am - 9:20am RRC RRC5 5133.00

LAB MW 9:20am - 10:35am RRC RRC5 5133.00

Course Requirements

*Professor may change project list to meet requirements of industry needs, new technology, or material availability.

Examinations/ OSHA 10/ Other Assignments

This course consists of four exams (Safety Exam, Mid-term, Final Exam, Torch Final), and a requirement to complete OSHA 10 by the withdrawal deadline. It may also include quizzes and other assignments, at the discretion of your instructor.  These assignments account for 40%, while the project list below accounts for 60% of your overall course grade.

Safety examination: Chapter 2- must score an 80 or higher to remain in the course.

Mid-term examination: Chapters 10 and 11 

Final examination: Chapters 12 and 13 

Torch Final: Hands on demonstration of proper torch use

It is the student’s responsibility to confirm exam content, format, and dates with your instructor.

 

OSHA 10 Requirement

Students taking WLDG 1428, WLDG 1430, or WLDG 1434 are required to complete OSHA 10 training.  This training is available online.  A recommended site for this training is www.careersafeonline.com.  The training must be completed by the withdrawal deadline or per your professor’s instructions.  Failure to meet this requirement may result in you being dropped from the course.  If you have already completed the training, you may show your professor proof of completion to satisfy this requirement.

 

PROJECT LIST

                        Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)                       

 

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

STEEL—12 GAUGE

Short Circuit

 

Surfacing

 

  1. Flat (1F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  3. Vertical (3F)............downward                                                                                                                      
  4. Overhead (4F)                                                                                                                      

*Must be completed in first 8 classes.

 

Lap Joints or T-Joints- Instructor to assign joints

 

  1. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Vertical (3F)............downward                                                                                                                      
  3. Overhead (4F)                                                                                                                      

              

 

 

 

Tube to Tube connection with a 45 degree miter fit up.

 

  1. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Vertical down (3F)                                                                                                                       
  3. Outside corner vertical down                                                                                                                      

STEEL—1/4” Plate or heavier based on availability

 

Cutting (Students will cut specific sized pieces with a ± 1/16 Tolerance including bevels)

 

  1. OFC Manual Torch                                                                                                                      

Spray Transfer Tee-Joints ¼” and Heavier

 

  1. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      

 

Pulse Spray Transfer Tee-Joints ¼” and Heavier

  1. Vertical (3F)..............upward………………………………………………………….   
  2. Overhead (4F)                                                                                                                      

 

 

 

                      Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-G)                     

 

STEEL—1/4” Plate or heavier based on availability

Tee-Joints

 

  1. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Vertical (3F) upward                                                                                                                      
  3. Overhead (4F)                                                                                                                       

 

Flare Bevel

 

  1. Horizontal (2G)                                                                                                                      
  2. Vertical (3G) upward                                                                                                                      
  3. Overhead (4G)                                                                                                                      

V-Groove With Backup 3/8” Minimum plate or heavier (Donated Materials If Possible)

 

  1. Flat (1G)                                                                                                                      
  2.  Horizontal (2G)                                                                                                                      
  3.  Vertical (3G) upward- Bend Test Required                                                                                                                      

 

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW-S)                     

STEEL

 

Lap Joints & T-Joints- *Instructor will assign either a lap or T-Joint to each student.

  1. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Vertical (3F) upward                                                                                                                      
  3. Vertical (3F)downward                                                                                                                      
  4. Overhead (4F)                                                                              

V-Groove Open Root 1/4” Minimum plate or heavier (Donated Materials If Possible)

  1. Flat (1G)                                                                                                                      
  2. Horizontal (2G)                                                                                                                      
  3. Vertical (3G) upward-Bend Test Required                                                                                                                      

                        Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Extra Credit    

ALUMINUM – 1/4” Plate or heavier based on availability

 

Tee-Joints

  1. Flat (1F)                                                                                                                      
  2. Horizontal (2F)                                                                                                                      
  3. Vertical (3F)…downward                                                                                                                      

 

 

 

Calculation of Final Grade

To more accurately grade each student on their progress, each project will get a grade of 0, (not completed), 1 (poor weld quality), 2 (medium weld quality), 3 (good weld quality), 4 (exceptional weld quality). Total possible points available is the number of projects multiplied by 4. The Percentage Completed will be determined by dividing student’s total points earned by total points possible.

 

Projects............................................. Percent Completed                  % x 60% = .......................................................... Points

Exams/ OSHA 10/ Assignments....... Average of Grades                  % x 40% = .......................................................... Points

Total Points              Final Course Grade               

Readings

Required Texts/ Materials/ Software

Jeffus, Larry, Welding: Principles and Applications, Delmar Publishers, Inc., current edition.

This excellent textbook provides a great deal of specific instruction and reference mate­rial on theory and applied welding skills.  It can be purchased at the campus book­store.

Required Supplies:  There are a number of required tools for this course. 

Safety Glasses.

Welding Jacket

4-1/2” Angle Grinder

4” x 5/8” Root Pass Brush (Braided Wire Wheel)

 4-1/2” x 7/8” Grinding Wheel 

Clear & Shade 5 Safety Glasses

Short Handle Steel Brush 

Ear Plugs

Mig Welding Gloves w/ Gauntlet cuffs 

Welding Hood

 

Course Subjects

WLDG 1430: Introduction to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) –and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW).  A study of the principles of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), setup and use of GMAW and FCAW equipment, and safe use of tools/equipment. Instruction in various joints and positions

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes

Describe welding positions with various joint designs; describe the effects of welding parameters in GMAW; apply safety rules; troubleshoot equipment used; perform visual inspection; weld various types of structural material; diagnose welding problems.

Office Hours

T Th 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Round Rock 5135.05

NOTE Meetings outside of office hours can be requested by email.

M W 1:40 PM - 4:40 PM Round Rock 5135.05

NOTE Meetings outside of office hours can be requested by email.

Office Hours

T Th 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Round Rock 5135.05

NOTE Meetings outside of office hours can be requested by email.

M W 1:40 PM - 4:40 PM Round Rock 5135.05

NOTE Meetings outside of office hours can be requested by email.

Published: 01/12/2026 08:36:43