Many of the terms used in welding can be confusing to novices. Take a look at these frequently asked questions about common welding terms to learn the distinction between direct current and duty cycle.
Well, in this reading, we’ll explore welding terms and their Meaning. You must know and be familier with all these terms to be a good welder.
Let’s begin!
What Are Welding Terms & Their Meaning?
These are the following welding terms here:
Actual Throat: The shortest path between a fillet weld’s face and weld root.
Air Carbon Arc Cutting (CAC-A) is a cutting technique that uses a carbon electrode to melt metals using the heat of an arc. A rush of compressed air pushes the molten metal away from the wound. 60 cycles alternating current (AC), or 60 hertz, is an example of an electrical current that alternates direction on a regular basis.
Amperage is the quantity of electricity that passes through a certain location in a conductor in a second. Amperage is also known as current.
Arc: The actual distance between the base metal and the electrode’s end. Heat is produced by the physical gap as a result of arc rays and current flow resistance.
Autogenous welding is full welding that doesn’t require filler materials.
Automatic Welding: Makes use of equipment that welds without requiring the operator or welder to continuously alter settings. An automated sensing device is used by the equipment to regulate joint alignment.
The American Welding Society is called AWS.
AWS D1.1: AWS’s Structural Steel Welding Code.
CNC Machining: CNC is an abbreviation or designation for a machine that increases accuracy by using a specialized computer to manage its operations. Printers, lathes, and milling centers are examples of common CNC machinery.
Constant Current (CC) Welding equipment: The maximum short circuit current of these welding equipment is restricted. They are frequently called “droopers” and feature a negative volt-amp curve.
Constant-Speed Wire Feeder: The welding power source provides 24 or 115 VAC for the feeder to run.
Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Potential (CP) Welding Machine: Regardless of the amperage output, the output of this kind of welding machine maintains a comparatively constant, steady voltage. The volt-amp curve is comparatively flat as a result.
Another term for amperage is current. the quantity of electricity that passes through a conductor’s point once every second.
Amazon Certified Welding Instructor, or CWI.
Defect: A weld that fails testing because to one or more discontinuities.
Arc Control is another name for Dig. provides a variable power supply with extra amperage for welding at low voltage (short arc length). helps prevent stick electrodes from “sticking” when a short arc length is employed.
Unlike alternating current, which reverses its direction of flow, direct current (DC) only flows in one direction.
When the work lead is linked to the positive terminal of a DC welding machine and the electrode lead is connected to the negative terminal, the current flows through the welding circuit in the direction known as direct current electrode negative, or DCEN. Direct current, straight polarity (DCSP) is another name for it.
The direction of current flow in a welding circuit when the electrode lead is connected to a positive terminal and the work lead is connected to a negative terminal on a DC welding machine is known as direct current electrode positive, or DCEP. Reverse polarity (DCRP) is another name for direct current.
A defect is a deviation from the typical state or configuration of a material or item being examined that goes beyond the requirements of the relevant code or standard. Rejectability is indicated by this phrase.
Discontinuity: A break in a material’s usual structure, such as a lack of uniformity in its physical, mechanical, or metallurgical properties. A discontinuity does not always indicate a flaw.
Assess: To ascertain value; the process of figuring out whether a condition seen surpasses the relevant standards for the particular examination.
False Indication: An indication—such as fingerprints, smudges, or excessive contamination—caused by improper processing. The ones that are removed by fixing processing flaws are known as false indicators.
Fixed Automation: An electronically controlled, automated welding system for straightforward, circular, or straight welds.
Flexible Automation: A robotically controlled, automated welding system for intricate designs and applications requiring control of the torch angle throughout the welding process.
By heating metals with an arc between a continuous, consumable electrode wire and the work, flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is an arc welding technique that melts and connects metals. A flux that is confined within the electrode core provides shielding. Additional protection against externally supplied gas or gas combination may or may not be offered.
See MIG Welding for Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
Refer to TIG Welding for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
Ground Connection: A secure link between the earth and the frame of a welding equipment. To learn how a work connection differs from a ground connection, see Work piece Connection.
Ground Lead: Use the preferred phrase “Work piece Lead” to describe the connection made between the welding machine and the work.
Hertz: “Cycles per second” is another name for Hertz. Alternating current typically has a frequency or directional change of 60 hertz in the US.
High Frequency: All frequencies above 50,000 Hz are included in this category. used to stabilize and ignite arcs during TIG welding.
Any spot on the surface of a component being examined where a questionable condition is seen is an indication. Indications might be spherical, linear, jagged, smooth, continuous, or broken, among other shapes.
Interpretation is the process of giving meaning to something by figuring out what phrase to use to describe a state that has been seen.
An inverter is a power source that raises the frequency of the incoming primary power, enabling a smaller machine and better electrical properties for welding, such increased control and quicker reaction times for pulse welding.
Large Fabrications: The process of creating metal structures by cutting, bending, and assembly is known as a metal fabrication.
Working with the toughest metals available, Weldall can do huge or heavy fabrications weighing over 400,000 pounds and cut up to 10 inches (expandable if necessary).
We are qualified to deal with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze, aluminum, and monel.
