Executive Diploma in Productivity and Quality Management

1 PRINCIPLE OF SMAW

Arc Welding Safety

Arc welding is not hazardous if a few fundamental safety rules are obeyed. The follow-
ing points should be observed in addition to the general arc welding safety rules listed:-
Radiation from the arc is dangerous to the eyes. The arc gives off infrared and ultraviolet
rays which may burn the eyes and the skin. An arc welder's helmet, with a suitable
colored lens, must be worn to keep the rays from the skin and eyes.
Flying sparks and small globules of molten metal are present most of the time when arc
welding. Protective clothing which is not highly flammable, gloves, and high shoes help
to protect the welder from burns.
Avoid striking an arc when other persons are close. Warn others that an arc is to be
struck so they may protect their eyes from the arc.
Fumes given off from the arc and the material being welded may be injurious. Adequate
ventilation is required at all times when welding is in process.
Electric shock is always a possibility. Be sure the floor is dry and wear dry gloves. Use
an insulated electrode holder.
The danger of burns is always present. Do not handle hot metal with the hands. Use
tongs or pliers.
Never use welding machines which are not properly grounded. Ground all power circuits to
prevent accidental shock. Stray current can cause a fatal shock. Do not ground the welding
machine to any pipes which carry gases or flammable liquids.
Check welding cables frequently. Do not overload the capacity of the cable. Do not use
cables which have breaks in the insulation. Be certain that all cable connections on the
machine are tight. Overloading the cables will cause them to overheat and create a fire
hazard.
Check the electrode holder frequently. The jaws in the electrode holder should be kept tight.
The gripping surface of the jaws must be clean to insure a tight hold on the electrode. Use
only fully insulated holders. Never touch two electrodes together when they are connected to
two different machines: the operator can receive an electrical shock and the machines can be
seriously damaged.
The polarity switch on the welder is provided to change the electrode from reverse polarity to
straight polarity. The polarity switch must never be operated while the machine is under a
welding load. Operate the switch only when welding has stopped. The operator who throws
the polarity switch while the welding circuit is in use can be seriously burned.
Never weld on containers which have held explosive or combustible materials.
Never weld in confined spaces without adequate ventilation, and do not weld near an
explosive atmosphere.
Do not weld where even small amounts of vapors from solvents are present. Some solvents
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decompose to form phosgene gas (a deadly poisonous gas).

Electricity can be a killer. Before checking any welding machine open the power circuits. The
welder should never try to make repairs on a welding machine unless he or she is a fully
qualified electrician.
Do not touch any exposed or noninsulated parts of cables or clamps.
Do not work in a damp area unless insulated from shock. Striking an arc when feet are wet
can cause electrical shock.
Do not use a cracked or defective helmet. The filter glass in the helmet provides eye
protection from ultraviolet and infrared rays. Cracks in the lens allow these harmful rays
to contact the eyes. The use of clean, clear lenses provides a method of cutting down on
eyestrain.
Never look at an electric arc without eye protection. The intense light and the infrared
and ultraviolet rays are harmful to the eyes.
Dark colored clothing helps to protect the body from ultraviolet rays
Wear protective clothing when making out-of-position welds.
Any equipment which is operated by power can be dangerous. Grinders, drills, sanders,
saws, electric welders and all other power tools can cause severe injury or even death.
Never do any grinding, weld slagging or heavy hammering without eye and face
protection.
Do not leave materials or equipment lying on the floor. Clean up the work area. Take
care of all safety hazards as soon as they are observed.
Do not use defective equipment.
Never strike an arc without warning people who are near and liable to see the arc flash.
Be alert to the dangers of fire. A small fire is easy to handle; a large fire can be disastrous.
Know where the fire extinguishers are and learn how to use them. Combustible material
should not be within 35 feet of the welding operation.
Wear heavy shoes, preferably those with steel toes.

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Setting up Arc Welding Equipment

Welds in the Flat Position
OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
set up arc welding equipment according to the standards of the welding
industry.
explain the fundamental theory of arc welding.
list six basic safety rules for electric arc welding.

Arc Welding Process

Arc welding uses the heat produced as electricity jumps the gap from one conductor of
electricity to another. As the electricity passes through this gap intense and concentrated heat (6,500 to
7,000F) is produced. The two basic types of shielded-arc (stick-arc) welding are those that use AC
(alternating current) and those that use DC (direct current) electricity. In the shielded-electrode
method of welding an electric arc is produced between the metal to be welded (base metal) and the
electrode. This arc melts the electrode metal which is deposited on and fused with the base metal.

Welding Equipment
The arc welding process uses special equipment. The welding student must set up and operate
this equipment according to established industrial standards of safe and economical operation.

Arc Welding Machine

Arc welding machines are classified as either AC or DC. DC welding machines' may be motor
driven generators, figure 1-1, or rectifier welders, figure 1-2. A rectifier is a device which converts
AC to DC.
Since the DC rectifier welder is most commonly used in shops and in school laboratories, the
welding student should concentrate on that type. The DC rectifier furnishes two types of welding
current, both of which are utilized for welding and each of which serves specific welding needs in a
satisfactory manner.

Direct Current, Straight Polarity (DCSP)

When the parent metal is connected to the positive- (+) side of the welder, and the electrode
(rod) holder is connected to the negative (-) side of the welder, the circuit is in straight polarity. With
the electrode
1. negative the current travels from the electrode to the base metal, figure 1-3.
Two-thirds of the total heat produced is released at the base metal and one-third is released at the
electrode. Such concentration of heat at the base metal produces deeper penetration of the weld. DCSP
is used with high melting-temperature base metals, for deep penetration, for slow welds and for
narrow beads. It is especially recommended for welds which are made in position (on the topside of a
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horizontal surface).

Direct Current, Reverse Polarity

When the parent metal is connected to the negative (-) side of the welder, and the electrode holder is
connected to the positive (+) side of the welder, the circuit is called reverse polarity. With the
electrode positive the current travels from the base metal to the electrode, figure 1-4. Two thirds of
the total heat is released at the electrode and one-third IS released at the base metal. This
concentration of heat produces shallow penetration, deposits weld metal at a high rate, and produces
fine welds in sheet metal. DCRP is especially helpful for welding out of position (welds made in
any but the flat position), since the parent metal does not heat up as much and has less tendency to
run.
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Fig. 1-3 Wiring Diagram, DCSP Fig. 1-4 Wiring Diagram, DCRP

Alternating Current
Most AC welders, figure 1-5, have transformers which step down the voltage and increase the
welding current. Electric current furnished by most electric utilities is 60-eycle, alternating current.
(The current reverses its direction of flow 120 times per second.) Approximately 50 percent of the
heat is released at the parent metal and 50 percent at the electrode. The reversal of current helps to
hold down the magnetic field during the welding operation and consequently reduces arc blow
which sometimes occurs in DC welding. Arc blow is the deflection of the arc from its normal path
as a result of magnetic force.

Welding Electrodes
Most welding electrodes are covered with a coating of flux. This flux forms a gaseous shield
which prevents oxygen from contacting the molten metal. The chemical content of the coating
varies with the manufacturers specifications. Welding rods are manufactured and coated to fulfill
specific welding functions. the welder must learn to identify electrodes and choose the type most
suited for the job at hand.
Electrodes are designated with the letter E, followed by four or five digits E-xxxx(x). the
first two (or three) digits indicate the tensile strength of the deposited weld, in thousands of pounds
per square inch. For example, in the designation E-60xx, the E indicates that it is an electric welding
electrode, and the 60 indicates a tensile strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch. The next digit
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indicates the position of welding for which the electrode is designed. A 1 in this position indicates
an all-purpose electrode, or one which can be used in any position, a 2 indicates that it is for flat or
horizontal welding and a 3 indicates that it is intended for flat position welding only. The last digit
refers to the operating characteristics, such as coating and polarity. For example, an E-6011
electrode is made of metal with a tensile strength of 60,000 pounds per square inch (60), for use in
any position (1), and either AC or DCRP (1). In addition, rods are generally coded with a color on
the end or a colored spot or spots on the covering. Some rods are also designated by a group color.

Leads

The cables used to carry the electric current to the work and back to the welding machine
are called leads. Well-built leads of adequate size to carry the current used are essential. Leads
which are used a considerable distance from the welding machine must be larger than leads used
for jobs close to the machine. The heat which develops in small leads can cause the rubber
insulation to overheat and loosen on the copper-wire core of the lead. Two leads are used-one is
attached to the electrode holder and the other (the ground) is attached to the work. The leads are
subjected to much wear and should be of high quality to ensure long service.

Electrode Holder

The electrode holder is the part of the arc welding equipment held by the welder. It is
attached to the electrode lead on the welding machine. The stinger, as it is sometimes called, is
a well-insulated handle which is made to withstand the heat from welding.

Ground Clamp

The ground cable from the machine to the work is generally connected to a spring loaded
clamp which can be easily attached to the work. This is the ground clamp. In order to do a good
job of welding, the ground must be solidly connected to the work.

Helmet

The helmet is generally made of fiber, and formed to cover the front half of the welders
head. An opening is provided in front of the eyes, and clear-glass cover lens is installed in the
opening. Behind the cover lens is a colored glass which filters the infrared and ultraviolet rays
from the arc. The clear glass lens is provided to catch the spatter from the welding process which
would otherwise adhere to the colored lens. (The clear glass lens is much less expensive than the
colored lens.) In addition, the best helmets have a hinged gate in the front which can be raised out
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of the way when welding is completed. This exposes another clear glass lens which protects the
eyes while the weld is cleaned. The use of this type of helmet is recommended, since the entire
face remains covered during the weld cleaning process.

The welding helmet should be examined frequently to insure that no cracks or holes are
present which might allow the arc light to leak through. The cover lens and colored lens must be
free of cracks or chips for absolute eye protection.

Additional personal equipment should consist of:

Cap

Leather gloves

Leather jacket

Safety glasses (flash goggles)

High shoes or boots

Other wearing apparel should be of a type which is not readily flammable.

JOB 1: SETTING UP ARC WELDING EQUIPMENT

Equipment:
Arc welding machine
Ground cable and clamp
Electrode holder and cable
Personal hand tools
Gloves
Welding helmet

PROCEDURE 5. Be sure the colored lens in the hood is

not cracked or chipped. Make sure a
2. Attach the ground cable to the post
clear cover lens is installed and that it is
marked "ground" on the welding
clean.
machine.
3. Attach the electrode holder cable to t)1e 6. Turn on the welding machine, then shut
it off.
post marked "electrode" on the machine.
4. Attach the ground clamp to the welding
table and hang up the electrode holder.

4. Adjust the welding helmet to fit by

turning the sprocketed wheel on the
headband until the helmet is comfort-
able. Adjust the side buttons on the
helmet until the helmet drops slowly.
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KEY POINTS feel the tightness of the adjustment.

1. Use an adjustable wrench.

3. Be sure the electrode holder is hanging

so the metal jaws cannot contact any
surface which is grounded to the
machine.
4. Do not wear gloves when adjusting the
headband. Gloves make it difficult to

SUMMARY
Primary Welding Equipment
Arc welding machine (either AC or DC)
Electrode holder and lead
Ground clamp and lead
Welding booth, or curtains to protect others from arc flash.
Metal welding bench
Welding electrodes
Personal Welding Equipment
Welding helmet (hood), with clear glass cover lens and No. 10 or No. 11
colored lens
Cap
Safety glasses
Leather jacket
Leather gloves

Welding Tools
Pliers
Combination square
Chipping hammer
Ball peen hammer
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6' steel tape

12" adjustable wrench
Soapstone
Center punch
Wire brush

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 Striking an Arc

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
describe the basic principles of arc welding.
discuss reasons for welds with poor appearance of lack of penetration.
successfully strike and maintain an arc, using standard welding electrodes and
equipment.

Striking the Arc

When a ground and a wire carrying an electrical charge contact each other, an arc (continuous spark)
occurs, causing intense heat and bright light. This is the principle on which arc welding operates, except
that after the arc is started, the welding electrode is moved a short distance away from the parent metal.
This keeps a constant arc and continuous heat. An arc length of 1/8 inch is maintained most of the time.
Lengthening the arc by moving the electrode farther away from the parent metal increases the heat and the
size of the puddle.
Improper arc length can sometimes be determined by visually inspecting a completed weld. Too short an
arc can cause poor fusion (fusion is the mixing of the parent metal with the weld metal), undercutting (an
area where metal is missing), and porosity (pinholes). Too long an arc can cause lack of concentration of
the heat, excessive splatter, poor penetration (penetration is the depth of the weld in the parent metal),
and arc action which is not smooth. Holding the arc too short can also cause the electrode to stick to the
parent metal.
The arc may be struck by dragging the electrode across the grounded metal much as a match is struck,
figure 3-1. If the electrode has a heavy flux coating, it may be necessary to break the coating away from
the end of the rod before contact can be made. Another method, and one frequently used, is to bring the
rod down onto the plate at a 90-degree angle, then raise it quickly to the correct distance to maintain even
heat and penetration, figure 3-2.
10.
 Fig. 33 Electrode Angle for Filling Puddle and Welding
After the arc is established, movement across the plate must be made in a steady forward motion, and
the arc must be kept a uniform length. Too rapid progress will result in poor penetration. Right-handed
welders generally progress from left to right, so that the weld puddle can be seen and the filling (or
buildup) of the rod can be controlled. Left-handed welders should work from right to left.
The flux coating on the shielded electrode melts and forms slag over the molten metal.
This shields the weld from the action of the gases in the atmosphere. When the weld is completed and
cooled, the slag may be removed from the surface of the weld by the use of a chipping hammer.
The heat of the arc melts a crater into the parent metal which must then be filled with the electrode
metal. As the electrode is melted into the weld, it is thoroughly mixed with the parent metal. It is not
enough to lay a bead on the parent metal. Thorough penetration and fusion between parent metal and
electrode metal must take place. As the electrode melts it must be gradually lowered towards the weld
to maintain the correct length of the arc.

Electrode
After the arc has been started, the electrode should be held away from the plate to begin the weld. A
good rule to follow is to keep the arc at a distance equal to the diameter. of the rod being used. The rod
must be held perpendicular to the plate being welded, and tipped slightly (about 10 degrees) in the
direction of travel, figure 3-3. The bead width should be approximately twice the diameter of the rod.

JOB 3: STRIKING AND MAINTAINING AN ARC

Equipment and Material: "
Standard AC or DC welding machine Helmet
Gloves
Chipping hammer Safety glasses
Wire brush Protective clothing 1/4" mild steel plate
1/8", E-60 11 or E-60 1 3 electrodes

PROCEDURE KEY POINTS

1. To form an are, it is necessary to bring 1. Do not turn on the welding machine at
the electrode into contact with the this time.
workpiece.
2. Place the metal workpiece in the flat 4. Practice this exercise until the electrode
positon. strikes the edge of the plate at the same
time the helmet drops over the face to
3. Install a 1/8-inch electrode in the elec-
cover the eyes.
trode holder.
6. Do not make contact between the end of
4. Hold the end of the electrode about 1/4 the rod and any grounded material.
inch above the workpiece, on the
7. CAUTION: Be very careful not to strike an
. left edge of the plate. Practice bringing arc without the colored lens of the hood in
the electrode down onto the plate, tipping front of your eyes. Draw the electrode across
the head forward to bring the helmet the plate with a quick, whipping motion, as if
down over the face at the same time. striking a match.

5. Set the polarity switch on the machine on

"Electrode Negative" and the current at
90 amperes.
6. Turn on the welding machine.

7. In the same manner as in NO.4 of this

lesson, drop the hood over the face and
strike an arc. The electrode should contact
the spot the welder was watching before
lowering the helmet.
8. If the electrode sticks to the plate, 8. CAUTION: The rod is hot.
quickly depress the lever on the electrode
holder, releasing the electrode. Break the
electrode off of the plate with pliers.
9. A,. weld made at the correct temperature
9. Run a bead about 1/2 inch long. Raise the and rate of travel makes a soft, frying
rod to break the are, then repeat the sound.
operation until an arc can be struck and a
weld can be run about 2 inches.

PROCEDURE

10. Shift the polarity of the welding machine,

alternating between DCSP and DCSP.
Practice with both polarities. If AC is
available use that also.
I1. Chip the weld beads, using a slag hammer
(chipping hammer), brush them with a
wire brush, and show 1 to the instructor
for comments.
KEY POINTS

10. CAUTION: Do not change the polarity

of a welding machine during an arc. The
machine must not have any load on it
when the polarity is changed

Straight Beads, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
Identify at least five common welding electrodes by their A W S classification and
exhibit knowledge of their specific uses .
Weld a smooth, even bead using E-6011 electrodes.
Weld a smooth, even bead using E-6013 electrodes.

