vcc.ca
ACRD 2280: Welding and Repairing Aluminum
Effective date
September 2026
Department
Auto Collision Refinishing Dip
School
Trades, Technology and Design
Description
In this course students learn how to MIG weld aluminum and special processes used to repair sheet aluminum. The course focusses on the differences between welding and repairing steel sheet panels as learned in Term 2.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
1st Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
ACRD 1145, ACRD 1200, ACRD 1205 and ACRD 1240.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Describe characteristics of aluminum.
- Describe aluminum sheet and structural metal.
- Describe aluminum panel attachment methods.
- Describe dedicated tools used when working with aluminum.
- Describe MIG welding aluminum.
- Perform lap welds and plug welds on sheet aluminum.
- Use pre-heating techniques.
- Use weld-on damage removal procedures with pulling devices to remove damage.
- Shape damaged aluminum panels.
- Use techniques to identify surface cracks.
- Describe refinishing considerations for aluminum.
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 30
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Clinical, Lab, Rehearsal, Shop, Kitchen, Simulation, Studio: 45
Total Hours: 75
Instructional Strategies
Instructional strategies may include lectures, demonstrations, case studies, assigned homework, group work, individual work, field trips, and project work in an authentic shop environment.
Grading System
Percentages-STBC
Passing grade
70%
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Assignments |
25 |
Quizzes and Assignments (formative - theory) |
|
Exam |
20 |
Theory exam (summative - theory) |
|
Project |
30 |
Practical assignments (preparation, task completion, cleanup, document writing-service report etc.) |
|
Participation |
25 |
Observable active participation and team work |
Course topics
- MIG Welding Aluminum: Terminology, Equipment, and Consumables
- MIG Welding Aluminum: Welding Preparation, Tuning, and Techniques
- Aluminum Overview
- Aluminum Panel Repairs
- Aluminum Exterior Panel Attachment and Refinish Prep
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.