FOURTH EDITION

The ABC's of
Arc Welding
and Inspection

Published by
 FOURTH EDITION

The ABC's of
Arc Welding
and Inspection

Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo, 141-8688 Japan

Published by KOBE STEEL, LTD.

© 2011 by KOBE STEEL, LTD.

5-912, Kita-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo
141-8688 Japan

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be

reproduced, in any form or by any means, without
permission in writing from both the publisher and editor.
The ABC’s of Arc Welding and Inspection is to provide
information to assist welding personnel study the arc
welding technologies applied in steel fabrication.
Reasonable care is taken in the compilation and
publication of this textbook to insure authenticity of the
contents. No representation or warranty is made as to
the accuracy or reliability of this information.
Introduction

Arc welding is one method for joining metals, and it is indispensable for the construction of
steel structures and the fabrication of machinery. The reliability of steel structures and
machinery depends on the quality of the welds. The quality of the welds depends on the
quality of the steel materials, welding consumables, welding procedures and the integrity of
quality control. In order to select correct steel materials, welding consumables, welding
procedures, and to conduct appropriate quality control, the personnel in charge of welding
should have adequate knowledge of welding technology. The ABC's of Arc Welding and
Inspection has been published as a textbook for beginners who study the fundamentals of
welding technology and inspection. This textbook contains essential information of welding
processes, welding power sources, welding consumables, welding design and fabrication,
welding metallurgy and weldability, and test and inspection of weldments. This textbook has
been edited by employing as many figures and photographs as possible in order to help the
beginners fully understand specific technologies of arc welding and related inspection. The
information contained in this textbook includes those extracted from available publications
put out by Kobe Steel, Ltd. and the reference books listed below.

References
(1) Kobe Steel, Ltd., "Welding Electrode Handbook," 1964
(2) Kobe Steel, Ltd., "An Outline of Welding Technology," 1985
(3) Japan International Cooperation Agency, "An Outline of Welding," 1984
(4) The Japan Welding Society, "The Fundamentals of Welding Technology," 1986,
Sanpo Publications Inc.
(5) The Complete Book of Welding -Series 6, "Equipment for Fusion Welding," 1978,
Sanpo Publications Inc.
(6) American Welding Society, "Welding Handbook," 1987
(7) American Welding Society, AWS A3.0, "Standard Welding Terms and Definitions," 1989

iii
Contents

Preface ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1. Welding Processes -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1

1. 1 Classification of welding processes ------------------------------------------------------------ 1
1. 2 Features of arc welding processes ------------------------------------------------------------- 2

2. Welding Power Sources ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7

2. 1 Types and features of arc welding power sources ------------------------------------------ 7
2. 2 Characteristics of arc ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12

3. Welding Consumables --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

3. 1 Covered electrodes --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
3. 2 Wires for gas-shielded arc welding ------------------------------------------------------------- 31
3. 3 Wires for self-shielded arc welding ------------------------------------------------------------- 36
3. 4 Wires, strips, and fluxes for submerged arc welding --------------------------------------- 37

4. Welding Design and Fabrication ------------------------------------------------------------------- 41

4. 1 Welding joints and grooves ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 41
4. 2 Strength of welded joints -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 46
4. 3 Symbols for welding -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49
4. 4 Welding positions ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52
4. 5 Welding conditions --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 54
4. 6 Manipulation techniques in welding ----------------------------------------------------------- 55
4. 7 Residual stresses and distortion ---------------------------------------------------------------- 58
4. 8 Preheating -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 60
4. 9 Postweld heat treatment --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 61
4.10 Welding defects and preventive measures --------------------------------------------------- 61
4.11 Safety in welding ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 66
4.12 Welding costs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 67

5. Welding Metallurgy and Weldability ------------------------------------------------------------- 70

5. 1 Types and features of base metals -------------------------------------------------------------- 70
5. 2 Metallurgical features of welds ------------------------------------------------------------------ 71

6. Test and Inspection of Weldment ----------------------------------------------------------------- 78

6. 1 Destructive tests ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 79
6. 2 Non-destructive tests ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 83

v
Welding Processes

Preface

Welding has been used since ancient times, and over the centuries various welding
techniques have been devised for making the utensils that are necessary for daily life as well
as artistic handicrafts. For more than a thousand years swords have been made by forging,
and sculptures, such as Buddha figures, by soldering and brazing.
The invention of the electric arc early in the 19th century marked the beginning of rapid
progress of welding technology in modern times. Nowadays, arc welding has become an
indispensable method for joining metals in various fields of industry such as civil construction,
shipbuilding, vehicle fabrication, and machinery fabrication. It has expanded its applications
by utilizing its advantages and by coping with its drawbacks through unremitting researches
and developments.