Electrode Selection
Welding electrodes are classified according to whether they are to be used with DC reversed polarity
(DCRP), DC straight polarity (DCSP), or alternating current (AC). The electrodes used most commonly
for mild steel welding are discussed here.
E-6010 indicates an all-position welding rod (flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead). It performs best
when used with DCRP. Deep penetration can be achieved with this electrode which has a thin coating, and
which lends itself particularly well to out-of-position welding.
E-6011 also indicates an all-position welding rod. It is particularly suited for use with AC, but it can also
be used with DCRP and DCSP. Its thin coating makes it a good electrode for out-of-position work.
E-6012 is another all-position electrode, however, because of its heavier flux coating, it is slightly more
difficult to make out-of-position welds with this electrode. It is best suited for use with DCSP or AC.
E-6013 indicates an electrode which is especially suited for deep-penetration welds in the flat position.
Because of its heavier coating it is a more difficult electrode for beginners to use than are the E-6011
electrodes. This electrode can be used with all types of polarity.
E-6020 electrodes have a heavy iron powder flux coating. They are used for flat and hori zontal welding
only. (Notice that the third digit is 2.) These electrodes can be used with DCRP, DCSP, or AC.
E-6030 electrodes also have a heavy iron powder flux coating. As is indicated by the third digit being 3,
they are for flat position welding only. These electrodes may be used with DCRP or AC.
Note: E-6020 and E-6030 electrodes are sometimes called drag rods. This is because the welder can
run a bead without removing the rod from the parent metal once the arc is struck.

Welding Currents
Generally, the amperage at which the rod runs most readily is indicated by the manufacturer. Differences
in rod diameter and in material used for the flux coating require differences in the current settings' used.
Figure 4-1 indicates current settings which generally give satisfactory results.

Welding Coupon
The welding coupon (or sample) is generally small, therefore the heat from welding tends to
concentrate and build up in the plate. After welding is started on the practice plate, the lower ranges of
current should be used, and the plate cooled in water frequently. This prevents excessive heat from
building up in the coupon.
JOB 4A: STRINGER BEADS IN THE FLAT POSITION, DCRP
Equipment and Material:
Standard AC or DC welding machine
Helmet
Gloves
Chipping hammer
Safety glasses
Wire brush
Necessary protective clothing
1/4" mild steel plate
1 /8", E-60 11 and E-60 13 electrodes

PROCEDURE KEY POINTS

1. Clamp a I/8-inch, E-60ll electrode in the
electrode holder.
2. Set the welding machine for reverse 2. Check the manufacturer's chart and set the
polarity (electrode positive). amperage for the rod being used.
3. Be careful that the rod does not come in
3. Turn on the machine.
contact with grounded material.
4. The welder's face should be covered by the
4. Strike an arc and run a. smooth, even helmet when the arc is struck and while the
straight bead across the sample plate. weld is in progress.

5. Shut off the machine. CA UTION: The welder must have face and eye
protection when chipping welds.
6. Hang up the stinger and remove the
sample from the welding jig or table. Use
a chipping hammer to remove all the slag 6. Open the window in the hood but keep the
from the weld.
hood down when chipping or brushing
7. Brush the weld and the plate with a wire welds.
brush and have the instructor check it.
The metal is hot. Handle it with pliers.
8. Follow the procedure listed in steps 2
through 7 using a 1/8-inch E-60 13
electrode.
9. Observe the difference in the way
the weld is deposited by the two
electrodes.
 E601

JOB 4B: STRINGER BEADS IN THE FLAT POSITION, DCSP

Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
3/16" or 1/4" mild steel plate
1/8" or 5/32", E-60ll and E-60l3 electrodes

PROCEDURE KEY POINTS

1. Fasten the coupon in a jig or lay it flat on
the bench. 2. Check the current setting on a piece of scrap
2. Set the welding machine for straight metal.
polarity. 3. Center punch the plate if necessary to keep
3. Working in a comfortable position, and the weld in a straight line. The electrode
beginning at the left side of the plate (if should be at an angle of 90 degrees with the
right-handed), deposit a stringer bead with weld and tipped about 5 degrees in the
an E-60 11 electrode. Fig. 4-2 Weld One Bead with E-6011
and one with E-6013

direction of travel, figure 4-3.

PROCEDURE have it inspected by the instructor
4. Remove the slag and brush the weld.
5. Run another bead 1/2 inch away from and
parallel to the first one, using an E-60 13
4. Cool the material in water before at-
electrode.
tempting to handle it with bare hands.
6. Remove the slag, brush the weld, and

JOB 4C: STRINGER BEAD PAD BUILDUP IN THE FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
3/16" or 1/4" mild steel plate 1/8",
E-60 13 electrodes

PROCEDURE first welds are completely

1. Set the welding machine for DCSP. KEY POINTS
2. Run stringer beads across the plate, 1. Electrode negative.
overlapping each bead about one-fifth, 2. Right-handed welders should proceed from
until the plate is completely covered. left to right. Concentrate on achieving
3. Slag and brush the welds. penetration into the plate.
4. Weld stringer beads across the first layer,
overlapping about one-fifth, until the Concentrate on achieving penetration into the
metal deposited on the first weld.
covered, figure 4-4.

5. Slag and brush the welds.

6. Concentrate on achieving penetration into
6. Weld a third series of beads across the
second layer, overlapping about onefifth the second layer.
 7. Slag and brush the welds. 7. The beads should appear smooth and
Note: Save this weldment for testing in uniform.
another unit.

Weave Beads, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

identify a weave bead.
list three reasons for the use of weave beads.
describe the process of weaving a bead.
weave a bead in the flat position.

Weave Bead
Weaving a bead increases the width of the deposit. It also increases the overlap.
Weaving is used to widen a bead, to fill undercut at the sides and to assist in slag formation. Weaving is
generally recommended for filling poor fitting joints.
A weave bead is deposited by moving the rod back and forth across the surface to be welded.
Stringer beads may be run at the edges first. Several different electrode movements may be used, but
weaving is generally done in the flat position using a semicircular motion to the left and the right, figure
6-1.

STRAI GHT ACROSS FIGURE "8" "U"

Fig. 6-1 Weave Bead Techniques

Flat Position
 A weld made on the topside of the parent metal and within 30 degrees of horizontal is called a flat
weld. The flat position is the most desirable position for welding, since the operator can see the work
easily. In many welding shops a device called a positioner is used to hold the work, so that it can easily be
turned into the flat position. Flat welds can be made successfully with AC, DCRP, or DCSP.

JOB 6: WEAVE BEADS, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
3/16" or 1/4" mild steel plate
1/8", E-60 10 or E-60 11 electrodes

4.
PROCEDURE KEY POINTS
1. Set the machine for straight' polarity. 1. Electrode negative.

PROCEDURE
2. Weld stringer beads inch a part on a
plate, figure 6-2. bead between two stringers, all the way
3. Slag and brush the stringer beads. across the plate.
4. Beginning at the left side (left-handed 5. Slag and brush the weld, then have it
welders begin at the right side) run a weave
 inspected by the instructor. 4. The current must be set high enough to
make the bead edges flow together.
6. Repeat the procedure until the plate has three
thicknesses of welded weave beads.

7. Saw through the center of the plate and

smooth the cut edges with a file or grinder.
Etch the cut edges with ammonium
persulphate or a weak
7. Check the weld for penetration and fusion.
No slag holes or slag inclusions should be
present

KEY POINTS

3. Welds must be cleaned between passes

to prevent the slag from being trapped in the
welds.

Fillet Welds, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
define a fillet and a T weld.
describe two methods of preparing steel plate for welding.
list the reasons for chipping and brushing welds.
make fillet welds in the flat position.

Fillet Weld
The fillet weld, figure 7-1, is the type of weld used most often in industry. A fillet weld is a weld made on
two pieces of metal which are joined in any way other than in a flat plane. A fillet is a reinforcement, and a
weld made in an inside corner is called a fillet weld. Fillet welds are sometimes called T welds, when the
pieces form a 90-degree angle. However, not all fillet welds are T welds, because the pieces may meet at
an angle other than 90 degree
s.

FILLET (T) FILLET

FILl,ET

Fig. 7-1 Fillet Welds

Fillet welds should have a balance between the length of the weld and the area they contact on either of
the base metal parts. In an attempt to create strength, there is a tendency to build up too much weld when
building the fillet. When extra weld metal is used, the cost of the weld is increased and the joint becomes
excessively heavy, without increasing the efficiency of the weld.

Preparation for a Fillet Weld

When the pieces to be welded are less than 3/16 inch thick, welding on both sides of the joint should
produce a strong joint. When thicker metal is welded the joint must be prepared in such a way that the
weld penetration is 100 percent. The pieces may be gapped, as in figure 7-2. Another method is to bevel
the edge, figure 7-3 so the weld can penetrate the joint.

Expansion and Contraction

Because metal expands (increases in size) as it is heated and contracts (decreases in size) as it is cooled,
allowances must be made for warpage. The metal should be tack welded in position to keep it aligned
during the welding. Sometimes the pieces can be tacked in such a way that they are pulled into line by the
contraction which takes place as the joint cools. Another method is to clamp the parts in a manner which
resists the force of contraction. When neither of these methods can be used, the parts may be welded
intermittently on each side (short welds alternately on opposite sides of the joint).

JOB 7 A: FILLET WELD, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
1/4" or 3/16" mild steel plate, 3" x 6"
1/8" or 5/32", E-6()'11 or E-6013 electrodes

PROCEDURE KEY POINTS

1. Tack weld two pieces of steel plate in .
position for a 90-degree fillet weld, figure
7-4.

2. Set the machine for straight polarity

3. Deposit first bead, from left to right

(left-handed welders reverse this)
directly in the corner where the two
pieces meet.
3. The proper electrode is shown in
figure 7-5. It is important that the first
pass be made carefully. Be certain that
full penetration is achieved in the
corner. Both plates must be melted
together and the rod mixed well

4. Chip and brush each weld before applying the

next pass

4. Chip and brush the weld.

5. Using the weld sequence shown In

figure 7-6, make 5 more passes.

6. If the weld break, the break should be through

the center for the entire length of the weld. The
broken metal should be clean and shiny, with no
6. Cool the weldment in water, then test slag inclusion
it by bending the upright plate over
the weld, figure 7-7.
JOB 7B: T WELD, FLAT POSITION
Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
Two pieces 1/4" mild steel plate, 4" x 6"
1/8" or 5 /3 2", E-60 11 electrodes

PROCEDURE
1. Tack weld two pieces of mild steel pIa te in
position for a T weld, figure 7-8. KEY POINTS
1. The vertical piece should be beveled 30
degrees, with a grinder.

2. Set welding machine for DCRP and weld 2. The root pass must have 100 percent
the root pass in the corner where the two penetration into the corner.
plates meet.
3 Weld 6 passes, chipping and brushing
between passes. 3. Care must be taken to avoid under-
4 Cut through the center of the weld and cutting the vertical plate.
smooth the cut edges with a file or grinder.
Etch the weld to observe the penetration.

Butt Welds, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES
 After completing this unit the student will be able to:
list two methods of preparing steel plate for butt welding.
describe a land and the reason for its use.
weld a butt joint in the flat position.

Butt Weld
A butt weld joins the edges of two pieces of metal which are in line with one another.
When welded, the two pieces of metal form a flat surface. .
For a butt weld to have full strength it must have 100 percent penetration into the parent metal.
When 100 percent penetration is achieved, the bottom edges of the plates will be completely fused
together. The first pass (or penetration pass) is most important, since failure to join the plates completely
can cause a break in the metal or the weld.

Preparation for a Butt Weld

Metal which is over 3/16 inch thick must be
prepared so that the first pass of the weld will have
comp1~te penetration. The pieces to be welded may be
gapped to improve penetra-
tion. However, if the pieces are over 3/16 inch Fig. 8-1 Beveling Plate for a Butt Weld
thick, the edges will melt rapidly and may fill the gap without completely fusing the bottom edges of the
joint. If the parts can be welded from both sides this will improve fusion, but often butt welds must be
made where the metal is welded from one side only. Such welds can be prepared by beveling the edges of
the two plates with a grinder. Usually the edges an:: beveled about 30 degrees so that when they are fitted
together their edges form a V of about 60 degrees, figure 8-1.
Beveling forms a very thin edge, which would burn away rapidly. To prevent this edge from burning
away, a land (flat nose), figure 8-2, is ground on the edge. This land should be about 1/16 inch thick.
JOB 8A: BUTT WELD, FLAT POSITION Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment

When the plates are tack welded, a narrow gap is left between them. This helps insure 100
percent penetration of the root pass. After each pass, the weld must be chipped and cleaned, to prevent
slag from being trapped in the following passes.

Protective clothing
Two pieces 1/4" mild steel, 5" x 5"
1/8" and 5/32", E-6011 electrodes

PROCEDURE
1. Grind one edge of each plate to form a 60- KEY POINTS
degree included angle. Grind a 1/16-inch 1. The angled edge is called a bevel. The
land at the bottom of the bevel, figure 8-3. squared edge ground at the bottom of the bevel
is called the land.

2. Tack weld the two plates together on a flat

plane, so that the bevels fit together to
form a V. 2. Leave about a 1/ 16-inch to 1/8-inch gap
3. Beginning at the left side of the V, weld a between the lands of the plates.
pass all the way across the joint with a 1/8-
inch, E-6011 electrode. 3. Weld carefully. The bottom edges of the
plates must be completely fused.
4. Chip and brush the weld, then examine the
root pass. The edges of the two plates
should be completely fused together with
no unwelded edges.
4. If the root pass fails to completely weld the
bottom edges of the plate, cut the weld out
5. When satisfactory penetration of the root and regrind the plate for another weld.
pass has been accomplished, fill the
5. Make as many passes as are necessary to fill
remaining V of the weld, using 5/32-inch,
the V. The bead should be convex (slightly
E-60 11 electrodes.
rounded on top), with no low spots.
6. Chip and brush the weld.
Note: Save the welded plate for
testing later.

JOB 8B: TESTING A BUTT WELD

Equipment and Material:
Oxyacetylene cutting equipment or metal cutting saw
Grinder
File
Straightedge
 Hammer

PROCEDURE
1. Grind the crown from the weld so that it is
flush with the face of the plate. Grind the
back of the plate smooth

3. If the cutting torch is used, be careful

not to leave gouges in the edges of the
strips. Discard the outside margins.
4. Be careful to keep the width of the
strips uniform. Also, any nicks which
run across the plate may cause the
metal to fail at that point.
5. The weld should hold more than the
2. Using the straightedge, mark three l inch parent metal.
strips across the weld. Leave a small 6. There should be no holes or separation
margin at each side of the plate, figure 8-
of the bead from the plate anyplace
4.
along the weld.
3. Carefully cut the three strips from the
plate.
4. Grind and then file the edges of the strips.
Work along the length of the strips so that
any grinder marks or file marks will be
parallel with the length of the specimen.
5. Following the manufacturer's instructions,
place the center strip in a tensile tester and
pull until it breaks.
6. Bend one of the outside strips over the
face of the weld, figure 8-5, and the other
outside strip over the root of the weld,
figure 8-6.

KEY POINTS
1. Do not overgrind the plates. They should
be the same thickness throughout. If the
weld is ground below the surface of the
plate, it will break first at that point.

SECTION l: WELDS IN THE FLAT POSITION, COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW A.

BUTT WELD IN THE FLAT POSITION
Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
Two pieces of mild steel plate, 1/4" x 4" x 5"
1/8" and 5/32" electrodes (AWS classification to be determined by the student)

PROCEDURE
1. Grind one edge of each plate to form a 60-degree included angle.
2. Grind a 1/ l6-inch land on each bevel.
3. Tack weld the plates at each end, leaving a gap of about 1/16 inch.
4. Butt weld the two plates in the flat position.
5. Cut three I-inch strips from the plate, leaving a small margin at each side, as shown in the
illustration.
6. Test each strip by bending one over the face of the weld, one over the root of the weld, and pulling
one apart in the tensile tester.
7. Have the tested specimens inspected by the instructor

B. FILLET WELD IN THE FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Material:
Standard arc welding equipment
Protective clothing
One piece mild steel plate, 3/16" or 1/4" x 6" x 10"
Three pieces of mild steel plate, 3/16" or 1/4" x 3" x 4" 1/8", E-60
11 electrodes

PROCEDURE
1. Tack weld the material in the position shown in the illustration.
Note: If I/4-inch steel is used it may be necessary to bevel the edge of the upstanding plates.
2. Weld one pass completely around the three plates.
3. Chip and brush the weld.
4. Weld two more passes around the plates to achieve a smooth fillet weld.
5. Chip and brush the welds and examine the appearance of the welds.
6. Cut the weldment to obtain a cross section of each of the three upstanding plates.
7. Smooth the cuts and etch each with acid.
8. Have the etched specimens inspected by the instructor.

PRINCIPLE OF GMAW
2
Inert-Gas Welding Safety

OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

list the hazards created by inert-gas welding.
demonstrate the accepted safety practices of inert-gas welding.
list the personal welding equipment required to protect the welder.
Inert-Gas Welding Safety
As with any industrial operation, hazards that could cause serious health problems or bodily injuries are
present. Welding operators need to be fully informed of these dangers so that they may avoid or correct
unsafe practices that exist in the work area. It is every welder's responsibility to consider other workers'
safety as well as his or her own. Many industrial accidents that shorten careers could have been avoided by
using common sense on the job. Professional welding is a safe industry as long as safety rules and
regulations are strictly followed.

