Q&A

What is undercut in a weld?

What is undercut in a weld?

Undercutting is a groove or crater that occurs near the toe of the weld. When this weld flaw occurs, the weld metal fails to fill in that grooved area, resulting in a weak weld that is prone to cracking along the toes.

What are the main causes of undercut in welding?

Causes of Undercut in Welding

  • The current is too high.
  • Excessive amounts of voltage.
  • Poor Weaving Skills.
  • Use of the incorrect filler material.
  • Insufficient supply of filler material.
  • An improper angle when placing the electrode.
  • Welding surfaces that have debris.
  • Poor selection of shielding gas.

Does undercut weaken a weld?

External Undercutting It can be seen as a groove or erosion alongside the edge of the weld. This isn’t a good sign in as it will weaken the weld and might make it vulnerable to cracking on the weld edges.

How do you prevent undercut when welding?

How to Prevent Undercut in Stick Welding: 12 Golden Tips

  1. Control Your Arc Length.
  2. Control Weld Angle.
  3. Reduce Current.
  4. Slow Down the Travel Speed.
  5. Reduce the Weave Width.
  6. Choose the Correct Welding Position.
  7. Consider Which Electrode You Are Using.
  8. Allow the Base Metal to Cool.

Why is weld undercut bad?

Undercut weakens the weld to some degree. When the weld bead undercuts your base material, you have actually taken away some of that original metal. Even though undercut doesn’t weaken the weld completely, it really takes away from the welds potential. It causes the weld to be more likely to crack or break.

How much undercut is allowed?

undercut shall not exceed 1/32 in., with the following exception: undercut shall not exceed 1/16 in. for any accumulated length up to 2 in. in any 12 in. …” Depth of undercut that is not more than 1/32 in. is acceptable, period!

What is excessive undercut?

In welding, undercutting is when the weld reduces the cross-sectional thickness of the base metal. One reason for this defect is excessive current, causing the edges of the joint to melt and drain into the weld; this leaves a drain-like impression along the length of the weld.

How difficult is the CWI exam?

The CWI (Certified Welding Inspector) exam offered by AWS (American Welding Society) is notorious for being difficult to pass. Welding inspectors who have been in the industry for a long time estimate that only 30% pass the whole test on the first try. This estimated pass rate is discouraging.

What is acceptable weld?

ACCEPTABLE WELD. A weld that meets all of the requirements and the acceptance criteria prescribed. by the welding specifications. UNACCEPTABLE WELD.

What are some common causes of undercut in the 3g position?

Undercut is caused by either welding too hot, holding too long an arc, erratic movements, not pausing long enough on the toes of the weld, arc blow, or some combination of all the above.

What is a ‘welder’ and what is a ‘torch’?

A welding torch is a mechanical tool that fuses an open flame with gas fuel and oxygen to melt two pieces of metal together, creating a tight seam. This torch is used for many purposes and in many industries. Two of the most common varieties are metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welders.

What is a hot welder?

Hot gas welding, also known as hot air welding, is a plastic welding technique using heat. A specially designed heat gun, called a hot air welder, produces a jet of hot air that softens both the parts to be joined and a plastic filler rod, all of which must be of the same or a very similar plastic.

What is a structural welder?

Structural Welder Definition. A structural welder is an ironworker. There are two main types of ironworkers: reinforcing iron and rebar workers (47-2171) and structural iron and steel workers (47-2221).

What is a tube welder?

Tube-Welding Mill. a system of machines for performing all technical operations necessary for the production of metal pipe and tubing by bending metal strip or plate and welding the edges together.