Fundamentals of Welding

Course code:25-SS-009
Dates:July 22-24, 2024 Alternate Course Dates
Meets:M and W from 8:00 AM to 9:15 AM, 2 sessions
Hours:2.50
Location:VCU Maker Garage
Instructor:Boris Solomonov
Fee: $50.00

Description

This course is designed to provide participants with a fundamental understanding of welding processes, techniques, and safety procedures. This course consists of a combination of lectures, hands-on practical exercises, demonstrations, and group discussions. Participants will have access to welding equipment and materials to apply their knowledge in a controlled and safe environment.

This course is open to VCU students, faculty, staff, and community members. VCU College of Engineering or VCU da Vinci Center of Innovation students may qualify for a discount. Upon completion of the course, the lab space is reserved exclusively for students enrolled in a VCU College of Engineering degree program. Individuals outside of the college cannot freely use the equipment or lab space. They must request permission, and approval is subject to availability. The lab space is specifically designated for College of Engineering-related tasks.

All participants must complete the Online Makerspace Orientation and General Safety Training Module and Module 1 - Intermediate Makerspace Training Course before enrolling. Participants should have a basic understanding of safety principles and a willingness to learn and apply new skills. No prior welding experience is required for this course.

Objectives:

  1. Safety Awareness: Develop a strong foundation in welding safety, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the identification and mitigation of potential hazards.
  2. Welding Equipment: Gain proficiency in identifying, setting up, operating, and maintaining welding equipment, including various welding machines, torches, and related tools.
  3. Welding Processes: Explore common welding processes such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) and understand when to use each method.
  4. Welding Techniques: Acquire practical skills in performing basic welding joint types, including butt, lap, and fillet welds, while achieving consistent weld bead quality.
  5. Material Preparation: Learn how to prepare welding surfaces by cleaning, beveling, and fitting materials accurately, taking into account material properties and thickness.
  6. Welding Positions: Practice welding in various joint positions using appropriate techniques.
  7. Metallurgy Basics: Understand the fundamentals of metallurgy, including how heat affects material properties during welding, to make informed welding decisions.
  8. Troubleshooting: Identify and troubleshoot common welding issues and implement corrective measures to improve weld quality.
  9. Communication Skills: Develop effective communication skills for collaborating with colleagues and supervisors on welding projects and safety concerns.
  10. Professionalism: Cultivate a strong work ethic, punctuality, and a commitment to continuous improvement in welding skills.

Notes

Upon successful completion of the Fundamentals of Welding course, students will receive a certificate of completion, signifying their readiness to advance to more advanced welding techniques and applications. All classes must be attended to be eligible for the certificate of completion.
Any available coupon codes must be used/applied at the time of enrollment, cannot be combined with other discounts/coupons or waivers, and will not be retroactively applied. To verify or obtain your coupon code, please email egrmakers@vcu.edu prior to registration.
Cancellation/Refund Policy: You may cancel your registration up until two weeks prior to the course start date, and receive a full refund minus any credit card processing fees. After that date, no refunds will be given. Cancellations must be received via email at ocpe@vcu.edu
In the unlikely event that this program is cancelled or postponed due to insufficient enrollments or unforeseen circumstances, the university will fully refund registration fees, but cannot be held responsible for any other expenses, including change or cancellation charges to include but not limited to airlines, hotels, travel agencies, or other organizations.

Transfer Policy: Registration may be transferred to a different offering if space is available. Transfer request must be in writing via email at ocpe@vcu.edu by the cancellation deadline. The participant must meet all prerequisites or qualifications.


Questions? Should you have any questions about this noncredit offering, please contact Shelly Schuetz at ssschuetz@vcu.edu
As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment in the VCU College of Engineering Makerspace Training and Equipment Areas, we would like to remind all students to adhere to the following attire guidelines. These guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all participants while working in the lab space:
  1. Wear approved safety glasses/goggles: Protective eyewear is mandatory to safeguard against potential hazards in the Makerspace.
  2. Avoid clothing made from synthetic or synthetic blends: Synthetic fabrics can burn vigorously, melt, and result in severe skin burns. Please choose clothing made from non-synthetic materials.
  3. Long Pants: Appropriate leg coverage is required for everyone in the space. Avoid shorts, skirts, capri pants, or any lower-body coverings that leave skin exposed.
  4. Covered Shirt: A shirt that covers the stomach and lower back is necessary. Tank tops or cropped shirts are not permitted.
  5. Closed-toe and Closed-back Shoes: Shoes that completely cover the foot with closed toes and backs are mandatory. Avoid shoes with cut-outs or vents that leave the skin exposed and unprotected.

These guidelines are crucial for the well-being of all individuals in the lab space, and we appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and productive environment. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in restricted access to the Makerspace.

Additional Tips for Proper Lab Attire in the VCU College of Engineering Makerspace:

  1. Hair Safety: Ensure that any long hair is tied back or confined to prevent interference with lab/studio equipment and potential safety hazards.
  2. Foot Attire: Sandals with socks are not considered appropriate foot attire in the lab. Closed-toe and closed-back shoes are essential for the safety of individuals working in the Makerspace.
  3. Jewelry Removal: It is recommended that anyone working in undergraduate laboratories remove jewelry. This precaution helps prevent the collection of chemicals, contact with electrical sources, catching on laboratory equipment, and/or damage to the jewelry itself.
  4. VCU Makerspace Safety Rules and Regulations: Refer to the VCU Makerspace Safety Rules and Regulations Facility Agreement for comprehensive requirements. This agreement is available in the required online Makerspace Orientation and General Safety Training course.
  5. Adherence to Safety Rules: Follow makerspace safety rules and regulations at all times to maintain a secure working environment.
  6. Certified Makerspace Staff Instructions: Any additional guidelines, instructions, and/or rules provided by certified makerspace staff members must be followed diligently.

Student/Participant Conduct:
Participants are subject to all university policies applicable to students, unless a specific university or VCU Continuing and Professional Education policy explicitly states otherwise. University policies governing students are available at https://vcu.public.doctract.com including:
Student Code of Conduct
Honor System and Standards of Academic Conduct
Preventing and Responding to Discrimination
Title IX Sexual Harassment Policy-Interim
Sex-Based Misconduct Policy-Interim
For Academic Accommodations, please visit https://ocpe.vcu.edu/courses/policies.html#accommodations

There are 4 openings remaining at this time.

OR
Email Information to Friend Print