Welding Qualification Series

Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Series (WCA03)

With the assistance of the aluminum industry and many welding professionals, I-CAR has developed the first hands-on Automotive Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Series in the collision industry. This series includes instruction, hands-on practice, and testing for welds used in repairing aluminum vehicle structures.

Participants are instructed how to set up and tune a welding machine, address safety issues, prepare metal surfaces, and perform proper welding techniques. Hands-on practice welds include GMA (MIG) plug, fillet, and butt joint with backing welds. Welds are practiced in both vertical and overhead positions. Participants also perform the required visual inspections and destructive tests for each type of welded joint.

The program concludes with the Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding Qualification Test demonstrating the technician’s ability to perform all three welds in both vertical and overhead positions. All six welds must pass both visual inspection and destructive tests.

About Testing

Performance-based testing includes GMA (MIG) plug, fillet, and butt joint with backing welds in both vertical and overhead positions. Welds are made on two types of aluminum alloys: 5052-H32 and 6061-T6 and on two different thicknesses of aluminum: 1mm and 2.5mm.

Welds are visually inspected according to strict guidelines as explained during Aluminum GMA (MIG) Welding training and practice sessions. If the welds pass the visual inspection, they are destructively tested. Welds are graded and results are determined immediately. All six welds must pass in order to qualify. Welds that do not pass must be retaken within six months of the original test date. After six months, the entire series must be taken again to receive a qualification.

Training for Your Role

Successful completion of the I-CAR Welding Qualification Test satisfies the annual training requirement, but does not award credit hours.

Scheduling and Fees

A minimum of two technicians from a single location are required to request the In-Shop Aluminum Welding Qualification Series. A current fee schedule can be accessed here. To schedule the Aluminum Welding Qualification Series, contact the I-CAR Field Support Team at 800-422-7456.