Hazards:

Radiation from the arc of inert-gas welding is dangerous to the eyes and skin. The ultraviolet rays
given off during inert-gas welding are more exposed and about twice the strength of the rays given off
during stick-arc operations; therefore, a darker filter lens is needed for eye protection.
Flying sparks and small drops of molten metal are present most of the time when inert gas welding.
Protective clothing which is not highly flammable, gloves, and high work shoes help to protect the
welder from burns.
Avoid striking an arc when others are nearby. Warn co-workers when an arc is to be struck so they
may protect their eyes from the arc.
Fumes given off from the arc and the material being welded may be toxic. These fumes escape when
welding on materials treated with rust inhibitors, such as zinc galvanizing, cadmium, and lead.
Adequate ventilation is required at all times when welding operations are in progress.
Electric shock is always a possibility. Be sure the floor is dry where you are standing.
Use insulated welding guns. Wear dry gloves .

The danger of burns is always present. Do not handle hot metal with your hands, use tongs or pliers.

Personal Inert-Gas Welding Equipment .

The helmet (hood) is generally made of fiber reinforced plastic, and formed to cover the front half of the
head. An opening is provided in front of the eyes and a clear glass cover lens is installed in the opening.
Behind this is a
colored glass which filters the infrared and ultraviolet rays from the arc. The clear glass lens is provided
to
catch the spatters from the welding process which
would otherwise adhere to the colored lens. (The clear
glass is much cheaper than the colored lens.) In
addition, the best type of helmet has a hinged gate in
the front which can be raised out of the way when
welding is completed. This exposes another clear glass lens which
protects the eyes while the weld is being cleaned. The use of this type
of helmet is recommended, since the entire face remains covered
during any weld cleaning process, figure 1-1. The welding helmet
or hood should be examined frequently to ensure that no cracks or holes
are present which might allow the arc light to leak through. The colored
lens and cover lens must be free of cracks or chips for absolute eye
protection.
Additional personal equipment should consist of:
. Cap
 Leather Gloves
Leather Jacket or Apron
Safety Glasses
High Shoes or Boots
Other clothing should be of a type which is not highly flammable.

General Inert-Gas Welding Safety Rules

1. Never use welding machines which are not properly grounded.
Ground all power circuits to prevent accidental shock. A stray current can create a fatal shock. Do
not ground the welding machine to any pipe lines which carry gases or flammable liquids.
2. Check welding cables frequently.
Check the ground cable and clamp often. Do not use cables which have breaks in the insulation.
Be certain all cable connections are tight at the machine and ground clamp. Overloading of cables
will cause them to overheat and create a fire hazard: efficiency of the weld is reduced when the
welding cable is too small to carry the current.
3. Check the welding gun or torch frequently.
The contact tip of a MIG gun should be tight and centered in the nozzle. The nozzle needs to be
cleaned frequently. due to the spatter created in MIG welding. When TIG welding, the tungsten
electrode should be tight and free from contamination. The inert-gas nozzle must be tight on the
torch body. Use only fully insulated guns and torches. Check the gas transfer hoses occasionally for
leaks.
4. Never weld on containers which have held explosive or combustible materials.

5. Never weld in confined spaces without adequate ventilation and do not weld near an explosive
atmosphere.
6. Do not weld where even minute amounts of vapors from solvents are present.
Some solvents decompose to form phosgene gas, a deadly poisonous gas, when exposed to the heat
created during welding.
7. Check for fire hazards.
Combustible material should be at least 35 feet from the welding operations.
8. Electricity can be a killer.
Before checking any welding machine, open the power circuits to stop the current. Repairs on a
welding machine should only be made by a fully qualified electrician.
9. Do not touch any exposed, or noninsulated parts of cables, clamps, or other electrical parts.
10. Do not work in a damp area. Striking the arc can cause electrical shock if a worker's feet are wet.

11. Do not use a cracked or defective helmet. The filter glass in the helmet provides eye and face
protection from ultraviolet and infrared rays. Cracks in the lens allow these harmful rays to contact
the eyes. The rays given off by the inert-gas processes are approximately two times more harmful
than the stick-arc rays, due to the action of the flux coating. The inert-gas processes are used on
reflective surfaces such as aluminum or stainless steel which intensifies the rays.
12. Never look at the electric arc without eye protection. Blindness can result.
13. Wear heavy shoes, preferably with steel toes. Dark colored clothing helps to protect the body from
ultraviolet rays.
14. Always wear protective clothing when making out-of-position welds. Do not wear ragged or
frayed clothing and button the flaps on shirt pockets. Do not wear cuffs on trousers. Wear a cap
when working in the overhead position.
15. Any equipment which is operated by power is potentially dangerous. Grinders, drills, sanders,
saws, electric welders, and all other power tools can cause serious injury or death. Never do any
grinding, weld slagging, or heavy hammering without eye and face protection.
16. Do not leave materials or equipment lying on the floor. Clean up the work area. Take care of all
safety hazards as soon as they are observed.
17. Do not use defective equipment.
18. Never strike an arc without warning people who are nearby and might be exposed to the arc flash.

19. Be alert to the dangers of fire. Fires can be disastrous. Know where the fire extinguishers are and
"

learn how to use them. Saving time is important in the case of fire.
20. In case of equipment malfunction, notify the person in authority. Never, under any circumstances,
operate defective equipment.

2.

Fundamentals of MIG Welding

Setting Up MIG Welding Equipment

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
summarize and explain the theory on which MIG welding is based.
list six advantages of MIG welding over conventional stick-arc welding.
name and explain the function of the main components of a MIG
welding outfit.
define the uses of shielding gases.
explain the A WS classification of MIG welding wires.
successfully set up MIG welding equipment in preparation for welding.
contrast and explain the difference between short-arc and spray-arc,
MIG welding.

The MIG Process

MIG (metal inert gas) welding is a semiautomatic, manually operated welding process.
The MIG process is more properly referred to as gas metal-arc welding (GMA W) by the
American Welding Society (AWS), although MIG welding is the term most commonly used. The
AWS is the professional organization which sets standards in the field of weld ing. An electric arc
is maintained between the work and the electrode as in stick-arc welding (shielded metal-arc
welding). In this case, a shielding gas is introduced to exclude the atmosphere from the weld
zone. The absence of oxygen and other gases from the weld zone prohibits oxidation of the
heated metal. Therefore, little or no slag forms on the completed weldment.
 The electrode is a consumable wire which is usually connected to the positive terminal.
The workpiece is grounded by connecting it to the negative terminal, figure 2-1. This type of
polarity is known as direct current, reverse polarity. The electrode is automatically fed into the
weld zone and then melted by the electric arc.
The welding gun (sometimes called the head or torch) is hand held and guided along the
joint to be welded by the operator. The automatically fed filler wire is forced through the torch
by an electrical machine. As the wire is fed through, the shielding gas is released to protect the
weld from the atmosphere. Although oxygen presents the greatest problems, hydrogen and
nitrogen also produce negative reactions when allowed to contact heated metals.

There are two basic methods of transferring the metal from the wire to the weld puddle. The short-
arc method employs a continuous cycle. As shown in figure 2-2, page 7, the initial stage of the short-arc
cycle is the contact of the wire to the work. This contact creates a short between the wire and the work
for a fraction of a moment. This short produces enough heat to melt the wire. The electrical current then
pinches off the molten drop. This recreates the arc used to shape the puddle. During this time, the wire is
once again approaching the work to make contact and begin a new cycle.
The spray-arc method uses a high enough current to melt the wire before it contacts the work. The
push of the current forces the molten droplets across the arc into the weld zone in the form of a spray,
figure 2-3.
The MIG process is a fairly recent development, but the fast production and easy application have
rapidly made it Fig. 2-3 The spray-arc process popular in the welding industry. Many operations done with
the stick-arc process in the past are now done by the MIG process. A successful welder must be
competent in MIG welding.
Advantages of the MIG Process
MIG welding produces strong, high-quality welds at high speeds without the use of coated
electrodes. Since cleaning agents and fluxes are not used, the amount of cleaning is minimal after the
weld is completed. In MIG welding approximately 95 percent of the consumable electrode wire is
deposited in the weld puddle. This method reduces the waste of electrode stubs in contrast to the stick-
arc process.
Labor time is reduced, because the consumable wire is continuously fed into the weld.
This means the weld does not need to be stopped and restarted to change the electrodes as in the stick-arc
process. Because the weld does not need to be stopped and restarted, slag inclusions, cold laps, shallow
penetration, crater cracks, and poor fusion are greatly reduced. Large gaps which may be found in both
new construction and repair work can be easily filled by bridging using the short-arc, MIG process.
The MIG welding process is effective in all welding positions and it can be mastered by any
student who has gained the proper knowledge and experience.

MIG Welding Equipment

The MIG welding process is highly specialized and uses expensive equipment. The student must
set up and operate the machines and attachments according to the rules and regulations established by the
welding industry. When these procedures are followed, safe and economical welding can be done.
MIG welding equipment consists of four primary parts, figure 24.
Power Source
Wire-Feed Unit
Welding Gun
Shielding-Gas Supply

Power Source. Most MIG welding operations are completed with a rectifier or motor generator,
that supplies direct, constant-voltage, welding current, figure 2-5, page 10. Although the voltage is
constant, it is also variable, within certain limits, from its original setting. As the welding operator moves
the welding gun closer to, or farther away from the work, the power supply unit automatically increases
or decreases the voltage output. Increasing or decreasing the voltage controls the burn-off rate of the
consumable wire fed into the weld zone.

Voltage Controls. MIG welding machines have controls on the front panel of the power source. The
voltage setting is very important for the smooth operation of the welding process. Voltage output and wire
speed determines whether the short-arc or spray-arc process is used. Short-arc welding requires a low
initial voltage setting and low wire speed. Spray-arc welding requires a high initial voltage setting and
high wire speed.
The voltage and the wire speed must be adjusted properly for each welding process.
If the wire speed is high and the voltage is low, the consumable wire will hit the work before it is melted
at the proper point to maintain the arc, figure 2-6, page 10. If the wire speed is low and the voltage is
high, the consumable wire will melt close to the contact tip and it will be impossible to maintain the
proper arc length, figure 2-7, page 10.
Proper adjustment of these two controls will result in sound welds of high quality.

Inductance Controls. The inductance control regulates the wetness (fluidity) or

stiffness (rigidity) of the weld puddle, by increasing or decreasing the time the arc is on.
Out of position welds (those made in any position other than flat) can be made by using low inductance
input, which decreases the on time of the arc. This decrease results in a colder, stiffer weld puddle. Higher
inductance input increases the on time of the arc, resulting in a hotter, more fluid weld puddle. This more
fluid puddle is suitable for welding in the flat position. Some constant-voltage power sources have built-
in, fixed inductance which cannot be adjusted.

Slope Controls. The slope control regulates the relationship between output voltage and amperage.
This controls the pinch force exerted on the consumable wire and decreases the current surge as the initial
arc is struck.
Controlling the slope increases versatility, fluidity, and smoothness in the weld puddle.
Correct slope control will greatly reduce the amount of spatter while increasing efficiency. When little or
no slope is in the welding circuit, the short circuit current goes up to a higher level and creates spatter.
When too much slope is used, the consumable wire will carry the full current and a short circuit does not
clear itself so that the wire may pile up on the metal being welded.

Cables. Large-diameter, flexible cables carry the electrical .current to and from the welding
operation. Welding cables are well insulated with rubber and a woven reinforcement. The cables are
subject to wear and should be checked frequently for breaks in the insulation. The cable must be large
enough for the amount of current it carries, figure 2-8.

Ground Clamp. The cable from the machine to the work is connected to a springloaded clamp which
can be easily attached to the work, figure 2-9. Clamps should be heavy enough to carry the required
currents. The ground clamp capacity should correspond with the cable capacity.

Wire Feed Unit. The wire feed unit, figure 2-10, page 12, and the gas-flow solenoid are
automatically engaged as the gun power trigger is pressed. The wire feed unit pulls the wire from a spool
and pushes it into the conduit tube and through the contact tip into the weld puddle.
At the same time as the wire starts to move, the gas solenoid is activated to release flow of shielding
gas. The gas solenoid is mounted in the wire feed unit. The knob which controls the speed of the wire feed
is located on the front panel of the wire feed unit.
Wire speed increase or decrease plays a double role in MIG welding, because the amperage of the arc is
increased or decreased as the wire speed changes. The wire feed units may be mounted directly on the
power source, a traveling track, or positioned away from the welding machine.
MIG Welding Gun. MIG welding guns, figure 2-11, are either air- or water-cooled.
Guns which are used with very high amperages are normally water-cooled. The welding gun supplies the
wire, shielding gas, and welding current to the weld zone.
 Most MIG welding guns are of the push-type, which utilizes drive rolls positioned inside the wire
feed unit. Pull-type guns are used for small diameter hard wires, and for soft wires, such as aluminum or
magnesium. Both types of guns have a trigger which is pressed to start the wire feed, gas flow, and the
arc. When the trigger is released, all three operations stop immediately.
Guns are available with many different contact tip and nozzle designs. The contact tip delivers the
electrical current from the cable to the wire electrode. New tips have smooth round holes which are
slightly larger than the wire. The passing of the wire will wear the hole larger allowing spatter to enter and
stick to the tip, figure 2-12.
The flow of the shielding gas is directed by the gas nozzle (or gas cup). Most MIG welding nozzles
are made from copper or its alloys. Nozzles are held over th~ weld zone and catch a good deal of spatter.
The spatter buildup can be decreased through the use of spatter-proof sprays or liquids. Nevertheless, MIG
nozzles must be cleaned frequently, or the spatter buildup will slow down the flow of the inert gas used to
shield the weld zone. To clean the nozzle, use a hollow reamer of the proper size or a small screwdriver.
Shielding Gas Equipment. The shielding gas equipment stores the gas safely, reduces the high
pressure in the cylinder (or bottle) to a safe working pressure, and delivers the gas to the weld zone. This
equipment includes gas cylinders, regulators, valves, and hoses.
Carbon dioxide (C02) is the shielding gas that is used most often, because it is economical. Carbon
dioxide is normally bottled in its liquid state in fifty-pound cylinders. Truly inert gases (those that do not
react chemically with other elements), such as argon, helium, and mixtures of argon and helium, are
normally bottled in their gaseous state. The gas cylinder provides a means of storing and handling the gas
safely.
A combination regulator and flowmeter delivers the gas to the gas solenoid (electrically controlled
valve) located at the wire feed unit. The gas is delivered through special hoses and fittings. The same type
of hoses and fittings deliver the gas from the wire feed mechanism to the gun. As the gas is discharged
from the gun, it pushes the atmospheric elements away from the weld zone.
Carbon Dioxide. Carbon dioxide is often used as a shielding gas for welding mild steel. When
carbon dioxide is exposed to an electric are, carbon monoxide (a poisonous gas) and oxygen are given off.
Some of the released oxygen is transformed into ozone (also a poisonous gas). The presence of these two
by-products
forces the welder to operate in a well-ventilated area.
To compensate for the oxygen which is present in the weld zone
when carbon dioxide is used, a consumable wire electrode with
deoxidizing agents should be used. The most common
deoxidizers added to the wire are silicon, aluminum, titanium, manganese,
and vanadium.
When carbon dioxide is produced according to the proper standards,
many of the undesirable characteristics of other shielding gases are
eliminated. Carbon dioxide produces broad, deep penetration patterns and
good bead contour. Undercutting is less of a problem with carbon dioxide
than with argon.

The main disadvantage of carbon dioxide is the violent action in the arc zone. This is
due to the high electrical resistance of the gas. The arc may spatter, but for most operations, this is
"

not an important factor.

Argon and Oxygen. A mixture of argon and oxygen is used as a shielding gas for welding mild
steel and stainless steel. Argon gas is an important element in the spray-arc method of MIG welding.
When welding on mild steel using argon, the bead contour and penetration may be of poor quality.
To eliminate the problems encountered with pure argon, 1 to 5 percent oxygen may be added to the
shielding gas. The addition of oxygen to the mixture widens the penetration zone, improves the bead
contour, and reduces undercutting at the edges of the welds, figure 2-13.
The main consideration for welding nonferrous metal (metal containing no iron) is absolute
protection from atmospheric contamination. If the alloying elements of nonferrous metal become
oxidized, the metal will most likely have reduced corrosion resistance.

MIG Welding Wire Electrodes

The wire for consumable wire electrodes must be clean, smooth, and constant in diameter, so that
the wire feed unit can push it into the weld zone without difficulty. It must be evenly wound on an
expendable spool. Wire for consumable electrodes is available in spools of one pound to sixty pounds.
For successful MIG welding it is important to match the filler metal (wire electrode) with the base
metal. Using the correct wire with the proper shielding gas results in completed welds that meet or
surpass their requirements.
The American Welding Society (AWS) specifies the chemical composition of solid bare wire
electrodes. The society also designates the numbering system used to classify MIG welding wire
electrodes. Figure 2-14 shows how the classification numbers are assigned to MIG wire electrodes.
The two wires best suited for learning situations are AWS numbers E 70S-3 and E 70S-4.
These two wire electrodes can be used with argon and oxygen, argon and carbon dioxide, or carbon
dioxide as the shielding gas for short-arc operations. Spray-arc operations are possible with both
electrodes, using argon and oxygen as the shielding gas.