1. Welding Processes

1.1 Classification of welding processes

Welding is a method of joining metals in which heat and/or pressure are applied to the area
of contact between the two components; a filler metal may be added into the joint depending
on the welding process.
Welding methods can roughly be classified into pressure processes, fusion processes, and
brazing and soldering by the mechanism of joining metals as shown in Fig. 1.1. In the
pressure processes, the joint is made by applying pressure to the area of contact of the two
components, which may or may not be heated to a molten state. In fusion processes, two
components are joined by heating the area of contact to a molten state, and no pressure is
applied. In brazing and soldering, a filler metal having a lower melting point than that of the
base metal is melted with a gas torch or in a furnace and is applied to the area of contact. The
molten filler metal wets the surfaces of the base metal and is drawn into or held in the joint by
the capillary action without fusing the base metals.
These welding processes can be classified further, as shown in Fig. 1.1, by the source of
heat used, method of applying pressure, or filler metal's properties. Of these numerous
welding processes, the major arc welding processes are outlined below.

1
Welding Processes

M c a ical
o Ri , c , i a i
―S o l i
―Ga l i ―S a l i
―R i a c l i ―P o c io l i
―Fo l i ―Fla l i
― l a o ic l i ― l i
M o o P oc ―P c io l i
oi i al ―F ic io l i
―Col l i
―Ex lo io l i

― xy l a l i
M all ical ―T i l i
o F io oc ―El c o la l i
―El c o a l i
― a a l i
―A c l i

―Ga al a c l i
―S i l al a c l i
―S ac l i
―Ga ac l i
―S l - i l ac l i
―El c o a a c l i
―Pla a a c l i
azi a
ol i

Fig. 1.1 — A classification of metal joining methods

1.2 Features of arc welding processes

Among the welding processes, arc welding is the most widely used metal joining process. In
arc welding, an electric arc is generated between a base metal and an electrode. The heat of
the arc melts the base metal and welding consumable to produce the weld metal for joining
structural components.

In one type of arc welding process, the welding consumable serves as the electrode to
generate an arc and simultaneously as the filler metal to supply the deposited metal for the
weld. This process is called the consumable-electrode welding process, and examples of this
process include shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding,
self-shielded arc welding, and electrogas arc welding. The other approach to arc welding
utilizes an electrode which does not melt but only generates an arc to melt both the base metal
and the welding consumable. This process is called the non-consumable-electrode welding
process. Gas tungsten arc welding and plasma arc welding are typical processes of this type.
The general features of the arc welding processes in frequent use are outlined in the following
sections.

2
Welding Processes

1.2.1 Shielded metal arc welding

The shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process which uses flux-coated electrodes (covered
electrodes) was invented in 1907. This process features a simple design, as shown in Fig. 1.2,
easier welding procedures, and low equipment costs. In this process the arc heat generated
between the covered electrode and the base metal is used for welding. SMAW is applied in
welding almost all types of common metals, utilizing various types of covered electrodes or
welding consumables.

El c o ol
Co l c o
W l i ca l

W l i
Sla Ac S co a y o Pi ay
ci c i o c ci c i

a
al Go i i
W l al Mol ool

Fig. 1.2 — Elements of a typical welding circuit for the shielded metal arc
welding process

1.2.2 Submerged arc welding

The submerged arc welding (SAW) process was invented in 1935. This process is very
efficient because welding can occur using high currents from 500 to 1300 A with deeper weld
penetration into the base metal. This process, therefore, is suitable for welding thick-section
steel materials. The principle of this process is shown in Fig. 1.3. In this process, fine,
granular fluxes are fed into the welding groove of the base metal, and solid or flux-cored
electrode is fed into the fluxes while an arc is generated between the electrode and the base
metal. Advantages and drawbacks of this process are listed below:

Advantages:
a) High welding efficiency with high welding currents and high welding speeds
b) Consistent weld quality due to the mechanized nature of the welding process
c) Better welding environment because the arc is hidden from sight with fluxes
d) Better welding environment because of less welding fumes
Drawbacks:
a) High welding equipment costs
b) Unsuitable for short and curved welding lines and for vertical and overhead positions
c) Higher accuracy in groove sizes is required.
d) The weld quality greatly depends on the chemical composition of the base metal and the
welding parameters because of deeper weld penetration.

