Competition Preparation
Preparing for the
Competition
List of welds for the competition:
- Lap joint fillet welds (SMAW and GMAW)
- Lap joint fillet (GMAW intermittent welds, example 2″ – 8″)
- Square groove butt weld (1/16″ gap with CJP)
- Flare bevel grove weld (SMAW)
Student competitors should be able to identify these welds by their symbol, as this will be what is on the drawing. They will also be responsible for the fit-up of this part (5 pieces) and to assemble it to the specs on the drawing with provided measuring devices.
Reading the CAD Drawing Day-Of
Each competitor will receive a CAD Drawing with instructions on how to assemble the competition piece. The following image is a sketch of a similar piece. If you are not familiar with these markings and instructions, talk with your teacher and build your skills so you are ready on the day of the competition.
2023 Plans
These plans were used for our first competition.
The red circles indicate the 7 weld points that were judged by our three Certified Weld Inspectors from Crenlo Engineered Cabs and McNeilus Steel.
2024 Plans
We added some complexity to 2024’s competition, utilizing a small piece of steel tubing.
1/7/25 Update
We have created a video that shows the steps that competitors can expect to go through on the day of the competition. We highly encourage every advisor and competitor to watch this video at least once.
1/15/25 Update - Instructor Training
We will be offering an opportunity for welding instructors to meet with industry and post-secondary professionals to get a refresher/crash course on the welding processes required for competitors at this year’s competition. This will be a 3-hour event hosted by Rochester Community and Technical College, Lincoln Electric, Crenlo, McNeilus Steel, Local 6 Plumbers & Pipefitters, and more. We will go over welding symbols, plan reading, the welding processes, and ways to efficiently and effectively teach your students these topics. We will have resources you can take back to your classroom, and you will make some great connections in the industry, and have a chance to ask all the questions!
- DATE: Wednesday, 2/19/25
- TIME: 4:30 – 7:30 PM
- LOCATION: RCTC Heintz Center. Enter through Door H8 and proceed to the Weld Lab
- Only open to instructors – No students, please
- Please bring your own welding PPE
- We will have pizza for everyone in attendance
- CEUs will be offered for everyone in attendance as well
2/4/25 Update - Welding Setup at Competition
-
- Gas Setup: 75/25 (PROVIDED)
- Machines set up for .035″ solid wire (PROVIDED)
- Electrodes: 1/8″ 6013 – Approximately 5 rods per competitor (PROVIDED)
- Possible Competition Materials: All Mild Steel
- Plates: 6mm, 3mm
- Square Tube: 50x75mm x 4.76mm wall
- Pipe: 1″ pipe, 2mm wall
- All PPE
- Boots
- Glasses
- Coat
- Hood
- Gloves