E 70S- 3 wire electrodes

produce good welds in killed and
semikilled steel using all three gas shields. Killed steel has most of the atmospheric gas removed in the
manufacturing process by deoxidizers. Semikilled steel is similar to killed steel, except that the atmos-
pheric gases are deoxidized to a lesser extent. Rimmed steel should be welded using argon and Qxygen or
argon and carbon dioxide as a shield. Rimmed steel is manufactured with very little deoxidation. This
produces a steel that is almost pure on the outer surface.
The weld puddle of E 70S-4 wire produces a suitable wetting action. The bead is generally flatter
and wider than those made with E 70S-3 electrodes. E 70S-4 wire is used in the construction of ships,
piping systems, broiler pressure vessels, and general steel structures.

JOB 1: SETTING UP MIG WELDING EQUIPMENT

Equipment and Materials:
Direct current, constant voltage MIG welding machine Wire
feed unit
 Roll of E 70S-4 MIG wire (.045 diameter) MIG
welding gun, complete with contact tip Contact
centering device
Nozzle
Power cable and gas hose
Inert-gas regulator with flowmeter
Hose and fitting from the regulator to the wire feed unit Cylinders
of argon and oxygen

PROCEDURE

1. Attach the ground clamp to the ground

cable.
2. Attach the ground cable to the negative (-)
post on the welding machine. 6. Since the power source must be connected
to the electrical supply according to the
electrical code, make certain the power
source is properly grounded.
3. Attach the ground clamp to the work or
bench. 8. CAUTION: All high-pressure gas cylinders
should be fastened tightly in the upright
4. Connect the power cable, contractor cable, position while in use. When moving
wire conduit, and gas hose to the wire feed cylinders, always put the valve cap on the
unit and the welding gun. cylinder and tighten it securely.
5. Insert the contact tip centering device,
contact tip, and nozzle into the MIG gun.

6. Attach the electrode cable to the positive

(+) post of the welding machine.
PROCEDURE
9. Crack the cylinder valve by opening it
slightly and closing it immediately.
7. Connect the electrode cable to the wire
10. Attach the inert-gas regulator and flow
feed unit.
meter to the cylinder.
8. Secure a cylinder of argon and oxygen (l to
11. Connect the inert-gas hose to the regulator
5 percent) next to the welding machine.
and wire feed unit.

KEY POINTS

1. Use an adjustable wrench.

12. Install the electrode wire on the wire feed
unit.
2. Some MIG welding machines do not have a
polarity switch on the front Crack the 13. By hand, feed the wire into the drive rollers
cylinder valve by opening it slightly and of the wire feed unit.
closing it immediately.
 11. Inert gas used for MIG welding is very
expensive. Check for and correct leaks in
inert-gas fitting, connections, and hoses.
Gas leaks may be found with soap and
water mix. Escaping gas will make bubbles
where leaks are occurring.

KEY POINTS .
9. This allows a small amount of the escaping
gas to remove any foreign particles which
may have accumulated.

CAUTION: Do not stand in front of the

cylinder when cracking the valve. Do not point
the valve toward a wall since the force of the
gas may cause particles on the wall to be blown
into the operators eyes.

Striking the Arc and Adjusting the MIG Welding Machine

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
explain the process of striking an arc with the MIG machine.
identify direction of travel as it applies to MIG welding.
define penetration.
successfully set up and adjust the MIG machine, strike and maintain an are, and
shut off the machine.

Striking the Arc

An arc occurs when the ground and the wire carrying an electrical charge are brought close enough
together to close an electrical circuit. The arc jumps the air gap between the wire and the ground,
producing ultraviolet and infrared rays and large amounts of heat. These rays are very harmful to the eyes
and must be filtered out with a filter lens. The rays made by the MIG welding process are stronger than
those of stick-arc welding because the arc is more open and sometimes the welding is done on bright
metal like stainless steel or aluminum.
The MIG welding arc is struck by holding the nozzle above the work and pressing the
trigger of the MIG gun. When the trigger is pressed, three things start:
the wire feed unit
the gas flow
the electric current

When the wire touches the work, the electric circuit is closed and the arc flashes. To stop the are, the
gun trigger is released and the arc is broken, the wire feed unit stops and the gas flow is shut off.
After the arc is struck, the machine automatically maintains the arc length. The gun nozzle should be
about 1/2" above the metal when the welding is being done, figure 3-1.
MIG welding amperage (or heat) is set by the wire speed. If the inches of wire which go through
the- cable in a minute's time (IPM = inches per
minute) are fed through the wire feed faster, the welding heat is
increased. If the inches per minute are slowed down, the heat is not as
great. When the amperage is varied by changing the speed at which the
wire is added to the puddle, the voltage has to be adjusted so the
pinch-off of the wire is correct.
When the amperage and voltage are correct, welding can
begin. The bead should be run across the plate in a steady forward motion and the gun-nozzle distance
above the plate should remain constant.

If the welding is done too fast, the weld bead will not form properly and the weld will not be deep enough
in the plate (penetration). There may be holes inside of the weld because the fast speed will not let the gas
come out of the nozzle fast enough to cover the puddle. If the welding is done too slowly, excess heat will
build up in the weld zone. This will cause the bead to become very large or possibly burn through the
metal.

Direction of Travel
The welding direction of travel is usually made in a left-to-right motion so the weld puddle can be
watched and the buildup of the bead can be kept the same. In MIG welding, the bead is clean inside the
gas shield and there is not much time lost cleaning the weld.

Penetration
When the arc is struck on the plate, a crater or melted spot is made which is filled with the filler
wire. This process of making the crater and filling it up is called penetration. The wire and the plate
(base metal) must be well mixed for a satisfactory weld.

MIG Gun Angle

After the arc is struck, the nozzle of the gun should be held above the plate at a height and angle
that will make a good bead. For a flat weld stringer bead, the nozzle should be straight up-and-down and
tipped so that it is about 10 degrees in the direction the welder is making the weld.

Forehand Welding
When the gun is held so that the nozzle is pointed in the direction of travel, it is called forehand
welding, figure 3-2(a).

Backhand Welding
 When the gun is held so that the nozzle is pointed away from the direction of travel, it is called
backhand welding. Both of the motions are used for different welds, figure 3-2(b).

Purging
When the gas is turned on to start welding, it is a good practice to let some of the gas go through
the lines so that all the lines have only the pure gas coming through. This is called purging the lines.

Bleeding
After welding is finished and the gas is turned off, the remaining gas should be released from the
lines by pressing the trigger on the gun. This is called bleeding the lines.

JOB 3: STRIKING THE ARC AND ADJUSTING THE MIG WELDING MACHINE
Equipment and Materials:
Standard MIG welding equipment with E 70S-4 .045 diameter wire (figure 2-4, page 9) Personal
hand tools and protective clothing and gear
3/8" x 6" x 6" mild steel plate

PROCEDURE 4. Turn the voltage control dial to off, or zero.

5. Turn the flowmeter dial to zero.
1. Check all electrical systems and gas
system fittings.
6. Open the gas cylinder slowly and let the
2. Connect the ground clamp to the work. pressure build up, then open it fully.
3. Turn the wire speed control dial to "off," 7. Turn on the welding machine.
or "zero." Set the slope or inductance dial 8. Turn on the wire feed unit.
halfway up the scale.
9. Turn the flowmeter control counter-
clockwise to set the gas flow.
 15. Set the wire feed drive rollers so there is
10. Purge the gas system by pressing and some tension on the wire.
releasing the gun trigger.
16. Press the trigger on the gun until the wire
11. Check the wire and drive rollers to make passes through the nozzle.
sure they are clean.
17. Insert the contact tip.
18. Put on the helmet and gloves.
12. Insert the wire through the drive rollers 19. Lower the helmet over the face and press
and into the conduit guide. Remove the the gun trigger to make the wire contact
contact tip. the plate.
20. Run a bead 3" long-then release the
trigger.
KEY POINTS
21. Examine the bead
1. Welding should be done In a well ventilated 22. Run more short beads on the plate.
area. 23. Stop welding by releasing the gun trigger.
24. Turn the wire speed dial to zero.
25. Turn the voltage dial to zero.
3. The slope or inductance controls increase
or decrease the wetness of the puddle. Set 26. Turn the flow meter dial to zero.
the control(s) halfway up the scale until 27. Bleed the gas lines by pressing the trigger.
welding has started and then make
adjustments as necessary.

Fig. 3-3 The drive rollers must be

5. Always stand to one side when opening of the proper size to match the
regulators on high pressure cylinders. diameter of the wire

9. Set the gas flow for 40 cubic feet per hour 13 When the wire speed and voltage are set
(CFH = cubic feet per hour). high, spray arcing will take place.
10. Inert gases are expensive. Do not waste gas.

16. The contact tip must be the right size for

12. The wire drive rollers are grooved to fit the the wire used
size of wire being used. When the wire size is 17. The contact tip must be removed when
changed the rollers and contact tips must be feeding the wire through the gun. This
changed to fit it, figure 3-3, prevents the wire from hitting or catching
on the contact tip.

19. The MIG machine will not strike an arc

until the gun trigger is pressed.
21 Adjust the machine to correct any faults
13. Set the wire feed control dial on half which appear m the weld.
speed. 22. Make any adjustments necessary. There are
14. Set the voltage control dial on 23 volts. two ways to correct defects: (l) adjust the
 voltage; (2) adjust the wire feed.

28. Turn off the wire feed unit.

29. Turn off the welding machine.
30. Hang up the welding gun.
31. Disconnect the ground clamp and hang it up.
32. Clean up the work area. 33. Submit the weld beads to the instructor

for comments and further instructions

Running a Bead, Spray Transfer, Flat Position

OBJECTNES
After completing this unit, the student will be able to:
name some of the special ways to find out which welding wire is to be used.
know the general descriptions and uses of E 70S-2, E 70S-3, E 70S-4, E 70S-5, E 70S-6
welding wire.
successfully weld stringer beads, using the spray-transfer method of MIG welding.

Welding Wire Selection

The welder must know the type of base metal to be welded before the proper wire
can be chosen. Other factors may also have an effect on wire choice:
Joint design
Thickness of the metal to be welded
The welding position
The shielding gas to be used
After the type of metal to be welded is determined, a manufacturer's chart can be used to select the right
wire.
The wires used for welding carbon steels are numbered by the American Welding Society (AWS). Figure
4-1 shows two of the wires and their makeup.

E 70S-2
This wire has a high content of deoxidizers. A deoxidizer is an element added to the filler wire to help
keep the metal from reacting with oxygen. E 70S-2 is made to make high quality welds in all types of
low-carbon steels. It works well on new or old, rusty steel. This wire can be used in all positions of
welding using argon/oxygen, argon/carbon dioxide, or carbon-dioxide gas.

E 70S-3
This wire is very popular. E 70S-3 wire will mix well with all kinds of mild steel using carbon dioxide,
argon/oxygen, and argon/carbon dioxide. If it is used on rimmed steels, the best welds can
be made with argon/oxygen and argon/carbon dioxide gases. The bead will have a flat surface contour. 'If
out-of-position welds are made, it should be used in a small diameter wire and should be welded in single
passes.
E 70S-4
This wire has a larger percentage of deoxidizers than either the -2 or -3 wires. The weld is effective
on all mild steels. If high strength welds are required, E 70S-4 can be used with any of the shielding gases.
E 70S-5
E 70S-5 has aluminum in the deoxidizers to help make a stiffer puddle. It must be used only in the
flat position if the spray-arc transfer method is used. All three shielding gases can be used with E 70S-5
and it will weld all kinds of mild steel.
E 70S-6
E 70S-6 wire has a larger amount of de oxidizers than any of the wires mentioned above. This wire
produces very high-quality welds and can be used for high-speed welding with argon/oxygen with the
oxygen content at 5 percent or greater. There is no aluminum in this rod, so it can be used for the short-arc
process by using carbon dioxide or argon/ carbon dioxide for the shielding gas.

Welding Pass
When a bead is run across a plate it is called a pass. Out-of-position welds (any weld except flat
welds) are generally made with several small passes.

Stringer Bead
A pass run across the plate being welded in a straight line, with no side-to-side motion, is a stringer
bead.

JOB 4: RUNNING A BEAD, SPRAY TRANSFER, FLAT POSITION Equipment

and Materials:
Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
3/4" x 6" x 6" mild steel plate
E 70S-5 wire electrode Argon/oxygen shielding gas

PROCEDURE 3. Turn on the wire feed unit.

1. Turn on the ventilating system.

4. Open the cylinder valve on the gas system.

2. Turn on the power source.

5. Purge the gas system.
 6. Set: Voltage
Wire feed
Slope inductance
7. Position the plate in place for welding in
the flat position"
8. With the welding helmet over the face,
strike an arc. Run a bead across the plate,
using a backhand motion, figure 4-2.
9. Adjust the machine if necessary. Run
another bead across the plate each time
adjustments are made until the bead is
satisfactory.
10. Run the stringer beads 1/2" apart all
across the plate.
11. Turn off the MIG machine.
12. Hang up the MIG gun.
13. Consult the welding instructor for
comments for improving weld quality.

KEY POINTS

1. Proper ventilation is required for MIG

welding. The fumes made by the electric
arc passing through the gas shield are toxic.

5. Make sure the wire feed speed control is set

on zero so that the wire does not feed out
while the system is purging.

5. All settings should be made according to

the wire manufacturer's recommendations.

8. Side-cutting pliers are used to cut wire

when necessary.
 see the difference in the bead appearance
and in the operation of the machine.

Note: Jobs in later units will not give the basic

operations needed to set up
the machine. The student should become
familiar with the procedures followed in
setting up and closing down the MIG
machine
10. Turn the wire feed speed up and down to

Four Layer Stringer Bead Pad Buildup, Spray Transfer, Flat

Position
OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

list the characteristics of a metal.
explain the methods used to designate groups of steel.
define low-carbon steel, medium-carbon steel, high-carbon steel, and very high-carbon steel by
carbon percentage.
list the uses of the four carbon classes of steel.
successfully weld a pad buildup using the spray transfer technique of MIG welding.

MIG Welding Currents

The wire feed unit dial sets the amount of amperes (current) in the arc zone.
Each size and type of wire will have a low and a high current amount in order to make
effective welds, figure 5-1 ..
Each welder chooses the current or heat he or she
likes best. Current settings have a wide range and welders
can set the machine so that it makes the best welds for
their style of welding.
The time it takes for the wire to burn off (called the
burn-off rate), the bead formation, the depth of
penetration and the speed of travel are all affected by the
amount of current at the weld zone. When the current is
changed, there is a change in the
arc at the weld puddle. When the welding current is Fig. 5-1 Welding current ranges for
increased, the wire melts off faster, and the penetra- various diameter electrodes.
tion is deeper. The amount of weld deposited and
the travel speed of welding will also change. When welding current is decreased, all of the above
decrease.
 If the current is set below the ranges shown in figure 5-1, the burn-off rate slows down and poor
beads, poor fusion, and shallow penetration will result. If the current is set above the ranges shown, the
burn-off rate is too fast and undercutting, burn-through, poor beads, and ruined contact tips can occur.
The wrong current settings can ruin the advantage of MIG welding. MIG welding is used because it
makes high-quality welds at high rates of speed.
Wrong settings can also affect the base metal being welded, since they can lower the strength of the
metal. Improper current settings can ruin a weld by creating porosity.

Steel Classes and Identification

It is important for a welder to have knowledge of the classes of metals.
A definition of metal includes the following: A class of chemical elements which are: solid at
normal temperatures, opaque, a conductor of heat and electricity, will reflect when polished, and will
expand and contract in reaction to heat or cold.
The different classes of metal have been identified by giving them numbers, according to their
chemical composition. The numbers used here are called S.A.E. numbers because they have been put
together by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The first number in the group of numbers used means
the type of steel, the second number shows the alloy in the steel, and the last two or three numbers show
the carbon content, figure 5-2.

