Welding Processes
Welding Processes
Welding Processes
Stick Welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is frequently referred to as stick or covered electrode welding. Stick welding is among the most widely used welding processes.
The flux covering the electrode melts during welding. This forms the gas and slag to shield the arc and molten weld pool. The slag must be chipped off the weld bead after welding. The flux also provides a method of adding scavengers, deoxidizers, and alloying elements to the weld metal.
Arc Blow Arc Stability Excessive spatter Incorrect weld profile Rough surface Porosity
Weld Discontinuities Cracks Porosity Slag Undercut Submerged Arc Welding Problems Solidification Cracking Hydrogen Cracking Incomplete fusion Irregular wire feed Porosity
GTAW Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is frequently referred to as TIG welding. TIG welding is a commonly used high quality welding process. TIG welding has become a popular choice of welding processes when high quality, precision welding is required.
In TIG welding an arc is formed between a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and the metal being welded. Gas is fed through the torch to shield the electrode and molten weld pool. If filler wire is used, it is added to the weld pool separately.
Shielding Gases
Argon Argon + Hydrogen Argon/Helium Helium is generally added to increase heat input (increase welding speed or weld penetration). Hydrogen will result in cleaner looking welds and also increase heat input, however, Hydrogen may promote porosity or hydrogen cracking.
MIG Welding
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is frequently referred to as MIG welding. MIG welding is a commonly used high deposition rate welding process. Wire is continuously fed from a spool. MIG welding is therefore referred to as a semiautomatic welding process
CO2 is also used in its pure form in some MIG welding processes. However, in some applications the presence of CO2 in the shielding gas may adversely affect the mechanical properties of the weld.
MIG Welding Problems Heavily oxidized weld deposit Irregular wire feed Burnback Porosity Unstable arc Difficult arc starting
Self shielding flux cored arc welding wires are available or gas shielded welding wires may be used. Flux cored welding is generally more forgiving than MIG welding. Less precleaning may be necessary than MIG welding. However, the condition of the base metal can affect weld quality. Excessive contamination must be eliminated. Flux cored welding produces a flux that must be removed. Flux cored welding has good weld appearance (smooth, uniform welds having good contour).