Welding and Fabrication Technology — Columbia

This course introduces the fundamental skills and knowledge required for welding and cutting operations. Students will set up and safely operate oxyfuel cutting (OFC) equipment, read and interpret welding symbols from welding detail drawings, and perform basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) operations. Students will also identify common weld defects, their causes, and evaluate weld quality to apply proper methods for repairing. Through hands-on practice, students will develop foundational cutting and welding skills while evaluating weld quality and safety compliance.

This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and introduces students to the process of Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate SMAW and PAC equipment and materials, focusing on proper joint design, material preparation, and welding variables to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also perform cleaning and grinding operations, fit-up joints, and use PAC equipment to make various types of cuts. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding and cutting techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.

This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and introduces students to the process of air carbon arc cutting (CAC-A). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GMAW and CAC-A equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Students will also learn to perform gouging, cutting, washing, and edge preparation using CAC-A. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their techniques and evaluate weld and cut quality to meet industry standards.

This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate FCAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions, both with and without shielding gas. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.

This course focuses on the principles, techniques, and applications of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate GTAW equipment and materials, focusing on proper electrode selection and tip configuration, welding variables, and material preparation to produce high-quality fillet and groove welds in multiple positions. Through hands-on practice, students will refine their welding techniques and evaluate weld quality to meet industry standards.

This course focuses on using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) in fabrication projects. Students will develop the skills to set up and safely operate welding equipment to work with various types of materials. The course emphasizes reading and interpreting technical drawings and welding symbols, along with skills in layout, cutting, bending, and assembling components. Hands-on projects help students develop the ability to fabricate and evaluate metal structures with accuracy and attention to detail, using techniques and standards common in the industry.