Carbon Steels .
Plain carbon. .... 1
10
xxx
xx
Corrosion and Heat-resisting Steels. 30 xxx

Free cutting (screw stock) . 11 xx Molybdenum Steels. 4 xxx

Free cutting, manganese . x13 xx Chromium. 41 xx
High manganese. . ... T13 xx Chromium nickel .. 43 xx
Nickel 46 xx and 48 xx
Nickel Steels. 2 ..
xxx
5 xxx
.50% nickel. 20 xx Chromium Steel
..
1.50% nickel. 21 xx Low chromium 51 xx
3.50% nickel. . .. 23 xx Medium chromium . 52 xxx
5.00% nickel. , 25 xx Corrosion and heat resisting. 51 xxx
Nickel Chromium Steel. 3 xxx Chromium Vanadium Steel 6
xxx
1.25% nickel; 60% chromium. 31 xx
1.75% nickel; 1.00% chromium. 32 xx Tungsten Steel 7 xxx and 7 xxxx
3.50% nickel; 1.50% chromium. 33 xx
3.00% nickel; 80% chromium. 34 xx Silicon Manganese Steel 9 xxx

Fig. 52 The S.A.E. system of numbering steels

On the chart, notice that the number 1 shows carbon steel, the number 2 shows nickel steel, and so
forth. If a steel is S.A.E. number 1240, the chart would tell that it is in the carbon steel group, is alloyed
with nickel, and the carbon in it is 0.40 of 1 percent.
Most of the welding is done on the carbon steel group. There are four main parts in this group, all
named by the amount of carbon in them, figure 5-3.
Low carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.05 to 0.30 percent. This steel is called mild steel. It is
tough, easily formed, and welds well.
Medium carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.30 to 0.45 percent. This steel is strong, hard, and not
easily welded. When the amount of carbon is increased, the steel is brittle and easily broken in the
 weld area.
High carbon steel has a carbon content of 0.45 to 0.75 percent. This steel can be heat treated. To
weld it the operator must have special welding wire. Generally, it must be preheated to be weldable .
Very high carbon steel, carbon content 0.75 to 1.75 percent. This steel is very hard to weld.

JOB 5: FOUR LAYER STRINGER BEAD PAD BUILDUP, SPRAY TRANSFER, FLAT POSITION
Equipment and Materials:
Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
3/4" x 6" x 6" mild steel plate E 70S-5 wire

PROCEDURE KEY POINTS

Argon/oxygen mix gas

1. Set up machine for spray-arc welding.

2. Run a stringer bead all the way across the

plate in the center of the plate.

1. Position the plate material for flat

position.
2. Follow the bead sequence In figure
5-4.

3. Continue to run stringer beads until the 3. The small piece of plate will become very
plate is covered.
hot. Dip it in a cooling tank when
necessary.
C"(UTION: Use pliers to pick it up and when
dipping it in the tank, push it under the water
quickly, to avoid steam burns.

3. Show the completed first layer to the welding

instructor.

4. Turn the sample around so the beads will

cross the plate in the opposite direction. Weld
the pad full of beads.
5. Repeat the welding, turning the metal until four
layers have been welded.

6. Check with the instructor for comments and

instructions.

Fillet Weld, Spray Transfer, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES
 After completing this unit the student will be able to:
define a fillet weld.
define and contrast convex and concave beads.
define arc blow.
list several methods of controlling arc blow.
successfully MIG weld a fillet joint using the spray-arc method of metal transfer.

The Fillet Weld

A fillet weld is defined as an inside corner weld made within any angle formed by the pieces to be
welded. Fillet welds are one of the major weld designs. A fillet weld is triangular in shape and used in T,
corner, or lap joints. One or more beads may be used to weld a fillet joint.
The first pass on the fillet weld should be directed into the corner where the plates meet. It must be a
deep penetration pass, with good fusion. If the corner is not fused in the first pass, it is impossible to reach
into the corner again for full penetration.

Convex and Concave Beads

A convex bead is a built-up bead. The center of the bead is higher than the edges. In general, a
convex bead should be used for all joints. The dome of a convex bead should be slightly higher than the
surface of the base metal.
A concave bead has a center section which is lower than its edges. This type of bead is shallow in
the middle which weakens the joint.

Arc Blow
A direct current sometimes causes arc blow. Arc blow is the wandering of the arc from the path of
the weld bead. This movement is created because of the magnetic force produced by the flow of
electricity. The magnetic force pulls the arc off course, which makes it difficult to keep the molten puddle
in place.
Arc blow is a greater problem in MIG welding than in conventional stick-arc welding.
This is a result of the bare electrode used in MIG welding. The flux coating on the stick-arc welding rods
helps to control the magnetic force which creates arc blow. The bare wire used in MIG welding has no
coating to help control arc blow.
MIG welding with bare electrodes can cause arc blow in all types of joints. Corner welds and butt
welds are the most susceptible joints to this problem. These joints, having two pieces of metal separated
by a groove, can cause different magnetic forces which pull against each other, figure 6-1.
Equipment andMIG
Standard Materials:
welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Standard MIG welding equipment
Protective clothing and gear
Personal hand tools
1 piece, 3/4" x 6" x 6" plate
Protective clothing and gear
2 pieces, 3/4" x 3" x 6" plate
1 piece, 3/4" x 6" x 6" plate
2 pieces, 3/4" x 3" x 6" plate

Controlling Arc Blow

Arc blow can be controlled to some extent by any of these methods:
Directing the angle of the MIG gun towards the right place.
Changing the motion being used. If forehand motion is being used, change to backhand.
Decreasing the arc length.
Increasing or decreasing the wire feed .
Changing the location of the ground clamp.
,
The student must be careful that the adjustment of these controls does not affect the
quality of the weld.

JOB 6: FILLET WELD, SPRAY TRANSFER, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Materials

Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
1 piece, 3/4" x 6" x 6" plate
2 pieces, 3/4" x 3" x 6" plate
E 70S-5 wire electrode
Argon/oxygen mix shielding gas

PROCEDURE

1. Turn on and adjust the MIG machine and

other equipment for spray-arc welding.
2. Tack weld the plates as shown, figure
6-2
4. This is a 3-pass weld sequence, figure 6-4

4. Use the bead sequence shown. Cool the

plate when it becomes overheated. Rotate
the joint until all four sides have been
welded in the flat position.

5. The angle of the wire electrode should be

approximately one-half that of the fillet
joint. The gun should also be tilted
approximately 10 degrees to facilitate
handling of the gun and the view of the weld
bead.
6. Travel speed should be appropriate.
Welds should not be overwelded (convex) or
underwelded (concave), figure 6-5.

6. Slow travel speed increases deposits and

chances of cold laps and undercutting. A

travel speed that is too fast may decrease

7. Complete the welds, shut down the metal deposits, produce concave beads, and
welding station, and hang up the gun. weaken the joint.
8. Submit the welds to the instructor for
comments and further instructions
Butt Weld with Backup Bar
Spray Transfer, Flat Position
OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

define a butt joint.
name and define five types of groove welds.
explain the use of a backup bar.
define a starting tab and a run-off tab.
successfully complete a butt weld using a backup bar and the spray-arc method of metal transfer

Butt Weld
A butt weld is defined as a weld joining two pieces of metal with their edges in a straight plane. Generally,
metals up to 3/16" thick can be welded with complete penetration without edge preparation. This type of
weld is known as a square butt weld, figure 7-1. A square butt weld can be welded from one side or both
sides and can be of either the closed or open design.

Groove Welds
Metal over 3/16" thick must be prepared so that 100 percent penetration can be made on the joint. Two
methods are used:
Gapping the metal, or leaving a space between the pieces to be welded;
Grinding the edges of the pieces at an angle so that there is room at the bottom of the plates for
the first pass to gain complete penetration.
Several different designs are used to prepare the edges of the plates, figure 7-1

Root Opening
When plates are to be welded together, they should have a space left between them so that the first weld
will penetrate through the plate. This space is called a root opening.

Land
Grinding the edge of a piece of metal to a slope makes the bottom edge very thin. The thin edge will burn
off quickly and cause drop-through (excessive penetration). To keep this from happening, the bottom edge
of the bevels ate ground square to make it thicker. Such an edge is called a land, figure 7-2,
Backup Bar
A deep groove weld is usually made with the aid of a backup bar. A
backup bar is a plate positioned behind the groove to help support the
weld zone. A backup bar is a narrow piece of metal tack welded on the
bottom of the plates, directly below the groove. The weld is started on this
backup bar so that the bead is flowing smoothly by the time the weld
starts in the groove. By welding the first pass on the backup bar, the
lower edges of the plates are fused together with 100 percent
penetration. The weld is ended on the backup bar to eliminate craters or
holes which might be at the end of the weld.
The backup bar is cut off the welded plates after the weld is finished.
After the backup bar is cut off, the bead on the top side of the plates is
ground or machined off before testing is done on the weld, figure 7-3.

Starting Tab and Run-Off Tab

The part of the backup bar which extends past the plates to be
welded on the starting end of the weld is called the starting tab. The bar
which extends past the finishing end of the weld is called the run-off
tab.

JOB 7: BUTT WELD WITH BACKUP BAR, SPRAY TRANSFER, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Materials:

Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
 Protective clothing and gear
2 pieces, 3/4" x 4" x 6" plate
1 piece, 3/8" x 2" x 9" strip
E 70S-5 wire electrode
Argon/oxygen shielding gas

PROCEDURE
1. Set up the machine for spray-arc weld-
ing and tack weld the beveled plates as
shown in figure 7-4
 welds.

2. After tacking the backup bar on the

plates, turn the joint over so that the
groove is on top.

3. The backup bar extends past the plate

sides. This overlap is called (a) the
starting tab, and (b) the run-off tab.
The backup bar extensions are used
when 100 percent welded samples are
required.

KEY POINTS
1. Backup bars must fit tightly on the plates.
Any gap increases the chance of defective
PROCEDURE
5. Submit the weld to the instructor for
4. Begin welding on the sample following the comments and instructions.
bead sequence shown in figure 7-5
6. Save this weld for testing in Unit 8
KEY POINTS

3. If more fill is
needed than is
received with
6 passes, add
more beads to
the groove.
The bead must
be built up
above the
surface of the
base metal.
 6. When welds are to be tested they should not
be cooled in water. Cooling makes the weld
weak and brittle

Welds in The Flat Position,

Short-Arc Technique
Striking the Arc and Adjusting the Machine, Short Arc, Flat
Position

OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

explain the application of short-arc MIG welding.
name the three general areas of MIG welding defects.
list eleven common MIG welding problems, their causes, and possible
ways to correct them.
discuss and apply efficient cleaning methods to the MIG welding gun.
list the negative results caused by spatter buildup.
successfully set up the equipment and adjust it so that satisfactory beads can be run on mild
steel plate in the flat position using the short-arc method of metal transfer.

Short-Arc Welding
The short-arc process requires less amperage than spray-arc. The machine must be set to lower
amperages. Follow the wire manufacturer's recommendations for setting the machine. When welding with
short-arc, the wire is fed into the front of the puddle.

Troubleshooting for MIG Operations

With the correct materials (a match up of ferrous or nonferrous metals and ferrous or nonferrous
filler wire), gas coverage, welding conditions and techniques the MIG process will yield high-quality
welds.
As with any other welding process, when any of these conditions are incorrect, welds of poor quality
will result. Most of the bad welds are caused by wrong machine settings. When the reasons for poor welds
are known, corrections are easily made.
Troubleshooting for MIG can be grouped into three probable causes:
Electrical
Mechanical
Welding Procedures
The chart, figure 9-1, has been included to help the welder identify the causes of welding troubles. It lists
some of the corrections to make so the welder saves time and effort while welding. The chart covers only
the most common causes of wrong operations
Care of the MIG Welding Gun and Accessories
,
All welding processes require proper care and usage of the tools used. Correct handling of MIG
welding equipment prolongs the life of the nozzles, contact tips, wire conduit, wire feed drive, rollers,
(and so forth).
A welder who is not used to handling a MIG gun may push the gun nozzle into the weld puddle.
Many gun nozzles and contact tips may be melted in this manner, and they will have to be thrown away.
Nozzles must be kept free of spatter. If too much spatter builds up, it may interfere with the gas flow
through the nozzle causing unsatisfactory welds.
Spatter should not be cleaned from the nozzle by tapping the gun on any solid object.
The gun, nozzle, and contact tip are made from soft materials. Tapping to remove the spatter can distort
or damage the threads used to position the parts in the gun. If the nozzle loses shape, the gas flow may be
pushed to one side and not cover the weld puddle. Also, if the threads are damaged in the nozzle, it may
have to be thrown away. The high temperature insulation in the gun can be easily broken.
Spatter on the contact tip increases friction on the wire and slows down the feed speed. This has a
bad effect on the welds. Worn tips will also make the wire feed change.
The drive rollers and contact tip are made in sizes to fit the wire. They must be changed when the
wire is changed in size.

JOB 9: STRIKING THE ARC AND ADJUSTING THE MACHINE, SHORT ARC, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Materials:

Standard MIG welding equipment

Personal hand tools 3/8" x 5" x 6" mild steel plate
Protective clothing and gear Carbon dioxide shielding gas
E 70S-3 or E 70S-4, .035" wire electrode
PROCEDURE

1. Install E 70S-3 or E 70S-4, .035" wire on 3. Set the gas flow for 25 cubic feet per hour
the MIG machine wire feed. Either of (25 CFH) and make later adjustments as
these wires should be used for short-arc necessary for good welding results.
application.
4. Set the wire feed control dial on half speed
and make necessary adjustments later as
needed.
2. Turn on the welding machine, the wire
feed unit, and the gas system. Feed the
wire through the nozzle. 5. Set the voltage control dial on 19
volts. Make necessary adjustments
later as needed

6. Adjust the wire feed drive roller

tension.
KEY POINTS
7. Begin welding beads, using the short-arc
1. The drive rollers and contact tip must be process. Run beads 3" long and adjust the
changed for the small diameter wire. When machine for proper operation.
loading new wire on the machine, leave the 8. Run several beads, readjusting the machine
contact tip out until the wire passes through as necessary. At the end of the weld, weld
the gun, then install the contact tip in place. back into the crater, to fill the crater and
2. Insert the contact tip. prevent crater
9. When the welds are of high quality, turn off
the machine and shut off all the systems.
Hang up the gun.
 tight or the wire will be deformed.

8. Short-arc welding uses less voltage and wire

feed speed than spray-arc. A frying,
crackling sound will be heard when the
proper setting is made.
9. When the welding station is shut down, all
the controls should be returned to zero. At
the start of each project the controls will
have to be adjusted for correct operations.
3. Too much gas flow wastes gas. Also, extra
gas will make a swirl around the weld
zone, which may cause porosity in the
weld. CO2 gas may cause some slag on the
weld and chipping and brushing may be
necessary.

6. The wire feed tension should not be too

Running a Bead, Short Arc, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

identify and describe three common faults found in the MIG welding process.
understand and correct weld failures caused by porosity, poor penetration, and
excessive penetration.
successfully MIG weld stringer beads on mild steel plate using the short arc method of
metal transfer.

Fusion
When the MIG wire and the base metal are melted together and mixed, the process is called fusion.
The more fusion (mixing) there is between the wire and the metal, the better the weld.

Defects in Penetration
Welds should be of good quality throughout the melted sections. If this is not the case, generally one
of two defects has occurred:
Shallow penetration
Excessive penetration

Shallow penetration is .caused by either too much or too little welding current and an improper
gun angle. When MIG welding, the heat output is increased by using more wire speed in the weld zone.
If the wire feed is too fast, and the heat is increased by it, the welder has to move along the joint too fast,
and weld penetration is lost. Correct this by lowering the wire feed inches per minute (lPM). MIG guns
should be angled so that the arc is held in the leading edge of the puddle. The proper root openings will
ensure penetration on open butt welds, figure 10-1.

Excessive penetration (burn through), figure 10-2, page 57, is caused by too much heat in the weld zone,
too slow a travel speed, or improper joint preparation. The welding heat can be lowered by slowing down
the inches per minute (IPM) of wire feed into the molten puddle. If the welding current is correct, faster
travel along the joint will eliminate the burn through caused by slow travel speed.

JOB 10: RUNNING A BEAD, SHORT ARC,

FLAT POSITION a
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e 1. When welding stops, the end of the wire
c will be round. Cut the round end off, it
t may make it hard to start the next arc.
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o 2. Sometimes if the gas flow from CO2
d bottles is more than 25 CFH (cubic feet
e per hour) the regulators will freeze. If
this happens, regulator heaters must be
used.
PROCEDURE 3. The welder should be able at this point to
adjust the voltage, wire feed, and
1. Turn on the welding machine, wire feed slope/inductance for proper welding.
unit and the gas supply.
1. Use side-cutting pliers and cut off 1/8"
from the end of the wire.

2. Set the gas flow.

3. Begin welding stringer beads. Continue

welding and making adjustment until
correct results are achieved.

4. Turn off the machine, shut down all the

systems and hang up the welding gun
and ground cable.

Fillet Weld, Short Arc, Flat Position

OBJECTIVES
 After completing this unit the student will be able to:
identify and describe a lap joint, a T joint, and a corner joint.
explain the necessity for grooving a T joint.
successfully weld a fillet weld using the short-arc method of metal transfer, in the
flat position.

Lap Joints

Lap joints are used because there is very little joint preparation. The joint is one in which a plate is
placed on top of another, forming a joint that requires a fillet weld bead. Lap welds may be of the single
or double joint design, figure 12-1.

T Joints

When T joints are used, little plate preparation is necessary. One plate is positioned 90 degrees on
top of the other forming a joint which requires a fillet weld. For added strength, T joints are sometimes
prepared as a single or double-bevel grooved joint, figures 12-2 and 12-3. This allows for 100 percent
penetration if the plates are 1/8" thick or more.