3
Welding Processes

V ical a Fl x o

Ho izo al a
Wi l Wi
Co ol ox ai
Wi

Ca ia
A W l i i

Co ac i

Mol
Fl x ool
Wi l c o Ac Sla

W l al
a al

Sa ao ac

Fig. 1.3 — Elements of typical submerged arc welding process

1.2.3 Gas metal arc welding

In gas metal arc welding (GMAW), an arc is generated between the solid or flux-cored wire
electrode and the base metal, while the arc is protected with a shielding gas or gas mixture as
shown in Fig. 1.4. Depending on the type of the shielding gas, this process is also known as
CO2 welding, metal active gas (MAG) welding or metal inert gas (MIG) welding. CO2 welding
is most widely used in Japan because of the economical nature of CO2 shielding gas. In
contrast, MAG welding with Ar + CO2 gas mixtures is more popular in some other countries.
GMAW offers the following advantages with one typical drawback:

Advantages:
a) The use of higher current density results in larger penetration, higher deposition rates
and higher welding speeds.
b) Welding costs can be decreased due to higher welding speeds and higher deposition
efficiency.
c) It is suitable for straight, curved, long or short welding joints.
d) It is suitable for both thin sheets and thick plates in all positions
Drawback:
a) Weld porosity may form when the ambient wind disturbs the shielding effect.

4
Welding Processes

C l i Ga cyli
o o c Ga la o Wi oll
Wi l c o
Pi ay Wi Ci c i co ol ox
i El c o l a S i l i a
Co i ca l i l
Nozzl
W l i oc W l al Ac S i l i
Go i Ci c i co ol ca l a al a
S co a y i a al
Wo l a
A all i a a Sa ao ac

Fig. 1.4 ― Elements of typical gas metal arc welding process

When a gas mixture (e.g. 80%Ar + 20%CO2) is used for shielding, GMAW generates low spatter
and produces little slag and better bead appearance. This variation is called MAG welding.
Both solid wires and flux-cored wires are used as welding consumables in CO2 and MAG welding.
In MIG welding of nickel alloys, copper alloys, and aluminum alloys, an inert gas (e.g. pure Ar) is
used for shielding. In MIG welding of stainless steel, a gas mixture of 98%Ar+2%O2 is used for
shielding in order to improve usability and weldability. In MIG welding of low alloy steels, a gas
mixture of 95%Ar+5%CO2 is used for shielding so as to improve usability. Because almost no
oxidation reaction occurs, all these variations with the gas mixtures can be called MIG welding. In
MIG welding little or no slag is generated, and the amount of spatter is less.

1.2.4 Gas tungsten arc welding

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Fig. 1.5
illustrates elements of a typical welding circuit for GTAW. An arc is generated between the
tungsten electrode (non-consumable) and the base metal in a shield of inert gas (e.g. pure Ar), and
a filler rod or wire is fed into the arc to deposit weld metals. This process is used for welding
almost all types of metals. It is particularly suitable for welding sheet metals and tubes.

C l i o o c
To c

S i l i a o
Fill o Ga ozzl
T l c o
S i l i a
W l al

Ac a al

Fig. 1.5 — Elements of a typical welding circuit for

gas tungsten arc welding

5
Welding Processes

1.2.5 Self-shielded arc welding

In self-shielded arc welding, the gases generated from a flux-cored wire work for the
shielding, and no external shielding gas is required. The equipment setup of this process is
shown in Fig. 1.6. This process offers the following advantages:
a) No gas cylinder and hose are required.
b) Blowholes caused by a high wind rarely occur (up to a wind velocity of 15m/sec.).
c) AC or DC arc welding power sources for covered electrodes can be used.

