Conestoga news

November 7, 2023 6:52 PM

Conestoga researcher speaks at national welding conference

Jim Galloway, a professor in Conestoga’s School of Engineering & Technology, presented research on the role of variations in shielding gas mixtures in the performance of the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process at the national CANWELD Conference, held October 18-19 in Moncton, New Brunswick. 

Welder.jpg
Conestoga professor and researcher Jim Galloway presented findings on the role of variations in shielding gas mixtures on the performance of the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process at the national CANWELD Conference.

The annual conference is sponsored by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and brings together academia and industry from across North America to advance the welding, fabricating and finishing industries through discussion of current trends and advances, welding and joining, health and safety, and more.

Galloway presented findings published in an applied research paper earlier this year through CWB Group WELD. The study looks at the role of altering the proportion of carbon dioxide and argon compounds in shielding gas used in the GMAW welding process to protect molten metal from atmospheric contamination. Galloway’s research outlines that most Canadian welding shops use shielding gas mixtures higher in argon than is standard in other countries and concluded there is an opportunity to lower production costs and improve welding performance and quality by using alternative gas blends.

The results of this study have been included as part of updated learning materials for the welding cluster of programs delivered at the college’s Cambridge - Fountain Street campus, including Welding Engineering Technology - Inspection, Manufacturing Engineering Technology - Welding & Robotics and other associated trades and apprenticeship programs. Conestoga is the only institution in Canada currently offering three-year engineering technology programs in the field of welding and joining, which are critical enabling technologies that impact all sectors of the Canadian economy. 

The college works in collaboration with industry, community, and government partners to deliver innovative solutions to address real-world challenges. Conestoga is ranked among Canada’s top-tier research colleges, supporting the needs of industry and community partners while providing students with opportunities to build real-world skills. Visit Conestoga Applied Research and Innovation for more information.