Comer Joints
Comer joints are used when designed into the job. Strength is added by the use of groove joints. The
joint is made by putting one edge of a plate at a 90 degree angle to the edge of another plate. Comer joints
can be further broken down into inside corner joints and outside corner joints. The inside corner joint is
placed within the 90 degree angle, figure 12-4(a). The outside corner joint is placed on the 270 degree
angle side of the joint. If both sides are to be welded, a bevel must be ground on one of the plates,
figure l2-4(b).
 Leg Size
Many times the welder has to make the-fillet weld legs a certain size. Leg size
is measured from the corner to the edge of the weld in both directions, figure 12-5. The size of the load
that the joint will carry is related to the size of the weld. The weld may be made with more than one pass
to increase its size.

JOB 12: FILLET WELD, SHORT ARC, FLAT POSITION

Equipment and Materials:
Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
2 pieces, 3/8" x 5" x 6" mild steel plate
2 pieces, 3/8" x 2 1/2" x 6" mild steel plate Carbon
dioxide shielding gas
E 70S-5 wire electrode

PROCEDURE figure 12-7, using the forehand

1. Position the plates for flat welding and motion.
tack weld both samples, figure 12-6.

3. Weld the other side of1he joint,

using the same bead sequence, with
a back-hand motion.
2. Weld one side of one sample, 4. Weld the other sample.
following the bead sequence in 5. Shut down all systems.
6. Submit the sample to the instructor for
comments and instructions.

KEY POINTS

3. Machine adjustments may be necessary

because of added weld and change of travel
direction.
4. Follow the same procedures.

2. Check the weld for any defects.

Butt Weld with Open Root, Short Arc, Flat

Position
OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit, the student will be able to:

list the characteristics of the different types of groove joints used for welding.
explain the increased costs of metal preparation for welding.
successfully weld an open butt joint.

Square Butt Joint

The square butt joint is a popular weld due to its easy preparation and weldability.
A disadvantage is that its edge to edge design is relatively weak. The open and closed varia tions of the
square butt joint are shown in figure 13-1. The open design is generally used for plates between 1/8" to
3/16", The closed design is used for lighter plates and sheet
metal. The maximum thickness of the plates for a square
butt joint is 3/16 of an inch. Thicker plates must have at least one
edge prepared before welding.
Single-Bevel Groove Joints

Single-bevel groove (one plate beveled) butt joints are stronger than square butt joints. The joint
design ensures 100 percent penetration and is more easily welded than the square butt joint. The design
makes the cost of the welding job higher because of the time it takes to bevel the plate and fit it together.
It also requires more wire deposit. This joint can be welded frdm one or both sides, either open or closed,
and can be single or double grooved. Joints included in this group are the single bevel and the single-J
groove, figure 13-2.

Double-Plate Groove Joints

Double-plate groove (both plates beveled) butt joints are used for heavy plates where heavy load
conditions are found. They can be welded with 100 percent penetration and are easily welded. This joint
design has a higher cost because of the beveling and fit-up involved. It is generally welded from both
sides due to the thickness of the material.
It may be a closed or open design and can be welded with a backup bar to increase the quality of
the weld. Joints included in the group of double-groove butt welds are the V groove and the U groove,
figure 13-3.

JOB 13: BUTT WELD WITH OPEN ROOT, SHORT ARC, FLAT POSITION
Equipment and Materials:
Standard MIG welding-equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
4 pieces, 3/8 x 3 x 6 mild steel plate
E 70S-3 or E 70S-4 wire electrode
Carbon dioxide shielding gas

PROCEDURE 1. Bevel the plates at 30 degrees.

2. Turn on the welding equipment and adjust it 1. Grind a l/8-inch land on each bevel
by running beads on scrap steel
3. Position the plates in the flat" position,
with a 1/16" to 3/32" root opening and
3. Tack weld both samples.
tack weld, figure 13-4.

4. Turn the tacked samples over into the

welding position (groove up) and raise the 4. The root bead will not penetrate if the plate
plates so that the root is above any solid is on a solid surface. Put the sample on scrap
material, figure 13-5.
steel or in a clamp.

KEY POINTS

5. Begin welding one of the joints, following

the bead sequence in figure 13-6.

6. When running the root bead, make sure the

wire is always on the leading edge of the
puddle
7. Examine the completed butt joint for
possible weld defects.
8. Weld the other tacked sample. 5. Use the forehand motion when weld-
9. Submit both samples to the instructor for ing open butt joints.
comments and approval before proceeding
to the Section Review.

6. Whiskers will appear on the underside of

 the weld if the wire goes through the
groove.

7. Make any necessary machine adjustments if

any welding flaws are found.
8. Prepare more butt weld samples and weld
them if more practice is needed.

SECTION 2: REVIEW A
OBJECTIVE:
Produce a fillet weld of proper penetration and quality using standard MIG welding equipment and
procedures which, when etched with an acid, will display complete penetration and no porosity
Equipment and Materials:
Standard MIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
Grinder
Acid etch solution
1 piece, 3/8" x 5" x 6" mild steel plate
1 piece, 3/8" x 2 1/2" x 6" mild steel plate
Carbon dioxide shielding gas
E 70S-5 wire electrode

PROCEDURE
1. Grind one edge of the smaller piece of plate to a double bevel, figure R2-1.

2. Set up and adjust the MIG welding equipment for short-arc welding.
3. Position and tack weld the plates in the proper place, figure R2-2.
4. Arrange the plates for flat position welding and run a three bead sequence as shown in figure R2-3,
using a forehand motion.

5. In the proper sequence, run three more beads on the opposite side of the vertical member using a
backhand motion, figure R2-4.

6. Cut the fillet sample in two, figure R2-5

7. Smooth the surface of the cuts using a grinder and apply an acid etch to each weld surface.
8. Visually check the depth of penetration which appears on each weld.
9. Compare the penetration between the forehand and backhand motion.
10. Examine the sample for porosity or slag inclusion.
11. Submit the sample to the instructor for comments and further instructions.
SECTION 2: REVIEW B

OBJECTIVE:

Produce a double-plate, double-V groove weld of proper penetration and quality using standard
MIG welding equipment and procedures. Subject such a sample to the guided-bend test.
Equipment and Materials:

Standard MIG welding equipment

Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
Grinder
Guided-bend test machine
2 pieces, 3/4" x 4" x 6" mild steel plate E 70S-5
wire electrode
Argon/oxygen mix shielding gas

PROCEDURE
1. Grind one edge of each plate to a double bevel and set up as shown in figure R2-6.

2. Tack weld both ends of the joint, figure R2-7.

3. Run three beads in the sequence shown on one side, figure R2-8.

4. Make any adjustments necessary.

5. Run three beads on the opposite side as shown in figure R2-9.
6. Layout and cut the sample into sections as shown in figure R2-10.

7. Perform a guided-bend test on the face, the root, and the side of the various strips.
8. Submit the bent samples to the instructor for comments and instructions.

3 Fundamentals of TIG Welding

 Setting Up TIG Welding Equipment

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
briefly describe the TIG welding process.
explain the advantages of the TIG process over other methods of
welding.
name and explain the use of the equipment used for TIG welding.
describe the different electric currents used for the process.'
successfully set up TIG welding equipment in preparation for welding.
The TIG Process

TIG (tungsten inert-gas) welding is a completely manual welding process, developed in the 1940 s
for fusion of materials that are difficult to weld. According to the American Welding Society, the proper
name for this process is gas tungsten-arc welding (GTAW), although TIG welding is the term most
commonly used.
It is similar to MIG welding in that an electric arc is maintained between the work and the electrode
in an inert-gas atmosphere. As in MIG welding, the elimination of the earth's atmosphere from the weld
zone prevents the metal from oxidizing.
The major difference between TIG and MIG welding centers on the electrode. The TIG welding
electrode is non consumable, requiring filler material to be added through the use of a hand held rod. The
electrode is mounted in the TIG torch which directs the flow of the inert-gas to the weld zone, figure 35-1.

Advantages of the TIG Process

Tungsten inert-gas (TIG) welding produces sound, high-quality welds without the use of fluxes.
Since cleaning agents and fluxes are not used, postweld cleaning is not always needed.
The TIG process can be closely controlled, so it is in great demand by industry for the welding of
thin gauge metal.
The welding takes place without sparks, fumes, or spatter and it can be done on nearly all commercial
metals, including the hard-to-weld materials; aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, nickel, copper, copper
nickel, brass, silver, phosphor bronze, and silicon copper. It is also very effective on carbon steels, low-
alloy steels, and cast iron

TIG Welding Equipment

The TIG welding equipment is highly specialized and expensive. Setup procedures should
be followed exactly to avoid damage to the parts. The welder must set up and operate the machine
 and attachments in accordance with rules and regulations established by the welding industry.

TIG welding equipment consists of four

primary elements, figure 35-2, p.
181.
The power supply with a high-frequency unit
The welding torch with attachments
Shielding gas attachments
A water-cooling system for water-cooled torches

The Power Source. TIG Welding operations are made with constant current AC (Alternating
Current) DC (Direct Current) machines, equipped with a superimposed, highfrequency current,
figure 35-3. The high-frequency current jumps the air gap between the tungsten electrode and the
workpiece. This prevents the contamination of the electrode which would occur if the tungsten were
touched to the metal to start the arc. Contamination (base metal or filler wire) on the tungsten causes
the arc to waver or jump to the side, so the high frequency -is used to complete the arc without
touching the metal of the workpiece.
The high-frequency control switch consists of three positions:
Off
Start Only (used for stainless steel welding)
Continuous (used for aluminum and its alloys).
The power source for TIG welding may be either alternating current or direct current
depending on the electrical polarity recommended for the material to be welded.

Direct Current. Direct current welding operations may be either DC+ (reverse polarity) or DC-
(straight polarity). DC- is recommended over the DC+ because 2/3 of the heat created by the arc of the
reverse polarity current is contained in the tungsten electrode. For any given welding amperage used on a
job, a larger tungsten must be used to contain the heat, figure 35-4.

'In straight polarity (DC-) welding 2/3 of the heat is in the workpiece, which makes cooler operating
heat on the electrode and a deeper penetration into the material. The heat input creates better welding
action, while the larger electrodes which must be .used for DC+ polarity produce a wide, shallow
penetration bead contour, figure 35-5.

Alternating Current. Alternating current (AC) is a combination of both DC- and DC+ with each
direct current polarity sharing equal time of the current cycle, figure 35-6, page 184.
The conditions on the surface of the base meta) (water, mill scale, and oxides) will retard the DC+
cycle of the AC polarity. The superimposed high freque1J.cy is used to correct the current.

The high-frequency current adds the following advantages to AC current polarity:

The arc jumps the air gap between the electrode and the workpiece.
Arc stability is increased.
Longer arc lengths are possible.
The life of the tungsten electrode is increased.
Increased current ranges are possible for each diameter electrode.
There is a decrease of the input amperage .
. Figure 35-7 shows the penetration and shape of the beads made with the use of DC+, DC-, and AC
high frequency (ACHF).
 Power.Source Panel. The power source panel generally contains the following switches
and controls:
Current setting
Remote or panel switch
Soft-start switch
Power switch
Process-selection switch
High-frequency control, phase shift, and intensity
Current range switch
Postpurge timer
Polarity switch

Current Setting. The current setting is used to adjust the amperage output to the TIG torch. It
is adjusted along with the current-range selection switch which has settings for special-low
amperage, low amperage, medium amperage, and high amperage.

Remote or Panel Switch. When in the panel position, this switch controls the
amperage output from the panel of the power source. When the switch is in
the remote position the amperage output is controlled with the foot control
equipment, figure 35-8. The remote foot control allows the welder-to adjust
the amperage as the job conditions change.

Soft-Start Switch. This switch will allow the arc to be made in a soft manner (reduced current) rather
than the harsh, digging, full current manner that will occur when the switch is not used.

Power Switch. The power switch turns the power source on and off. When the welder leaves the
machine, it should be turned off.
Process-Selection Switch. This switch determines the type of welding that will be done. The switch
has two settings-tungsten inert-gas welding (TIG) or stick-arc welding (SMAW). This will only hold
true when the power source is a combination stick-arc and TIG welding machine.
High-Frequency Control Switch, Phase Shift, and Intensity Control. The highfrequency control sw!
tch has three positions: off, start only, and continuous. The switch is off when stick-arc welding. It is
placed on "start only" when TIG welding carbon steel and stainless steel, and on "continuous" when
TIG welding aluminum and magnesium alloys. The phase shift and intensity controls are used to
start TIG welding operations, to control the amount of high-frequency current that is needed at the
TIG torch, for the type of base metals to be welded.
Current-Range Switch. The current range switch may consist of four settings:
Special Low (2 to 16 amperes)
Low (5 to 30 amperes)
Medium (25 to 130 amperes)
 High (80 to 250 all1peres)
These ranges will change according to manufacturers' specifications.

Postpurge Timer. This control allows the inert-gas flow to continue for several seconds after the arc
has been stopped. The inert-gas coming out after welding cools the hot tungsten electrode and
protects the molten puddle from being contaminated by the air around the weld. The timer can be
adjusted for different postflow lengths of time.
Polarity Switch. Combination shielded stick-arc and TIG machines will have-three polarity switch
selections-AC, DC+ and DC-. The polarity switch must be shifted to the polarity needed for the weld
to be made.

TIG Welding Torch.

The TIG welding torch
consists of six
primary parts, figure 35-9.
Torch cap Torch body
Tungsten electrode Electrode-holder body (collet body)
Electrode holder (collet) Inert-gas cup
The TIG torch is delicate and easily broken. The torch transfers the amperage and inert-gas to the weld
zone. If the torch is of a water-cooled design, it contains water inlets and outlets.
Air-cooled torches will weld steadily up to approximately 100 amperes. When welding currents are higher
than 100 amperes, water must be run through the torch to remove the heat. A power cable is used to take
the current of electricity to the torch, from the power source. The inert gas is carried to the torch in a
separate hose, inside the power cable to the weld, from the inert-gas supply. Water-transfer hoses' for
water-cooled TIG torches have hoses attached to the torch body. All the hoses are made of plastic and care
must be taken to avoid burning holes in them. All power cables and transfer hoses should have leather
shields around them.
The welding current is transferred to the weld zone from the power cable to the collet and then on to the
tungsten electrode. The high frequency then jumps the air gap and the welding arc is established. '
The shielding gas is transferred to the weld zone from the gas supply to the passages in the torch body,
through the gas cap to the weld zone. Some TIG torches have a control valve which must be opened
before the gas flow starts-other torches have automatic inertgas switches which start the gas flow when
the remote control is pressed.

Shielding Gas for TIG Welding. There are two major inert-gases used with the TIG process: argon and
helium.

Argon. Argon is one of the many gases that are combined to make up the air around us. It is an inert-gas,
will not have any effect on the weld, and is the most popular inert-gas used for the TIG process. It is
heavier than helium and, therefore, will be cheaper to use since it stays over the weld longer.

Argon is put into high-pressure cylinders similar to those which hold oxygen (but of a different
color) and all the safety requirements for handling high-pressure cylinders must be followed.

Helium. Helium is the gas originally used in inert-gas welding. TIG welding is sometimes called
"heliarc welding," which resulted from the use of helium as the shielding gas. Since helium is not popular
for shielding any longer, the words Tungsten Inert Gas (or TIG) have replaced the name heliarc.
Helium is found in large quantities over oil and gas field deposits. Because it is about 9 times lighter
than argon, it requires more amperage for welding and more of the gas is used on a weld job.
Helium is also bottled in high-pressure cylinders of a different color than oxygen or argon and all
safety requirements for handling high-pressure cylinders must be followed.
Shielding-Gas Attachments. Shielding gas must be stored in a safe manner, and the high pressure in
the cylinder must be brought down to a working pressure. The gas must be released to the torch in a pure,
dry condition.
Shielding-gas equipment consists of:
Cylinder of inert gas
Flowmeter (cylinder pressure regulator)
Transfer hoses (to move the gas from the flowmeter to the power source, through the torch to the
cup, and into the weld zone).
As the gas shield leaves the torch cup, its flow pressure and density push atmospheric elements out
and away from the weld zone, keeping the molten puddle clean.
Water-Cooling System. When welding amperage is above l00 amperes, the TIG power cable and
TIG torch will overheat and water must flow through the system to prevent heat damage. The water-
cooling system uses a water-cooled torch, inlet hose, outlet hose, waterstorage tank, and a pump to push
the water through the system, figure 35-10.

Ground-clamp Leads
 .
Large diameter flexible leads (cables) are used to transfer the electric currents. The .

cables are covered with rubber insulation and a woven reinforcement. They are subjected
to much wear and should be checked often for flaws which might be in the insulation, figure
35-11

Ground Clamps
The ground cable (lead) from the machine to the work is connected to a spring-loaded clamp to
attach to the work. Clamps should be heavy enough to carry the electric current required for the
welding job, figure 35 -12.