W l i o o c
AC o C

Ci c i
co oll

Ca l oi
Co i ca l
W l i
o c W l i ca l
Ca y ca l Wi

W l i ca l

Fig. 1.6 — Elements of a typical welding circuit for

self-shielded arc welding

1.2.6 Electrogas arc welding

In electrogas arc welding (EGW), solid or flux-cored wire is fed continuously, while the arc
is shielded generally with CO2 gas. As shown in Fig. 1.7, weld metal is produced in an area
enclosed by water-cooled copper shoes and the edges of the base metal. This process proceeds
from the bottom to the top of the work in the vertical position. With this process, high
deposition rates can be obtained, and thick-section work (10-100 mm) can be welded with a
single pass. Additionally gas-cut square grooves require no machining to obtain sound welds,
and welding angular distortion is less, even though the welding position is limited to vertical.

Wi oll Wi a al
l c o
Wa -cool
co o
Ac
S i l i a i l S i l i a i l
Mol la lay Mo i i c io
Mol al o co o
W l al
Cooli a

W l al
Fig. 1.7 — Elements of typical
electrogas arc welding process a al

6
Welding Power Sources

2. Welding Power Sources

All arc-welding processes require a continuous supply of electric current of sufficient

amperage and voltage to maintain a stable arc. This current may be either alternating (AC) or
direct (DC), and it must be supplied to a welding electrode through a device that enables
precise control of the current. This controlling device is called a power source. The current is
supplied to the power source from utility power lines, or developed by generators or
alternators driven by close-coupled gasoline or diesel engines.

For efficient welding, a power source must be able to control the arc characteristics needed
for a specific job. In one job, a forceful, deeply penetrating arc may be required, while, in
another job, a soft, less-penetrating arc may be necessary to avoid burn-through. Therefore,
the type, capacity and output characteristics of a power source must be thoroughly examined,
taking account of the welding procedure to be taken.

2.1 Types and features of arc welding power sources

Arc welding power sources are classified according to the type of current (AC or DC), and
according to their voltage output, which can either be variable (variable-voltage type) or
constant (constant-voltage type). A further classification designates the method by which
energy is supplied to the power source — from a power line directly or through an electric
motor (motor-generator type), or from a gasoline or diesel engine (engine-driven type).

Alternating current (AC), obtained directly from the power line, goes through a
transformer in the AC power source that allows for the control of the current. Direct current
(DC) is produced from the AC line power by either using the line power to run an electric
motor that turns a DC generator (motor-generator type) or using the line power through a
transformer and then a rectifier (rectifier type). Combination power sources, producing both
AC and DC, are basically transformer-rectifier type.

The welding process dictates the type of power source needed. Table 2.1 shows the power
source requirements for various processes. Table 2.2 shows the advantages and disadvantages
of AC and DC power sources.

Table 2.1 — Power source requirements for arc welding processes

Welding process Output Type of current
characteristics
Shielded metal arc Variable voltage (1) AC or DC
Gas tungsten arc
Submerged arc
Gas metal arc Constant voltage DC
Electrogas arc
Self-shielded arc Variable voltage AC
Constant voltage DC
Note: (1) A small size wire (2.4 mm or smaller) uses constant- voltage DC in
submerged arc welding.

7
Welding Power Sources

Table 2.2 — A comparison of DC and AC power sources

Comparison item DC power source AC power source

Arc Stability Excellent Less stable

Polarity Variable Constant
Arc blow Yes Almost none
Open circuit voltage Lower (50 to 60 V) Higher (65-95 V)
Possibility of electric shock Lower Higher
Machine construction Complicated Simple
Maintenance Not easy Easy
Noise Rotary type: noisy Quiet
Rectifier type: quiet
Machine price Higher Lower