Large Weldments: An assemblage of parts joined by welding is called a weldment. Working with the toughest metals available, Weldall can perform massive or heavy weldments weighing over 400,000 pounds and cut up to 10 inches (expandable if necessary).
We are qualified to deal with a variety of materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, bronze, aluminum, and monel.
Laser cutting is the process of producing enough heat to penetrate and cut using a highly focused laser beam. Laser machines produce light waves that are constant in phase, frequency, and direction of travel; this type of light is referred to as correlated, coherent, and collimated.
This is based on the idea of light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Although carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers were first used in the metals sector, fiber optic lasers started to gain traction in the mid-2000s.
Machining is the process of removing material from a metal object, generally with the use of a power-driven machine and a cutting tool.
Solid wire welding is another name for MIG welding, often known as gas metal arc welding or GMAW. Metals are joined by heating them with an arc in an arc welding process.
The work piece and a constantly supplied consumable filler metal electrode form the arc. Shielding is provided by gas or gas mixes that are supplied outside.
Non Destructive Examination, or NDE, is the process of determining if a component is suitable for performance without causing damage to the component being examined. (NOTE: This is often regarded as an indirect examination approach).
Non Destructive Inspection, or NDI, is the process of determining if a component is suitable for performance without causing any harm to the component being examined.
Non Destructive Testing, or NDT, is the process of determining if a component is suitable for performance using a technique that doesn’t damage the component being tested.
Non-relevant Indication: This may be debatable, however in my view, it is an indication brought on by a component’s typical characteristics. This might include surface roughness, press-fit assemblies, geometry, threads, splines, and plugs.
To avoid misunderstanding, an indication resulting from an acceptable discontinuity will only be regarded as such for the purposes of this study guide, rather than as non-relevant.
Plasma Arc Cutting: This type of arc cutting splits metal by melting a tiny portion of the work with a constrained arc. Any metal that conducts electricity may be sliced using this method.
Manufacturing a freshly designed machine or item that has never been manufactured before is known as prototype manufacturing.
It might be a larger version of an existing design, a design that includes the new item or machine’s enhanced capabilities, or a brand-new design that aims to do something that has never been done before.
To overcome the difficulties of taking a theoretical design on “paper” and going through numerous iterations or “engineering changes” to make the part or machine easier to manufacture, or in some cases, physically possible to manufacture at all in the real world, this type of manufacturing calls for a great deal of flexibility and inventiveness.
Because the wire does not come into contact with the weld puddle, pulsed MIG (MIG-P) is a modified spray transfer method that eliminates spatter. Applications that now use the short circuit transfer technique for welding steel that is 14 gauge (1.8 mm) and above are the greatest candidates for pulsed MIG.
- A modified TIG procedure suitable for welding thinner materials is called pulsed TIG (TIG-P).
- Pulsing is the process of timing and regulating the welding arc’s current, frequency, and duration.
- Qualitative Analysis: Regarding quality. Results from this analysis could not be based on a quantifiable number, but rather on judgment or opinion.
- Quantitative analysis: Ascertained by measurement or quantifiable amount. A measurement made with calipers or micrometers would serve as an example.
- The power source’s rated load is the amount of voltage and current it can generate during a certain duty cycle. For instance, 32 load volts, 300 amps, and 60% duty cycle.
- The “effective” values of the observed AC voltage or amperage are known as RMS (Root Mean Square). RMS is equivalent to 0.707 times the peak or highest value.
- Semiautomatic Welding: Only the electrode wire feeding is managed by the apparatus. The movement of the welding gun is manually operated.
Refer to Stick Welding for shielded metal arc welding.
Shielding Gas: A protective gas that keeps the weld pool from becoming contaminated by the air.
An electrical circuit that produces only one alternating cycle in a 360-degree period is called a single-phase circuit.
The metal fragments that are blasted out from the welding arc are called scatter. The finished weld does not include these particles.
Spot welding is typically applied to materials with overlapping joint designs. can be used to describe MIG, TIG, or resistance spot welding. TIG and MIG spots are created from one side of the joint, whereas resistance spot welds are made from electrodes on both sides.
SquarewaveTM: The AC output of a power source that can quickly transition between the alternating current’s positive and negative half cycles.
Stick Welding (also known as Shielded Metal Arc, or SMAW) is an arc welding technique that unites and melts metals by heating them with an arc between the work and a covered metal electrode.
The outside coating of the electrode, commonly referred to as flux, provides shielding gas. The electrode core is the main source of filler metal.
Stud Welding: A method that is comparable to flash welding and involves fusing a fastener or specifically made nut onto another metal component, usually a substrate or base metal.
Metals are bonded by an arc or arcs between a bare metal electrode or electrodes and the work in a technique known as submerged arc welding (SAW).
A granular, fusible substance that is often transported to the job site from a flux hopper provides shielding. usually offers deeper fusion and penetration of base metal.
A three-phase circuit is an electrical circuit that produces three cycles spaced 120 electrical degrees apart throughout a 360-degree period.
An electric arc is maintained between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the component to be welded in tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Inert gas, such argon or helium, is fed into the TIG or GTAW flame to act as a barrier between the weld and any impurities in the surrounding air.
