Whether the industry is car-making, airplane manufacturing, or even rocket science, few things are more important than a quality weld. This four-part series combines engaging videography, no-nonsense explanations, and eye-catching graphics as it introduces viewers to the most common welding processes. From electrode choices to plasma or oxy-fuel cutting options - from proper safety precautions to the push and drag techniques involved in laying a bead - each episode offers up-to-date guidance that will help build a foundation for entering - and mastering - the welding profession.

There are four 20 to 24-minute programs in the series:

SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING (SMAW)
Often referred to as "stick welding", SMAW has been used for decades to weld most metals and alloys. This video helps students learn the basics of the SMAW method, in which the electrode is consumable and becomes part of the weld. Identifying critical system components, the video explains different power types and power levels and includes a discussion of DCRP, DCSP, and AC modes. It then shows how to choose the correct welding rod, make sure that all equipment and working conditions meet professional safety standards, set up the system to begin work, correctly lay a bead, and read or inspect a bead. A segment on advanced techniques looks at several types of joints - edge, corner, lap, and tee joints as well as various butt joints - in addition to root, fill, and cap passes. Solving the problem of arc blow is also covered. 24 minutes
*Click here to VIEW CLIP

GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING (GTAW)
GTAW is also known as "TIG" or tungsten inert gas welding, and uses a non-consumable electrode to make high-quality welds on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. This video shows students how to properly and safely apply GTAW techniques. Pointing out tungsten’s high melting temperature (the highest of any metal) and the general advantages of GTAW, the video explains AC or DC power source options as well as other system components, including the torch, foot switch, shielding gas, and ground clamp. Viewers learn how to select and prepare the right electrode (an AWS chart is illustrated), how to ensure safe working conditions, and how to set up the GTAW system for quality welds. An advanced segment covers joint types from butt to tee and helps troubleshoot problems like excessive tungsten wear, tungsten spitting, a porous weld, and an unstable arc. 23 minutes
*Click here to VIEW CLIP

GAS METAL ARC WELDING (GMAW)
Also referred to as "MIG" (metal inert gas) welding, GMAW creates an arc with a solid wire fed through a MIG gun and melted to form a weld. This video guides students through the basics of gas metal arc welding, which is often used in automotive, structural, and production manufacturing. Helping students identify the correct duty cycle for the job at hand, the video explains the function and specifications of the electrode or "filler wire" as well as the other GMAW tool components. Safety, transfer modes, general set-up procedures, laying and reading beads, and other topics are featured. A troubleshooting segment helps deal with problems like an erratic puddle, excessive spatter, porosity, poor penetration, and excessive penetration, with advanced GMAW techniques also explored. 20 minutes
*Click here to VIEW CLIP

OXY-FUEL AND PLASMA CUTTING
Preparing for a welding project usually involves cutting metal into specific shapes and pieces, a task that requires many of the same tools and know-how used in welding. This video serves as a basic guide to two popular heat-based cutting methods: oxy-fuel and plasma. Beginning with an overview of safety procedures, the video shows how to set up an oxy-acetylene system and demonstrates correct coupling distance, travel speed, torch angle, machine finishing, and other aspects of handheld cutting. Additional fuel choices are listed, too. The plasma segment includes a basic definition of what plasma is and how it is able to cut. Viewers learn the fine points of setting up and cutting with a plasma system and are given numerous tips and guidelines, from one- and two-hand torch manipulation to troubleshooting various problems. 20 minutes
*Click here to VIEW CLIP
*Correlates to all National CTE Organizational Standards (including the provisions of the Perkins Act).

*Viewable/printable instructor’s guides are available online