2.1.1 AC arc welding power sources

AC power sources are commonly used for shielded metal arc welding, submerged arc
welding, and TIG welding (for aluminum). AC power sources vary according to the method of
adjusting welding currents. Welding currents can be adjusted by changing reactance, open
circuit voltage and resistance. However, the resistance directly causes the internal loss of
electricity, and the open circuit voltage directly affects the stability of the arc. Therefore,
welding currents are commonly adjusted by changing the reactance of the circuit.
Fig. 2.1 shows the principle of the movable-core type AC power source that is conventionally
used. As shown in Fig. 2.1(A), electric currents are adjusted by inserting or pulling the M3
iron core located between Ml and M2 fixed iron cores. At the location (3) of Fig. 2.1 (B), the
leaked magnetic flux can pass most easily, and the welding current becomes smallest. By
pulling out the movable core from the fixed iron core the leaked magnetic flux decreases and
the welding current increases. Fig. 2.1 (C) shows the output curves of the voltage and current.
Overall, this type of AC power source features smaller size, easier welding operation, simpler
maintenance, and better durability. These features make this type of power source most
popular.

Mo i i c io
P i a y coil S co a y coil

M1 M2
El c o ol
M3

a al

A W l i ci c i o o o c

(3)
Vol a

(2) (1)
(2) a a ic l x
(3) c a
Mo a l co
Fig. 2.1 —
The output control Fix co a (1)
in movable-core a ic
l x
type AC power C
sources oca io o i o co a C c oo i y
a o o l a a ic l x

8
Welding Power Sources

Thyristor-controlled AC-DC multiple power sources are often used due to the following
advantages:
a) It simplifies maintenance of AC power sources with fewer structural parts to be
moved for adjusting the current.
b) It produces a stable arc by controlling the current waveform.
c) It allows obtaining various output characteristics.
This type has several varieties — the digital-switching type, the reactor-thyristor type, and
the inverter type. Fig. 2.2 shows the principle of the inverter type, which was developed for
AC-TIG welding. The rectangular-wave current makes the welding arc stable, and the SR
ratio (Tsp to Trp) can be changed to control the cleaning action, weld penetration, and bead
width.

T Tr
T yri er in er er Re angular-wa e urren

Ia Ele r e
Ia

Ar
C n an urren
DC wer ur e
a e e al

Swi ing nr l
ir ui

Fig. 2.2 — The principle of an inverter type AC power source

2.1.2 DC arc welding power sources

DC power sources are commonly used for shielded metal arc welding, submerged arc
welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, and MAG welding. DC power sources can be classified by
structure into rotary and static types, and further by the method of generating welding
current into motor-generator, engine-driven, and rectifier types. Fig. 2.3 (A) shows the
principle of a rotary type DC power source. In a direct-current generator, an armature rotates
in an electric field. Electric currents are generated in the armature by electromagnetic
induction and are taken out for use through a commutator. The armature is rotated by an
electric motor in the motor-generator type, and by an internal-combustion engine in the
engine-driven type. Fig. 2.3 (B) shows the output characteristic of a DC generator of the
third-brush self-exciting type.

9
Welding Power Sources

Vol a
C

A A El c ical ci c i o C ao A o c a ac i ic T i al:

Fig. 2.3 — An electrical circuit and output characteristic of

DC generator power sources (Third-brush self-exciting type)

The constant-voltage, motor-generator power source is a compound generator with a series

of electric fields designed to keep the voltage nearly constant within the current capacity of
the power source as shown in Fig. 2.4.
Vol a

Fig. 2.4 — A typical output characteristic of

constant-voltage DC power sources

The rectifier type power source basically consists of a transformer, rectifier and
direct-current reactor as shown in Fig. 2.5.

Ta o R cii R ac o El c o
Pi ay
i
W l i
c Ac
a al

Fig. 2.5 — Elements of a typical rectifier type DC power source

10
Welding Power Sources

In this category of power source, various types are utilized — tapping-transformer type,
sliding-transformer type, thyristor-control type, transistor-control type and saturable-reactor
type. These types have different mechanisms to control output voltages and currents. The
tapping-transformer and sliding-transformer types are only for constant-voltage arc control,
but the others have the versatility of both constant-voltage and drooping (constant-current)
arc control, and, further, the thyristor-control and transistor-control types have the capability
of generating pulsed currents. Fig. 2.6 shows the principle of an inverter-control power source
that falls into the transistor-control type, and has several advantages — quick response
control, less spatter, lighter power source.

