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Welding Techniques – Comparison of Welding Methods

Project "Innovations in VET education" is co-financed by the European Union

Introduction to the WebQuest Topic
Information for the Teacher

Wprowadzenie do tematu WQ

Welding is one of the most important metal joining processes used extensively in industries such as automotive, construction, aerospace, and chemical industries. Various welding techniques make it possible to create durable, aesthetic, and precise joints that meet both structural and aesthetic requirements. There are many welding methods, each with its unique characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and applications. In this project, students will learn about the details of four key welding techniques: MIG/MAG, TIG, MMA, and laser welding.

Description of Welding Methods

MIG/MAG Welding (Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas)*

TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas)*

Electric Welding MMA (Manual Metal Arc)*

Laser Welding*

Information for the Teacher

The WebQuest is designed for vocational school students studying in fields related to mechanics, metallurgy, and metalworking. Its aim is to introduce students to various welding techniques, their applications, benefits, and limitations. As part of the project, students will work in groups, and each group will prepare a presentation comparing selected welding methods, describing work techniques, equipment usage, and the specific properties of welds.

By completing this WebQuest, students will:

• Learn about the most commonly used welding methods, such as MIG/MAG welding, TIG welding, electric welding, and laser welding.

• Understand the features and specifications of each method and in which situations they are used.

• Get to know the advantages and disadvantages of each method, which will help them make informed decisions when selecting techniques during their future careers.

• Become familiar with the equipment, technical, and safety requirements for each method.

• Improve their group work skills and gain experience in technical analysis and presenting results.

Suggested Time for Completing the WebQuest:

12 lessons

Assessment Criteria, Evaluated:

• The degree of topic coverage (maximum grade: 5, exceeding this knowledge: grade 6),

• Aesthetic quality of the presentation and the way the information is presented,

• Engagement and teamwork skills of the students.

Evaluation:

• The teacher will help students analyze the content together with them until the students understand it. They will offer assistance, advice, and explanations, not ready-made solutions. This method will be a good way to foster independent action and creative thinking.

• The teacher should carefully analyze the content with the students until they fully understand it. The teacher should provide guidance, advice, and explanations rather than giving ready solutions. This method encourages independent action and creative thinking.

• Group division may be done based on different criteria, such as students’ cognitive abilities, skills, interests, or aptitudes to balance the strength in each group.

• The teacher can assist students when working in groups by asking leading questions. It's important to remember that they are learning a new way of working (a process).

• The teacher should provide students with specific information regarding the assessment of their achievements during group work and when summarizing results.

• The time allocated for the project should be adapted to the students' abilities. It is not predetermined. The suggested timeframes for each phase of the process should be treated as guidelines.

ZADANIE

As part of the task, you will be divided into 4 groups, each assigned a different welding method topic. Each group will prepare a presentation on their assigned technique, covering its specifics, applications, equipment requirements, and pros and cons. The goal of the presentation will also be to engage in a discussion about situations where the given method works best and the challenges that may arise when using it. One member of each group will take on the role of the expert and present the collected information, while the others will ask questions and participate in the discussion.

• Group 1: MIG/MAG Welding (Metal Inert Gas/Metal Active Gas)

This group will analyze one of the most popular welding techniques – MIG/MAG, which uses protective gas.

They will discuss how the MIG/MAG welding process works, the required devices and materials, as well as its advantages, such as ease of learning and fast welding processes.

They will also identify the disadvantages of this method, such as how atmospheric conditions affect the quality of the weld, and examples of applications in various industries like automotive.

• Group 2: TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas)

This group will focus on the TIG technique, which is used for more precise welding work.

They will explain how the TIG welding process works, the equipment needed, and how to meet the technical requirements of the method, such as high precision.

They will present the advantages and limitations of TIG, such as the slower process but high-quality welds, and indicate the sectors where this method is most commonly used, such as aerospace and medical device production.

• Group 3: Electric Welding (MMA, Manual Metal Arc)

This group will prepare a presentation on electric welding, one of the oldest and most versatile methods.

They will focus on the required equipment, ease of use, and the possibilities of this method in different environments (e.g., outdoor work).

They will identify drawbacks such as limited precision and potential quality control difficulties, and discuss examples of its use, such as bridge construction and heavy steel structures.

• Group 4: Laser Welding

This group will analyze laser welding, a modern technique requiring specialized equipment.

They will explain how the laser welding process works, the technologies supporting this process, such as welding robots, and the equipment requirements.

They will discuss the advantages, such as high precision and the ability to work with materials of varying thickness, as well as the limitations, such as high cost. They will also provide examples of industries where this method is commonly used, like electronics and automotive manufacturing.

Why will you work in groups?

Group work allows each student to focus on specific technical aspects of the chosen welding method while also facilitating knowledge exchange within the group. Collaborating on presentations will help you better understand the diversity of welding methods and their specificities, thus preparing you for work in this field.

Stage 1: Introduction to the Task

• At the beginning of the task, students should familiarize themselves with the WebQuest topic and the collected sources on different welding techniques.

• Then, in groups or as a class, basic welding topics will be discussed, such as the functions of different methods, their processes, and wide applications in various industrial sectors.

Stage 2: Working on Presentations

• Students will be divided into 4 groups.

• Each group will receive one topic related to a specific welding technique and will prepare a multimedia presentation on the assigned topic.

• The teacher will help select the necessary sources and information needed to prepare the presentation.

• Each group will create a multimedia presentation on their welding technique, which will include a detailed description of the process, the equipment used, as well as applications and the advantages and limitations of the method.

Stage 3: Presentation and Discussion

• At the end of the task, the results will be presented to the class.

• Each group will present their welding technique, highlighting key information and discussing the situations where the technique works best.

• Finally, a discussion will be held, focusing on the differences between welding methods, identifying the most commonly used techniques and those that require special attention to safety and specialized equipment.

Stage 4: Evaluation and Knowledge Summary

• At the end, the teacher will assess the students' engagement in completing the task, the quality of the presentations, and their contributions to the discussion.

• Every aspect, such as the accuracy of presenting the topic, the clarity of the presentation, and participation in the discussion, will be considered in the final evaluation of the group work.

Stages of Work and Time

2h

Stage 1

4h

Stage 2

4h

Stage 3

2h

Stage 4

Points	2	3	4
Content Quality	Work is weak in terms of content. Missing elements.	Work is good in terms of content. Minor or no errors.	Work is excellent in terms of content. Correct, engaging information.
Presentation of Work	• Presentation is unclear, superficial, and not engaging. • Lack of participation in discussion.	• Presentation is clear, good, and interesting. • The student participates in discussions but with limited input.	• Presentation is attractive, thorough, and engaging. • The student actively participates in discussions and contributes significantly.
Aesthetic Impressions	• Work is unclear, untidy, and poorly executed. • Poor arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is clear, neat, and carefully done. • Good arrangement of elements on the page.	• Work is aesthetically pleasing, clear, and highly polished. It stands out visually. • Excellent arrangement of elements on the page.
Group Work	Lack of involvement of all group members in work and creative collaboration.	Good involvement of all group members. Satisfactory collaboration skills.	Full engagement of all group members. Excellent cooperation and motivation within the group.