I-CAR has announced two enhancements to welding qualification training for the collision repair industry.
First, the Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Series (WCS03) has been updated to include the use of different thicknesses of material to help refine welding techniques. The new materials are more representative of the thicknesses of steels being used on today’s high-tech vehicles. Specifically, students will now work with two different thicknesses of automotive-grade, 16-gauge (1.4-1.6 mm) and 22-gauge (0.68-0.81 mm) zinc-coated steel. The testing portion of the class will include performing a series of 10 welds in vertical and overhead positions on varying thickness combinations.
WCS03 fulfills knowledge areas in the I-CAR Professional Development Program at I-CAR ProLevel 3 for non-structural technicians and at I-CAR ProLevel 1 for steel structural technicians. In addition, this I-CAR Welding Qualification is required by the following manufacturers in order to participate in their network programs: Acura, Audi, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Infiniti, Land Rover, Lexus, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volvo and Volkswagen.
“The new materials used in this Welding Qualification Test will more accurately represent materials thickness used on many of today’s vehicles and will lead to a training experience that better prepares technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to maintain the integrity of a vehicle,” said I-CAR Technical Director Jason Bartanen.
Second, I-CAR has launched an online course on Steel GMA (MIG) Welding Theory (WCS06e). This self-study course provides students with basic knowledge related to steel welding theory, including:
• an understanding of gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
• the proper use of GMA (MIG) welding equipment
• the best techniques used for making butt joint with backing, open butt, fillet and plug welds
WCS06e provides non-structural technicians with the knowledge needed for I-CAR ProLevel 2 in the I-CAR Professional Development Program, and prepares them for the I-CAR ProLevel 3 requirement of taking the in-shop Welding Qualification Test the following year.
Added Bartanen, “Welding is a critical skill in the collision repair process and requires safety and attention to detail. The improvements made to our related training and testing can help ensure that high-quality welds are being performed consistently, helping to lower the risk of liability and protect future passenger safety.”
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