Hi cy
R cii a o R cii
El c o

P i ay
i a
al

C C
i co ol

Fig. 2.6 — Elements of a typical inverter control DC power source

11
Welding Power Sources

2.2 Characteristics of Arc

2.2.1 Voltage and temperature of arc
When two horizontal electrodes that are connected to a DC power source make contact and
are then separated, they generate an arc between them. The arc heats the ambient air, and
thereby the arc is arched by the buoyancy in the air. The name "arc" originally came from this
arched electric discharge. The electrode connected to (＋) terminal is called the anode; the
electrode connected to (－) terminal is called the cathode, and the electric discharge between
them is called the arc column or plasma. The voltage between the electrodes is not uniformly
distributed. There are larger voltage drops at the tips of the anode and cathode as shown in
Fig. 2.7. The voltage gradually drops in the arc column along its length. These voltage drops
are called respectively the anode drop, cathode drop, and arc column voltage drop. The total
voltage drop is called the arc voltage.

DC power source Resistance

Current

Cathode Arc column Anode

(Anode drop)
Va

(Arc column drop)

Cathode drop

Fig. 2.7 — Arc voltage distribution

When the arc current is given as I, the electric power Pa= VaI = (VA + VP + VK) I, is
supplied into the arc, which is converted to thermal energy. The electric power of VpI is that of
the arc column, whose temperature ranges from 5,000 to 30,000K.

2.2.2 Arc control

An electric arc has unique current-voltage characteristics, which differ from those in
devices using electric resistance loads such as electric lamps and heaters. In order to generate
and maintain a stable arc, the welding power source must have the following characteristics:
1) Welding current must remain constant even if the arc length fluctuates.
2) The arc voltage must quickly increase so as to prevent the arc from being
extinguished when the current decreases.
3) Short-circuiting current must be kept low.
4) Open-circuit voltage must be appropriate.

12
Welding Power Sources

In order to fulfill the above requirements, power sources have certain voltage-current
output — variable-voltage type (drooping type or constant current type) and constant-voltage
type as stated in 2.1.1 and 2.1.2. With the drooping type, the arc is controlled as shown in Fig.
2.8. The point A indicates a balanced condition where the arc is kept stable with an arc length
of L1 during welding. If the arc fluctuates for some reasons, and thus the arc length becomes
L2, then another balanced condition is accomplished at the point B where the arc voltage
becomes higher, but the arc current decreases slightly.

c a ac i ic
o o o c

A c c a ac i ic
B L2

L1
A
Vol a

C l c a io
C

Fig. 2.8 — How to control an arc stable with

a drooping output type power source

Fig. 2.9 shows the principle of arc controls in submerged arc welding with a drooping type
power source. When the arc voltage is increased due to some fluctuation, then the feeding rate
of the wire electrode is increased, by which the arc voltage is controlled to the previously set
value. Conversely, when the arc voltage is decreased because of some fluctuation, the
wire-feeding rate is decreased, and then the arc length is maintained constant.

Po o c A li i
oo i y

S i o
a c ol a

Fig. 2.9 —How to control the arc in submerged arc welding with an AC power
source (drooping type)

13
Welding Power Sources

In the case of a constant-voltage type power source, the arc is controlled as shown in Fig
2.10. When the arc length changes the arc balancing point is transferred in the same way as in
the case of the drooping type, but a slight change in arc voltage results in a large change in
current.

V-A ur e
Ar leng : L > L L2 an ar

L1

P wer ur e
V l age

u u

Flu ua i n urren
Curren

Fig. 2.10 — How to control the arc stable with

a constant-voltage output type power source

Constant-voltage type power sources are used for MAG welding, MIG welding, electrogas arc
welding, submerged arc welding (with small diameter wires), and self-shielded arc welding (DC).
Fig. 2.11 shows the principle of arc control in gas metal arc welding by a constant-voltage type
power source with a constant rate of wire feeding. When the arc length increases, the welding
current decreases; consequently, the melting rate of the wire decreases, by which the arc length is
recovered. Conversely, when the arc length decreases, the welding current increases; hence, the
melting rate also increases, and the arc length is recovered.

