Description:

This intensive, two-day class focuses on GMAW/"MIG" theory & techniques that go beyond the needs of the typical beginner welding student, such as:

• When to use GMAW vs. other common processes
• How a GMAW power supply works
• Evolution of GMAW machines since the 1960s
• Differences between the three modes of GMAW transfer
• High-speed GMAW techniques for sheet metal
• Inductance: what it is, why it matters, and how to change it
• Differences between various shielding gas mixtures & filler wires
• Maintenance & troubleshooting of GMAW equipment 3-4 hours classroom; remainder in lab. Primary focus will be mild steel, but GMAW of other metals (e.g. aluminum & stainless) may be discussed.

This class will be the first to introduce the recently-acquired Millermatic 200, an industrial-quality GMAW power supply revered by experienced welders for its durability and "soft" arc. Textbook will be provided free of charge, courtesy of ESAB.

Class Goals:

Become more of an expert on the fine art of producing high-quality GMA welds under a wide variety of circumstances Become proficient in developing GMAW process, given a set of constraints such as material, thickness, position, joint design.

Prerequisites:

Students must have already taken a GMAW/"MIG" welding class at Artisan's Asylum, or have similar welding experience, subject to instructor's approval. NOTE: Due to time limitations, this class will NOT cover basic arc welding safety. Students should already be comfortable using the Asylum's arc welding equipment.

Materials:

A materials fee of $50 is included in the ticket price.

Instructor Biography:

Ethan is a metalworking professional with extensive experience with all major welding and cutting processes. His passion for welding and brazing stems from his interest in building bicycle frames. He holds structural welding and brazing certifications from the American Welding Society and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, as well as a Master's in Technology from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. He is the sole proprietor of the Boston Institute for Clean Energy Prototyping (BICEP), based at Greentown Labs, the clean energy startup incubator in South Boston.