In the TIG (GTAW) process, a torch is a tool used to guide the flow of the shielding gas, regulate the electrode’s location, and transmit electricity to the arc.
Touch Start: A low-voltage, low-amperage TIG (GTAW) arc starting technique. An arc is created when the tungsten is touched to the work item and then pulled off of it.
A rare metallic element having a melting temperature of 3410° Celsius is tungsten. utilized in the production of TIG electrodes.
Turn-key assembly is the practice of adding extra assembly or processing to the scope of normally accepted work in order to minimize the number of steps or work that the end user must perform in order to fulfill their final and finished requirements; for example, assembling multiple fully machined and painted components into a finished machine with electrical and/or power requirements rather than merely supplying loose parts or welding for the end user to assemble.
Refer to the Turn Key Assembly for the Value Added Assembly.
Weld Metal: The base metal and electrode that melted during the welding process. The welding bead is formed in this way.
The process of moving metal from the wire to the molten puddle is called “weld transfer.”
Wet stacking is the accumulation of unburned gasoline and engine oil in a diesel engine’s exhaust stack, which is indicated by the exhaust stack’s coating in a black, sticky, oily material. The situation is brought on by the engine being operated for prolonged periods of time under an excessively light load.
If caught early, this may be mitigated with greater load and does not result in lasting harm. Ignorance can cause irreversible harm to the piston rings and cylinder walls. In recent years, engines are less likely to wet-stack due to improved pollution regulations and better fuel.
[More Particular to “Quality”] ADDENDUM
Eddy current testing, also known as electromagnetic testing (ET), is the process of creating electrical currents in a conductive material by creating an induced alternating magnetic field. Because the electrical currents run in circles at and just below the material’s surface, they are known as eddy currents.
With the right tools, eddy current disruptions brought on by flaws, dimensional shifts, or modifications to the material’s conductivity and permeability characteristics can be identified.
Leak Testing (LT): A variety of methods are employed to identify and find leaks in structures, pressure vessels, and sections of pressure containment. Electronic listening equipment, pressure gauge readings, liquid and gas penetrant techniques, and/or a straightforward soap-bubble test can all be used to find leaks.
Magnetic Particle Testing (MT): This NDE technique involves creating a magnetic field in a ferromagnetic material and then applying dry or liquid-suspended iron particles to the surface. In order to get a visual indication of the fault, surface and near-surface flaws disrupt the magnetic field and concentrate iron particles near imperfections.
NDT/NDE Techniques: There are several and still expanding NDT techniques available for component inspection and measurement. To improve NDT techniques, researchers are always coming up with new ways to use physics and other scientific fields.
Nonetheless, the most often utilized NDT techniques are six. Visual examination, penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, eddy current or electromagnetic testing, radiography, and ultrasonic testing are some of these techniques. Below is a quick description of these techniques as well as a few more.
Penetrant Testing (PT): A visible or fluorescent dye solution is used to test items. After removing any extra color from the surface, a developer is applied. By extracting trapped penetrant out of surface flaws, the developer serves as a blotter.
With visible dyes, “bleedout” is easily evident because to the striking color contrasts between the penetrant and developer. The bleedout of fluorescent dyes fluoresces brightly when exposed to UV light, making flaws easily visible.
Radiography (RT): To check for flaws in parts and products, radiography uses penetrating gamma or X-ray radiation. The radiation source is either a radioactive isotope or an X-ray generator. Through a portion, radiation is focused onto film or other imaging medium.
The generated shadowgraph displays the part’s dimensional characteristics. Similar to how a medical X-ray reveals fractured bones, possible flaws are highlighted as density changes on the film.
Ultrasonic Testing (UT): Ultrasonics uses high-frequency sound waves to find changes in a material’s qualities or to find flaws in it. The most used ultrasonic testing method is pulse echo, in which sound is applied to a test object and reflections (echoes) from internal flaws or the geometric surfaces of the part are sent back to a receiver.
Visual and Optical Testing (VT): Visual inspection is the process of searching for flaws with an inspector’s eyes. In order to obtain access and conduct a more thorough examination of the subject region, the inspector may additionally employ specialized equipment such borescopes, mirrors, or magnifying glasses. Simple to extremely sophisticated processes are followed by visual examiners.
FAQs
What are the 5 basic welds?
There are five basic welding joint types commonly used in the industry, according to the AWS:
Butt joint welding.
Tee joint welding.
Corner joint welding.
Lap joint welding.
Edge joint welding.
What is MIG in welding terms?
What does MIG stand for in welding? Metal inert gas. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as MIG (metal inert gas) welding or MAG (metal active gas) welding, is a process in which an electric arc forms between an electrode and a metal workpiece, heating the metals and causing them to melt, and be joined.
What is GTAW welding terms?
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW, also known as tungsten inert gas welding or TIG, tungsten argon gas welding or TAG, and heliarc welding when helium is used) is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld.
What are the 4 main types of welding?
There are 4 main types of welding. Each with its own unique properties and applications. The four types of welding are gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored wire-arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).