Course Overview
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (“GTAW”), also known as Tungsten Inert Gas or “TIG” welding, is regularly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum. Students of this introductory course will have skills to describe and demonstrate GTAW welding.
Used by beginners, artisans, and professionals, GTAW welding uses a tungsten electrode to produce a weld using electrical energy conducted across an arc through a column of highly ionized gas and vapours known as plasma. An inert shielding gas protects the weld area and electrode from oxidation. The resulting weld is strong and of a high quality if the proper processes are used.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to describe and select power sources and machine settings and perform maintenance on the welder. Students will also have the skills needed to describe the various types of filler wires and shielding gases. The course emphasizes shop practice, including work on mild steel of various thicknesses, and practice on aluminum and stainless steel.