Smootharc 180 Multiprocess, Operating Manual

Page: 33 / 56

This defect can be prevented by:
• a uniform travel speed
• a tighter weaving motion
• complete slag removal before welding
• using a smaller electrode
• keeping the slag behind the arc which is done by shortening the arc,
increasing the travel speed, or changing the electrode angle.
Undercutting
UNDERCUTTING
Undercutting is a groove melted in the base metal next to the toe or
root of a weld that is not filled by the weld metal. Undercutting causes a
weaker joint and it can cause cracking. This defect is caused by:
• excessive welding current
• too long an arc length
• excessive weaving speed
• excessive travel speed.
On vertical and horizontal welds, it can also be caused by too large
an electrode size and incorrect electrode angles. This defect can be
prevented by:
• choosing the proper welding current for the type and size of electrode
and the welding position
• holding the arc as short as possible
• pausing at each side of the weld bead when a weaving technique
is used
• using a travel speed slow enough so that the weld metal can
completely fill all of the melted out areas of the base metal.
Lack of Fusion
LACK OF FUSION
Lack of fusion is when the weld metal is not fused to the base metal.
This can occur between the weld metal and the base metal or between
passes in a multiple pass weld. Causes of this defect can be:
• excessive travel speed
• electrode size too large
• welding current too low
• poor joint preparation
• letting the weld metal get ahead of the arc.
Lack of fusion can usually be prevented by:
• reducing the travel speed
• using a smaller diameter electrode
• increasing the welding current
• better joint preparation
• using a proper electrode angle.
33 BOC Smootharc 180 Multiprocess operating manual