JOB 35: SETTING UP TIG WELDING EQUIPMENT

Equipment and Materials: .
TIG welding machine, AC/DC constant current TIG
Welding torch complete with cup
3/32" - 2 percent tungsten electrode
Collet
Collet body
Cap
Power Cable
Inert-gas hose and water inlet and outlet hoses
Flowmeter
Inert-gas hose and fittings
Argon cylinder
Personal hand tools

PROCEDURE and water inlet and outlet to the welding

machine and torch body.
1. Attach the ground clamp to the ground
lead.
KEY POINTS
2. Attach the ground cable to the terminal on 1. Use the adjustable wrench from the personal
the welding maching. hand tools as needed for all tightening

3. Attach the ground clamp to the workpiece

or the bench.

4. Connect the power cable, inert-gas hose

4. Use the correct size wrench on all hose
fittings. Do not use pliers as this will round
off the fitting nuts.

PROCEDURE
5. Install the leather shield around the cables
and hoses from the welding machine to the
TIG torch. KEY POINTS
5. Leather shields generally have snaps. Make
5. Insert the collet and collet body into the sure all snaps are fastened.
TIG torch. Insert the 3/32" tungsten
electrode into the collet and collet body.
Tighten the electrode cap to hold the 6. The collet goes inside the collet body and
tungsten in place. Fasten the inert-gas cup the collet body screws into the torch body
to the collet body. Loosen the electrode cap
and extend the tungsten past the end of the
cup 1/8". Tighten the cap to hold the
tungsten in place.

6. Make certain the power source is

connected to the electrical supply. Make 9. All high-pressure gas cylinders must be
certain the power source is properly fastened tightly in an upright position.
grounded. When moving bottles always put the
valve-protector cap in place on the bottle.
7. Attach the power cable to the "electrode"
terminal of the welding machine.

8. Obtain a cylinder of argon inert gas and 10. "Cracking" the valve means to open it
fasten it next to the welding machine in a quickly. This action allows a small
vertical position. amount of gas to escape and blowout any
dirt which may be in the valve. Do not
9. Crack the cylinder valve. stand in front of the valve when cracking
11. Attach the inert-gas regulator flowmeter the cylinder. Do not point the valve
to the cylinder. towards a wall since the force of the gas
may cause particles to bounce back into
12. Connect the inert-gas hose to the the eyes.
regulator and the welding machine.

12. Inert gas used for TIG welding is very

expensive. Check and correct leaks in
connections and hoses. A mixture of soap
13. Have the instructor check all steps in the
and water may be used to find the leaks.
procedure.
Escaping gas will make bubbles if leaks
are occurring.
 Striking the Arc and Adjusting the TIG Welding
Machine
OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
describe the arc action and the function of the high-frequency arc in TIG
welding.
understand the use of the torch nozzle and the purging action of the shielding
gas.
successfully strike an arc and adjust the machine in preparation for TIG
welding.

The Arc
When the ground and the tungsten electrode carrying an electrical charge are brought close
enough together to close an electrical circuit, an arc occurs. The superimposed, highfrequency arc
jumps the air gap between the tungsten and the ground, making ultraviolet and infrared rays and large
amounts of heat. The rays are very harmful to the eyes and must be filtered out with a filter lens. The
rays made by the TIG welding process are stronger than those of conventional stick-arc welding
because the arc is more open, and most of the welding is done on bright metal like stainless steel or
aluminum.

AC TIG Welding
The AC TIG welding arc is struck by holding the torch above the work and pressing the remote
control. As the remote control is pressed, two things happen:
The inert-gas flow starts.
The electric current starts.
The tungsten does not contact the surface of the material being welded. The superimposed,
high-frequency current jumps from the tungsten to the work and the arc is established.
If the end of the tungsten does come in contact with the metal being welded, small pieces- of the
molten_puddle will contaminate the tungsten. This will cause the arc to waver, resulting in poor
welds and possibly forcing the shielding gas to one side or the other.
After the arc is struck, the welder must adjust the arc length for good welds. The electrode
should be held about 1/8" above the metal during the welding operation, figure 36-1.

DC TIG We1ding
/
 The TIG torch is held in a horizontal position approximately 2" above the workpiece, then rapidly
lowered until the electrode is about 1/8" above the work, figure 36-
2. The tungsten electrode must touch the metal to produce the arc.
When the arc is struck, move the electrode back up 1/8 above the
metal to avoid contaminating the tungsten. If the welding
machine is equipped with a high frequency for "start only," it can
be used to start the arc without touching the metal with the
electrode. In the start only position, the high frequency automatically turns off when the arc ignites.
Since the shielding gas will start flowing out of the torch when the remote foot control is pressed,
the torch should be moved down to strike the arc very quickly. This ensures that the shielding gas will
cover the weld zone when the molten puddle forms.

TIG Nozzle Construction

The inert gas is released to the weld zone through a gas nozzle that fastens onto the collet body. The
material used for the nozzles has to have high heat resistance and it also has to conduct heat away from
the lower edge of the nozzle. Gas nozzles are generally made from a ceramic material which reflects the
heat. Glass and metal are also used. Ceramic and glass nozzles at welding heat must not be allowed to
contact anything at room temperature. The sudden change in temperature frequently causes the nozzle to
break. The torch must either be hand held or returned to a specially designed rack after use. Metal caps
are used when the welding currents go above 200 amperes and the torches are water cooled.

Tungsten Electrode Stick Out

The tungsten electrode should be adjusted so that it sticks out past the end of the gas cup from I 1/2
to 2 times the diameter of the tungsten being used, figure 36-3.

TIG Welding Amperage

TIG welding amperage (heat) is set by the welder on the front panel of the welding machine. When
the amperage for welding is properly adjusted, a bead should be run across the plate in a steady, forward
motion and the electrode must be held above the workpiece at the same height at all times. If the
operation is done too fast, the weld bead will not look good and the weld will not penetrate deep enough
into the plate. Fast progress may also leave holes inside the weld because the fast welding does not let the
shielding gas have a chance to cover the molten puddle.

Direction of Travel
TIG welding is generally done with the forehand motion. When the torch is held so that the nozzle
is about straight up-and-down and pointing in the direction of travel, it is called a "forehand" motion,
figure 36-4. The forehand motion is used so that the weld puddle can be watched and the bead buildup
can be kept equal. In TIG welding, the bead is clean inside the gas shield and there is no time lost
cleaning the weld after it is made.
Penetration
When the arc is struck on the plate, a crater or melted spot is
made, figure
36-5. This crater must be filled with filler rod which must be of the
same material as the base metal. The process of making the crater and
filling it is called penetration. The filler rod and.the plate must be well
mixed for a good weld.

Purging
When the gas is turned on to start a weld, it is a good idea to let some of the gas go through the lines
before the weld starts. This action makes sure that only pure inert gas is in the lines. This action is called
purging.

Adding Filler Rod to the Puddle

Four steps are necessary to run a bead, figure 36-6, page 196.
Bring the TIG electrode down to the metal and strike the arc. Move the,-electrode in a small circle
to heat the puddle, figure 36-6A, page 196.

Move the torch back to the back edge of the

puddle, figure 36-6B.
Add the filler rod at the front of the puddle, figure 36-6C.
Move the rod out of the puddle and move the torch to the front edge of the puddle to melt
another part of the plate, figure 36-6D.
These motions are all made continuously as the welder moves the bead across the plate.
Practice will enable the welder to make all of these motions in a regular pattern so that the bead
presents the appearance of overlapping shingles, or fish scales.
JOB 36: STRIKING THE ARC AND ADJUSTING THE TIG WELDING MACHINE
Equipment and Materials:
 Standard TIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear

PROCEDURE 3. Always stand to one side when opening

valves on high pressure cylinders.
1. Check all inert gas and electrical fittings.
2. Connect the ground clamp to the work.
3. Open the inert-gas cylinder slowly and
let the pressure build up, then open it 5. Inert gases are expensive, do not waste
fully. them.
4. Turn on the welding machine.
5. Adjust the flowmeter to set the gas flow
at 20 cubic feet per hour (CFH).
6. Shift the remote and panel switch to
"remote."
7. Shift the polarity switch to "AC" polarity.
8. Purge the gas system by pressing and
releasing the remote control.
1/8" 4043 aluminum filler rod I /
9. Set the soft-start switch to "on."
8" x 6" x 6" aluminum plate
1 O. Set the process-selection switch to Argon shielding gas
"inert-gas welding;"

KEY POINTS

PROCEDURE until the entire plate is used.

11. Set the high-frequency switch to 23. Shut off the machine and the water
"continuous. " system.
12. Set the phase shift to "half scale." 24. Turn off the inert-gas cylinder.
13. Set the intensity to half scale. 25. Turn the flowmeter dial to zero.
14. Set the current control to half scale. 26. Hang up TIG torch and disconnect the
15. Set the current range on medium heat. ground clamp.
27. Clean up the work area.
16. Set the postflow timer on 4 seconds.
17. Turn on the water-cooling system (if the
machine is so equipped).

18. Put on helmet and gloves.

19. Lower the helmet over the face and
strike the arc. Begin welding and-add
filler material as needed for proper bead
width and buildup. KEY POINTS

20. Run a bead 3" long.

21. Examine the bead and submit it to the
instructor for comments.
22. Run more short beads on the plate
17. Always turn on the water-cooling system
or the power cable or TIG torch will
overheat.

20. Adjust the current control switch for

more or less heat, increase or decrease
the phase shift and intensity as required
.

Flat Position Welds of Stainless Steel, TIG

Process
OBJECTIVES

After completing this unit the student will be able to:

discuss the applications of stainless steel.
understand the differences between welding stainless steel and aluminum with the
TIG process.
discuss the welding requirements for stainless steel.
successfully complete the TIG welding of a four layer stringer bead pad buildup
using standard TIG welding procedures.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular metal alloys and is used for many applications in the
welding field. It is desirable for welded construction where strength and resistance to high temperatures,
pressure, and corrosion are necessary. X-ray, quality welds needed for large, heavy wall piping systems
used for nuclear power plants and other critical services are easily made with the TIG welding process.
Stainless steel can be formed at the mill in all standard forms and shapes.
Stainless steel is the term used in reference to chromium-alloyed and nickel-alloyed steels. Some of
these alloys are magnetic, others are not. There are a large number of these alloys and each type offers
different properties where corrosion resistance and strength are required. A check of the manufacturers'
charts is recommended when the welder is in doubt as to th~ makeup of any alloy.

Chromium-Nickel
 The chromium-nickel steels are the ones most often used for welding. They are nonmagnetic due to
the large amount of nickel used in them. They are relatively easy to weld. Generally, the welding heat
does not affect their strength or ductility. The filler rod used for welding should be closely matched to the
composition of the base material. Manufacturers' charts are available at many welding supply houses. It is
very important that the filler rod matches the base metal, and that the weld deposit and base metal have
the properties required to successfully perform the job.

Heat Spread
The heat of welding will not spread out through the base metal of stainless steel as fast as it does on
carbon steel. The spread of heat is about 50 percent less than on carbon steels, while the heat expansion
rate is 50 percent greater. These two things tend to create warpage and shrinkage in thin gauge materials.
Because stainless steel distorts to a greater degree than other materials during welding, tacking, holding
jigs, and clamping fixtures are important.

Recommended Polarity
Stainless steel can be successfully welded on two polarities-direct current straight polarity (DC-) or
alternating current with superimposed high frequency (ACHF). Direct current straight polarity allows the
operator to produce welds of deeper penetration at high rates of speed. When welding operations are on
this polarity the superimposed, high-frequency switch is set on the "start only" position. This allows the
arc to be started without touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece, eliminating contamination to
the electrode.

Aluminum Welding and Stainless Steel Welding

The only major difference in welding these two alloys is that the welding of aluminum requires
more heat input and a faster speed of travel. For stainless steel welding, travel speed is slower and lower
amperage settings are selected on the machine.
Stainless Steer Recommendations
/

The preceding chart list~ the re~omJ!1~nctLtions for the various thicknesses of material,
types of joints, and welding positions, figure 45-1, page 243. Included are the correct amperage,
electrode diameter, gas flow, and fIller rod material for each possibility.

JOB 45: FOUR LAYER STRINGER BEAD PAD BUILDUP, FLAT POSITION, STAINLESS
STEEL

Equipment and Materials:

Standard TIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective Clothing and gear
Stainless steel wirebrush
1 piece, 1/16" x 5" x 5" stainless steel sheet
1/16" 308 filler wire
Argon shielding gas

PROCEDURE
1. Remove the tungsten from the torch and
prepare the end for DC- polarity
welding, figure 45-2. Replace the
electrode. KEY POINTS
2. Shift the polarity switch to DC-. 1. Install a #4 nozzle
3. Turn on all systems.
4. Set the inert-gas flow at 10 CFH.
5. Reduce the amperage setting for stain-
less steel welding between 80 to 100
amperes. 4.
Increase the flow if necessary.
6. Shift the superimposed high-frequency
switch to "start only."
5. Adjust on scrap piece.
7. Position the plate for flat welding.
8. Wire brush the plate.
9. Beginning at the right side, run a bead
across the center of the plate, using the
forehand and stringer bead motions.
10. Follow the bead sequence shown and 7. Set the metal up off the table, so that
run beads until the plate is full, figure there is a space below it.
45-3. 8. Use a clean stainless steel brush.

9. Brush each completed bead.

10. Cool the sample to remove heat buildup,

as required.

11. Show the completed layer to the welding instructor for comments.
12. Brush the beads.
13. Turn the sample 1/4 turn and repeat the procedures.
14. Continue to rotate the sample until four layers have been completed.
15. Submit the sample to the instructor for comments and instructions
 Lap Weld, Flat Position, Stainless Steel
OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
explain the striking of the arc and the addition of filler rod to the stainless steel
lap weld.
describe the necessary heat settings and arc length used for the lap weld.
adjust the electrode extension for the weld.
successfully TIG weld a lap joint in the flat position, on stainless steel, using
standard TIG welding procedures.

Striking the Arc and Adding Filler Material to the Puddle Four steps
are required to run a bead when TIG welding:
(l) Bring the TIG electrode down close to the base metal, but not touching it. The superimposed
high frequency will jump the air gap between the end of the tungsten electrode and the
workpiece, establishing an arc. The inert-gas nozzle can be rested on the workpiece with
little chance of touching the electrode to the work, figure 46-1. After the arc is started the
nozzle must be lifted off the base metal. Move the TIG torch in a small circular motion to
heat the puddle.

(2) Move the torch to the back edge of the puddle.

(3) Add filler -rod- to the leading edge -or the puddle. Take care in the selection of filler rod
size. If the filler rod is too large, it will subtract from the heat of the puddle, making the
weld more difficult to perform.
(4) The filler rod' is moved in and out of the front edge of the puddle as required for the correct
amount of deposit. The torch and filler materials are continuously moved ,!long the joint
in this manner unti1 the weld is completed. At the end of the weld, back up the torch and
fill the crater to prevent crater cracks.
Practice will enable the welder to make all the necessary motions in a rhythmic pattern so the
completed weld will have the appearance of a well-shingled roof, or fish scales.

Lap Joint
/

After ,establishing the arc, the weld puddle is formed so that the top edge of the over-
 lapping plate and the flat surface of the bottom plate flow together. Since the top edge of the overlapping
plate will become molten before the flat surface, the angle and motion of the torch becomes important
for puddle control. The top edge will also have a tendency to burn back or undercut. These two weld
defects can be controlled by dipping the filler rod in and out of the puddle next to the top edge of the
upper plate as it tries to melt away. Enough filler must be added to the puddle to fill the joint properly,
figure 46-2. Finish the end-of the weld by backing up the torch-on the weld to fill the crater. The angle
of the torch and filler material for lap welds is shown in figure 46-3.

Amperage and Arc Length

TIG welding amperage is set ~y the welder on the front panel of the machine, by shifting the current
setting. Stainless steel will use less amperage than other materials of the same thickness because of its
ability to retain the welding heat for a longer time. When . the amperage is set correctly, the weld deposit
can be run across the plate in a steady forward motion.
As a general rule, the arc length is held at one diameter of the electrode being used.
This rule can be successfully used when the end of the electrode is rounded as it is for aluminum
welding. When welding with direct current polarity, using a sharpened electrode, the arc length may be
less than the electrode diameter. Each welder develops a personal style of welding which helps in
making good welds.

Electrode Extension
Extensions of the tungsten will vary with each particular job. The stick-out distance may be from flush to
the nozzle to possible 1/2" away from the nozzle. The longer the extension, the more likely it will be that
the electrode will come in contact with the workpiece or filler material. These accidental contacts will
consume the tungsten because contamination has to be removed and the end of the electrode has to be
prepared. Start with the extension of one electrode diameter and make additional adjustments as required.

JOB 46: LAP WELD, FLAT POSITION, STAINLESS STEEL

Equipment and Materials:
Standard TIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
Stainless steel wire brush
4 pieces, 1/16" x 2 1/2" x 6" stainless steel sheet 1/16"
308 filler rod
Argon shielding gas
PROCEDURE
KEY POINTS
1. Turn on all systems and adjust the machine
for stainless steel welding. 1. Visually check all systems for proper
2. Position the stainless steel plates and tack operations.
weld, figure 46-4. 2. Brush each joint before welding
begins.

