The Curriculum for Automotive Fabrication & Welding is designed to equip students with the practical skills and technical knowledge needed to work in the automotive industry, focusing on the fabrication and welding of vehicle components. This curriculum covers fundamental welding techniques, advanced fabrication processes, and the application of these skills in automotive repair, modification, and manufacturing.

1. Introduction to Automotive Fabrication and Welding
2. Overview of Automotive Fabrication
3. Role of fabrication in the automotive industry
4. Common materials used in automotive fabrication (steel, aluminum, composites)
5. Introduction to Welding
6. Overview of welding processes: MIG, TIG, Stick, and Spot welding
7. Importance of welding in automotive repair and manufacturing
8. Safety Practices and Workshop Management
9. Workshop Safety Protocols
10. Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
11. Handling and storage of materials and tools
12. Welding Safety
13. Safe handling of welding equipment
14. Ventilation, fire prevention, and emergency procedures
15. Workshop Organization
16. Efficient layout and management of fabrication and welding workspaces
17. Inventory management and tool maintenance
18. Welding Processes and Techniques
19. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welding
20. Principles of MIG welding and its applications in automotive fabrication
21. Setting up and operating MIG welding equipment
22. Welding techniques for various automotive components
23. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding
24. Fundamentals of TIG welding, especially for aluminum and stainless steel
25. Precision welding for automotive parts requiring high strength and aesthetics
26. TIG welding for thin materials and complex shapes
27. Stick Welding (SMAW)
28. Basics of Stick welding for heavy-duty automotive applications
29. Advantages and limitations of Stick welding in automotive repair
30. Techniques for welding thicker sections and under harsh conditions
31. Spot Welding
32. Overview of spot welding in automotive assembly
33. Applications in joining sheet metal and body panels
34. Use of spot welders in repair and manufacturing
35. Automotive Fabrication Techniques
36. Sheet Metal Fabrication
37. Basics of working with sheet metal: cutting, bending, and shaping
38. Tools and techniques for fabricating automotive body panels
39. Joining methods: riveting, bolting, and welding
40. Tube and Pipe Fabrication
41. Fabrication of roll cages, exhaust systems, and frames
42. Techniques for bending, cutting, and welding tubes and pipes
43. Stress analysis and reinforcement for safety-critical components
44. Chassis Fabrication and Repair
45. Fundamentals of chassis design and fabrication
46. Techniques for repairing and reinforcing automotive chassis
47. Alignment and measurement tools for chassis fabrication
48. Custom Fabrication and Modifications
49. Fabricating custom parts for vehicle modification and restoration
50. Techniques for integrating new components into existing structures
51. Working with aftermarket parts and custom fabrication requests
52. Material Science for Welding and Fabrication
53. Metallurgy Basics
54. Properties of metals commonly used in automotive fabrication (steel, aluminum, alloys)
55. Heat treatment processes and their effects on metal properties
56. Material selection for strength, weight, and corrosion resistance
57. Welding Metallurgy
58. Understanding the effects of welding on metal structures
59. Common welding defects (cracking, warping, porosity) and how to prevent them
60. Techniques for post-weld treatment and stress relief
61. Advanced Materials
62. Working with advanced materials like high-strength steels and composites
63. Challenges and techniques for welding advanced materials
64. Applications of advanced materials in modern automotive design
65. Automotive Body Repair and Fabrication
66. Body Panel Fabrication and Repair
67. Techniques for repairing damaged body panels
68. Fabricating replacement panels from scratch
69. Techniques for aligning and installing panels
70. Frame Straightening and Repair
71. Methods for assessing and repairing damaged vehicle frames
72. Use of frame alignment tools and techniques
73. Reinforcing and modifying frames for performance and safety
74. Restoration of Classic Cars
75. Techniques for fabricating parts for vintage and classic vehicles
76. Challenges in working with older materials and designs
77. Custom fabrication for restoration projects
78. Welding Certification Preparation
79. Welding Standards and Certifications
80. Overview of industry standards and certifications (e.g., AWS, ASME)
81. Preparation for welding certification tests
82. Practice exams and assessment of welding skills
83. Practical Welding Exams
84. Hands-on testing of welding skills in a controlled environment
85. Certification in specific welding processes (MIG, TIG, Stick)
86. Continuous Skill Development
87. Techniques for improving and refining welding skills
88. Staying updated with the latest welding technologies and standards
89. CAD and CNC for Fabrication
90. Introduction to CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
91. Basics of CAD software for designing automotive parts
92. Creating 2D drawings and 3D models for fabrication projects
93. Converting designs into fabrication-ready blueprints
94. CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Machining
95. Basics of CNC machines and their role in automotive fabrication
96. Programming CNC machines for cutting, shaping, and drilling
97. Integrating CNC machining with manual fabrication techniques
98. CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing)
99. Using CAM software to plan and execute fabrication processes
100. Simulation and verification of CNC machining processes
101. Optimization of tool paths and material usage
102. Quality Control and Inspection
103. Inspection Techniques
104. Visual inspection of welds and fabricated components
105. Use of tools like calipers, micrometers, and gauges for precision measurement
106. Nondestructive testing (NDT) methods: ultrasonic, radiographic, and dye penetrant
107. Quality Assurance in Fabrication
108. Establishing quality control procedures in a fabrication workshop
109. Documentation and reporting of quality control checks
110. Continuous improvement practices for maintaining high standards
111. Defect Analysis and Remediation
112. Identifying common defects in welds and fabricated parts
113. Techniques for repairing and preventing defects
114. Root cause analysis and corrective actions in the fabrication process
115. Hands-On Projects and Workshops
116. Practical Welding Projects
117. Completing welding projects that simulate real-world automotive repairs and modifications
118. Projects involving different materials, thicknesses, and joint configurations
119. Collaborative projects that require teamwork and problem-solving
120. Fabrication Workshops
121. Building custom automotive components from design to completion
122. Workshops on specific fabrication techniques like tube bending, panel beating, and chassis reinforcement
123. Real-world projects, such as restoring a vehicle or building a custom car part
124. Capstone Project
125. A comprehensive project that involves both welding and fabrication skills
126. Designing, fabricating, and assembling a complex automotive component or structure
127. Presenting the project, including design rationale, fabrication process, and quality assurance
128. Industry Engagement and Internship
129. Industry Visits
130. Tours of automotive manufacturing plants and fabrication workshops
131. Observation of advanced welding and fabrication techniques in a professional setting
132. Networking opportunities with industry professionals
133. Guest Lectures
134. Sessions with experienced welders, fabricators, and automotive engineers
135. Insights into current industry trends, challenges, and innovations
136. Internship Opportunities
137. Practical experience in an automotive workshop or manufacturing environment
138. Applying learned skills in a real-world setting under professional supervision
139. Gaining exposure to the day-to-day operations of automotive fabrication and welding
140. Final Assessment and Certification
141. Practical Exams
142. Evaluation of welding and fabrication skills through hands-on testing
143. Assessment of precision, technique, and adherence to safety protocols
144. Theory Exams
145. Testing knowledge of material properties, welding processes, and fabrication techniques
146. Assessment of understanding of industry standards and best practices
147. Certification
148. Awarding of certification upon successful completion of the course, recognizing proficiency in automotive fabrication and welding

This curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in automotive fabrication and welding, preparing them for careers in the automotive industry, whether in manufacturing, repair, or custom vehicle modification.