3. Position one tacked sample up off the table

top and weld one side of the joint, using 3. The lap weld requires a full, single pass
fillet weld.
filler rod.
4. Inspect the weld and adjust the machine as
needed.
5. Turn the sample over and weld the other
side without filler rod.
6. Position the other sample and weld both
sides of the joint, using a forehand
motion with filler rod.
7. Shut down all systems.
8. Submit the samples to the instructor for
comments and instructions

T Weld, Flat Position, Stainless Steel

OBJECTNES
After completing this unit the stud en t will be able to:
discuss the similarities between the lap joint and the T joint when TIG welding.
discuss the use of backup bars and the effects of outside atmosphere on the
stainless steel weld.
successfully complete a T weld on stainless steel, in the flat position, using
standard TIG welding procedures.

T Welds and Lap Joints ....

A T weld is a fillet weld made where two pieces of material meet at a 90 degree angle.
A similar condition is found in the lap joint, where an edge (the upright plate) and a flat surface (the
bottom plate) are to be welded. The edge of the upright member becomes molten before the flat
surface and the angle and motion of the torch will play an important part in puddle control. At the
upper edge of the weld puddle, either on the T weld or the lap joint, a tendency for undercutting
exists. This condition can be corrected by adding the filler material next to the top edge of the weld
zone, using a dipping in and out motion. Enough filler rod must be added to the puddle to build the
bead at least three times the width of the electrode diameter, figure 47-1. Finish the end of a weld by
backing up on the weld to fill the crater, and the fill will eliminate crater cracks.

The angle of the torch and filler material for T joints directs more heat onto the flat surface,
figure 47-2, page 252.
The electrode should be extended farther beyond the nozzle than in other types of welds so as to
establish a shorter arc length. This is necessary for good fillet welds in the
/'

T joints.

Joint Backup
The joint should be "backed up" on many TIG welding operations. Backing up the underside of the
joint will protect the bottom side base metal from atmospheric contamination. The function of any
shielding gas is to push the atmosphere away from the weld puddle. This permits welding to take place in
a controlled environment. In shielded metalarc welding, the coating placed on the stick electrode is
melted by the heat of the arc and in doing so, releases a protective atmosphere.
In TIG welding, the inert-gas shield released through the torch nozzle has the same effect on the top
side of the weld puddle. The bottom side, however, is unprotected without some backing. In many TIc1
welding operations, the joint is backed up by placing a backup bar under the meeting of the two pieces in
the joint, or by allowing inert-gas to flow under the weld to protect it from contamination. -

Atmosphere Contaminants
Those gases from the outside atmosphere (the air we breathe) which cause the most problems for a
welder are oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen.
Oxygen. Oxygen combines quickly with other elements in the hot weld puddle to form oxides and
gases. Alloying elements such as manganese and silicon can be used to counteract such reactions in
carbon steels. When TIG welding, however, the only protection available to the molten puddle is the
correct use of inert-gas shielding. With the right rate of flow of inert gas, the proper torch motion, and the
correct speed of movement, the oxygen is kept out of the weld zone.
When incorrect inert-gas shields are used in TIG welding, free oxygen can combine with the carbon
in stainless steel to form carbon monoxide. If carbon monoxide becomes trapped in the weld metal as it
cools, it will collect in pockets which cause porosity in the weld.

Nitrogen. Nitrogen is the biggest problem encountered in the welding of steel materials because by
volume there is so much of it in the surrounding air. Nitrogen forms nitrites (nitrogen salts) during the
welding operations, causing hardness, a decrease of ductility, and lowered impact strength. These
conditions often lead to material cracking in, and next to, the weld deposit. In addition, large amounts
of nitrogen will cause porosity in the weld, These weld defects are easily eliminated by the correct
shielding procedures.

Hydrogen. The presence of hydrogen during welding produces an erratic arc causing the arc to
waver. This in turn affects the soundness of the weld deposit. As the weld puddle becomes solid,
most of the hydrogen is pushed out of the liquid puddle but it may become trapped in pockets and
cause stresses. These stresses may lead to small cracks in the weld which may later become larger.
Trapped hydrogen may also cause under-bead cracking. Proper use of the shielding gas will correct
these weld defects .

JOB 47: T WELD, FLAT POSITION, STAINLESS STEEL

Equipment and Materials:
Standard TIG welding equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear
Stainless steel wire brush
2 pieces, 1/16" x 5" x 6" stainless steel sheet
2 pieces, 1/16" x 2 1/2/1 X 6" stainless steel sheet 1/16"
308 filler rod
Argon shielding gas

PROCEDURE 5. Cool the sample.

1. Turn on all systems. 6. Inspect the back of the joint for
2. Set the machine for stainless steel honeycombing.
welding. The high frequency switch is
to be set at "start only." 7. Lower the heat setting if honeycombing is
present.
3. Position the 2 l/2-inch metal in the
centers of the other pieces, 90 degrees to 8. Position the other sample and weld it,
the base sheets for a T weld, and tack using filler rod and the forehand motion.
both ends of each joint. 9. Shut down all systems.
4. Place one sample in the flat position (up 10. Submit both samples to the instructor for
off the welding bench) and weld one comments and instructions
side with a stringer bead and fore hand
motion, using filler rod.
 4. Prevent excessive penetration with
correct amperage and speed of movement
of the torch

KEY POINTS

6. Honeycombing will be present if the

2. Adjust the welding of the machine on weld has burned completely through the
stainless steel of the same thickness as joint. It is cause by contamination of the
that used for the job. metal by the atmosphere.
An advantage of the TIG process is the ability to
3. Tack weld these joints with the same weld thin sections with complete control of
procedures used in other jobs. penetration quali
t

4 Resistance spot (RSP)

Principle

A resistance welding method in which the welding current is concentrated at the faying surfaces of
overlapping sheets by cylindrical copper alloy electrodes pressed on the outer surfaces. A force is applied
to the electrodes to squeeze the parts together and a current pulse is passed. Force is maintained on the
electrodes and may even be increased following the current pulse to consolidate the weld and prevent
cracking or porosity. Electrodes become heated and are cooled by an internal flow of water. The process
is used on many different materials over a wide range of thicknesses from fractions of a millimetre up to
about 5mm or even more. Power sources range from simple single phase AC with the electrodes in a
single turn secondary to three phase frequency convertors and DC machines. Access is normally required
to both sides of the joint and where welds have to be made some distance from the edge of an assembly
this requires a long reach or deep throat machine. Limits are imposed on the reach of a machine by the
increasing loss of stiffness in the supporting arms and the fact that the presence within the throat of a
large amount of magnetic material increases impedance and reduces current. A way round this difficulty
is to use series welding in which both electrodes are placed on one side and current is conducted from
one electrode through the sheets into a backing bar and back through the sheets to the second electrode.
Two welds are then made at the same time. Access can often be improved by using cranked or off-set
electrodes but these are mechanically weak and result in increased electrode wear.
The automotive industry formerly made extensive use of what is called 'multi-welding' in which a
number of electrodes, each pair having its own transformer, are mounted in a press frame. This
arrangement allows a complete component e.g. a door, to be welded at one time, although the electrodes
may be energised in sequence. Such massive dedicated plant is becoming less common with the use of
portable welders mounted on robots which permit reprogramming when a model is changed.

Method of use
The weld nugget is normally of slightly greater diameter than the electrode tip diameter which is usually
(2.5 + 2s)mm, where s is the single sheet thickness. For the best quality welds the distance from the
centre of the electrode to the nearest sheet edge should be not less than 1.25d, where d is the electrode tip
diameter. Where sheets of unequal thickness are welded different size electrodes are used with the
smaller diameter electrode placed against the thinner sheet. If dissimilar metals are to be welded a
smaller diameter electrode is placed against the lower resistivity materia!. Where a continuous weld is
required and seam welding is not possible a series of overlapping spots, stitch welding, (UK but not US
term) can be used.
Advantages and limitations
The process can weld a variety of materials in sheet form and does not require consumables or edge
preparation. Once set up little skill is required but machine maintenance must receive attention.
Equipment is available from micro-size up to large multiple electrode installations. Weld times are
usually only a few cycles duration and the process is highly productive. Joints must be lap or flange type
and access has to be provided for the electrodes. The limited reach of machines may prevent welds being
made in certain positions in large assemblies.

Applications
Miniature welders are used in the electronic and electrical industry. With larger press welders or portable
plant the process is widely used in automobile body and component manufacture, for aircraft structures,
engines, general engineering and domestic equipment.

5 Brazing Welding Sheet Metal

OBJECTIVES
The student will be able to:
Describe the difference between brazing, braze welding and fusion welding.
Tell how and why flux is used in braze welding and brazing
Define capillary attraction.
Make a bead with bronze filler metal.

Brazing
 Brazing is a process in which a bond is produced between two pieces, which are in very
close contact with each other, using a nonferrous filler metal. This filler metal has a lower
melting point than that of the parent metal. As the filler metal melts it is drawn into the joint by
capillary attraction.

Capillary Attraction
Capillary attraction is the property that allows a liquid to be drawn into a close fitting
joint. This is different from the cohesive action that causes filler metal to adhere to a surface in
braze welding. In order for this capillary attraction to take place it is necessary for pieces to be
brazed to be in close contact with one another.

Braze Welding
In braze welding capillary attraction does not occur and the joint is designed the same as
for fusion welding. The metal parts are joined by a molecular union, known as cohesion. Braze
welding also uses a nonferrous filler metal, which melts at a lower temperature than the parent
metal.
In both brazing and braze welding the parent metal is heated to a dull red heat. Then the
filler rod is applied along with a suitable flux. Because the melting point of bronze is
approximately 1600F, it melts as it comes in contact with the hot parent metal.

Braze welding does not produce as strong a joint as fusion welding, because the bronze has less
strength. However it is a widely used process for many applications, such as joining cast iron.

Flux
Brazing flux, which has the appearance of melted glass, is usually made of a mixture of borax
and boric acid. It is a cleaning agent which removes mill scale (an oxide coating, which forms on molten
iron and steel) and other impurities from the surface of the metal. Flux can easily be cleaned from the
weldment after it cools.
Caution : Bronze contains zinc, which gives off poisonous fumes when it is heated. Inhaling these
fumes causes stomach cramps, vomiting and shortness of breath. Do not breathe the brazing fumes.

JOB 18: BRAZING WELDING SHEET METAL

Equipment and Materials
Standard oxyacetylene welding equipment
1 piece, 16-gauge mild steel 2 x 6
1/16 or 3/32 Bronze filler rod
Brazing flux

PROCEDURE 5. Heat the right edge of the metal to a dull

red, then add filler rod, melting it off in the
1. Grind the mill scale form a metal
heat of the torch, figure 18-1.
sample, so that the entire surface is
shiny.
2. Place the sample on firebrick.
3. Adjust the torch to a slightly
oxidizing flame.
4. Heat about 2 of the end of a piece of
bronze rod with the flame. Dip the
heated rod into a can of flux, so that
some of it sticks to the end of the rod.
 and warn others, so that they can taken
precautions.
6. Keep the sample red hot and add bronze
until the bead runs the full length of the 5. Keep plenty of flux on the filler rod,
plate heating it and redipping it frequently.
7. Practice until a bead can be applied with a
smooth uniform appearance and with no
evidence of burning.

KEY POINTS 6. Keep the flame small and point it in the

direction of the weld.
1. Wear goggles while grinding.
Do not melt the parent metal. Bronze will
sputter and fume if overheated.
Flash the torch off the bead to prevent
overheating.
3. A slightly oxidizing flame is normally
7. The finished bead should have a shiny
used for brazing.
appearance and the metal should not look
4. Plenty of flux is the key to good brazing. burned.
CAUTION: Brazing fumes are poisonous. Avoid
breathing them. Work in a well ventilated area

Braze Welding Butt Joint on Mild Steel

Sheet Metal
OBJECTIVES
The student will be able to:

Gauge the proper heat for braze welding by using the parent metal color as an indicator.
Properly clean and prepare metal for braze welding.
Braze weld a butt joint capable of withstanding a bend test.

A braze welded joint is made in the same general fashion as a fusion welded joint.
Braze welding requires special preparation which is not ordinarily used in the fusion process. The braze
welded butt joint is common in many applications because it is faster than fusion welding and requires
less training to complete. However, it is not as strong as a fusion welded joint.
Bronze rod will not flow properly if the metal is not thoroughly cleaned before brazing.
Grinding the edges and both sides of the metal near the edge where the braze is to be made cleans the
parent metal so that the bronze will flow through the joint and onto the bottom side.
Do not overheat the joint. Keep the color dull red and flash the torch away from the braze if it
appears to be overheating. If the parent metal becomes molten, the bronze will burn into it and make the
parent metal weak. Overheating the metal will also cause the bronze to drip through the joint and build
up too much underbead.

CAUTION: The fumes given off by the brazing process are poisonous. No braze welding should be
done unless proper ventilation is provided.
JOB 19: BRAZE WELDED BUTT JOINT ON MILD STEEL SHEET METAL

Equipment and Materials

Standard oxyacetylene welding equipment 2
pieces, 16-gauge mild steel, 2" x 6" 1/16" or
3/32" Bronze filler rod
Brazing flux

PROCEDURE
1. Clean the surfaces to be joined, by
grinding.
2. Tack the two pieces in position for a butt
joint, gapping the pieces uniformily about
1/16", figure 19-1.

KEY POINTS

1. Grind the edges to be butted and both the

top and bottom surfaces.
3. Apply flux to the rod and bring the parent
metal to a red heat. Add rod to the metal,
so that the bronze flows through the gap.
Work the braze across the entire joint.
4. Test the braze in a vise, figure 19-2.

3. Do not overheat the metal. This is not a

fusion weld; do not melt the parent metal.
Build the bead up slightly above flush.
 5 Welding Quality Evaluation

OBJECTIVES
After completing this unit the student will be able to:
list three types of weld tests.
list the procedure used to perform a guided-bend test.
successfully perform a guided-bend test of the butt weld sample from Unit 7.

Types of Weld Tests

In, order to make sure the welder can complete welds of good quality, three kinds of
tests may be used.
Visual tests
X-ray tests
Destructive tests
Visual tests are made by simply looking at the weld to judge it by the appearance. It is not a good test.
Sometimes the weld may look smooth and strong, but it may contain slag holes or porosity and the
penetration may be poor.
An x-ray test is a nondestructive test used to examine the internal structure of a weld.
Porosity and inclusions can be easily spotted using the x-ray photograph.
A destructive test is one in which the metal is bent or tom apart. This kind of test destroys the metal for
further use, but does prove if the weld is strong enough to hold the base metal.
In most cases where a welder is seeking a job, welds will have to pass a destructive test to prove that the
welder can apply sound, strong welds in any welding position.
Guided-Bend Test. One of the most commonly used destructive welding tests is the guided-bend test. In
this test, a butt weld is made by the operator and cut into strips, figure 8-1, page 44. These strips are bent
in a machine called a guided-bend test machine, figure 8-2, page 45. The strips are bent 180 degrees
against the face of the weld and the root of the weld to see if the weld separates from the base metal. The
face of the weld is formed on the surface of the side that the welder works on. The root of the weld is at
the bottom and directly opposite the face. A good weld will hold more than the material that was welded.
Acid Etching Test. The nitric acid etching test is employed to determine penetration qualities of a
welded sample. By applying the etching solution the depth of penetration of a weld can be visually
checked. The nitric acid solution etches rapidly and, when used on a polished surface will show the
refined weld zone as well as the base metal.

Nitric acid solution is mixed by adding 1 part nitric acid to three parts water, by volume. For safety
reasons, acids must be handled with extreme caution. Nitric acid will cause severe burns and bad stains.
CAUTION: The nitric acid must always be poured into the water when the solution is mixed.
To conduct the test, a welded sample must be cut to show the complete cross-sectional area. The
face of the cut is then filed and polished to a smooth surface. The prepared surface of the sample may be
etched by applying the mixed solution to the face of the sample with a glass stirring rod, at room
temperature. All tests should be conducted in a well ventilated area.
After the test sample has been etched it should be immediately rinsed in clear hot water. Remove

Guided-bend test machine Butt

weld sample from Job #7

the excess water and dip the etched surface in ethyl alcohol.
Remove the sample from the alcohol bath and dry it in a warm air blast.
The weld penetration into the base metal will show as a dark area. The etched surface may be
preserved by coating it with a thin, clear lacquer. Destructive testing of this nature is a good means of
determining the abilities of the welder.

JOB 8: TESTING WELDS

Equipment and Materials:

Carbon-arc or oxyacetylene cutting equipment
Personal hand tools
Protective clothing and gear

PROCEDURE figure, 8-1.

1. Use the butt weld sample made in Job #7.
2. Remove the backup bar with the carbon- KEY POINTS
arc or oxyacetylene cutting process. 2. The weld sample must not be damaged or
Layout and section the sample as shown in destroyed during this process.
REFFERENCE :
1. INDUSTRIAL WELDING PROCEDURES
By Frank R. Schell
Bill Matlock

2. . WHICH PROCESS
By Peter Houldcroft