P wer ur e
C n an l age y e ern r

Se ing
wire ee ra e

Fig. 2.11 — How to control the arc in gas metal arc welding
with a DC power source (constant-voltage type)

14
Welding Power Sources

2.2.3 Effects of polarity

In the case of welding with a DC power source, two different methods of lead connection
can be used. That is, the electrode can be connected to the positive terminal of a power source
(DC-EP), or the electrode can be connected to the negative terminal (DC-EN) as shown in Fig.
2.12. In shielded metal arc welding, submerged arc welding and gas metal arc welding with a
DC power source, the covered electrode and wire mostly use DC-EP polarity in general
applications. This is because it results in better arc stability, smoother metal transfer,
relatively low spatter, and good weld bead appearance. However, some covered electrodes can
use DC-EN polarity, and some flux-cored wires for self-shielded arc welding are designed to be
used with DC-EN polarity.

El c o ol

El c o W l i ac i
El c o l a

Po i i +

Cla
Wo Wo l a N ai

Go co c io
A i c c l c o o ii C-EP

El c o ol
W l i ac i
El c o
El c o l a

+ Po i i
+

Wo Cla Wo l a N ai

Go co c io

i c c l c o ai C-EN

Fig. 2.12 —Secondary circuit connection in shielded metal arc welding

15
Welding Power Sources

In TIG welding of general steel materials, DC-EN polarity is mostly used. This results in
deeper penetration and excellent electrode capacity. On the other hand, TIG welding of
aluminum alloys uses either DC-EP or AC, because the cleaning action is a must in order to
provide complete fusion. Fig. 2.13 compares characteristics of polarities in TIG welding.

C y DC DC AC ala c
El c o ola i y N ai Po i i

El
El

El

c
c

c
o

o
o
o

El c o a

o
io lo

P a io
c a ac i ic
xi cl a i Y ―o c y
ac io No Y al cycl
H a ala c %a o %a o %a o
i ac a ox %a l c o %a l c o %a l c o
P a io a a o S allo a i M i
El c o Exc ll Poo Goo
ca aci y . ., . ― A . ., . ― A . ., . ― A

Fig. 2.13 — Characteristics of current types for gas tungsten arc welding

16
Welding Consumables

3. Welding Consumables

Most metals can be welded as long as appropriate welding consumables or filler metals and
procedures are employed. In order to weld successfully, the welding personnel should have
sufficient knowledge of welding consumables (covered electrodes, wires, strips, and fluxes),
because the selection and handling of welding consumables greatly affect the quality of welds.

3.1 Covered electrodes

3.1.1 Fundamentals of covered electrodes
Covered electrodes consist of the flux material coated on the core wire as shown in Fig. 3.1.
A variety of core wires and fluxes are used, which have many different features.

Section of
Core wire Coating flux coating flux

Fig. 3.1 — Structure of covered electrode

(1) Core wires

Core wires have two important roles — as an electrode to convey electricity and as a
supplier of deposited metal. Different types of covered electrodes use different types of core
wires as shown in Table 3.1. Mild steel and high strength steel covered electrodes use core
wires made of dead mild steel that contains about 0.06% carbon. Low alloy steel covered
electrodes use core wires made of either dead mild steel or low alloy steel. Stainless steel
covered electrodes use stainless steel core wires.

Table 3.1 — Types of core wires for various covered electrodes

Type of covered electrode Type of core wire

Covered electrodes for mild steel Dead mild steel

Covered electrodes for high strength steel Dead mild steel
Covered electrodes for low alloyed steel Dead mild steel,
Low alloy steel
Covered electrodes for stainless steel Stainless steel
Covered electrodes for hardfacing Dead mild steel, Low alloy steel,
High alloy steel
Covered electrodes for cast iron Dead mild steel, Cast iron,
Nonferrous alloys
Covered electrodes for nonferrous alloys Nonferrous alloys

17
Welding Consumables

The diameter of core wire (the diameter of covered electrode) should be chosen according to
applications: thickness of base metal, size of fillet weld, welding position, and permissible
welding current. The length of core wire (the length of covered electrode) should also be chosen
according to applications: manual welding, spring-contact welding, and gravity welding. Table
3.2 shows standard diameters and lengths of core wires.

Table 3.2 — Standard sizes and tolerance of core wire of

covered electrodes for mild steel (JIS G3523-80)

Core wire
Length of core wire (mm)
diameter (mm)
3.2 350 400 - - - -
4.0 350 400 450 550 - -
4.5 - 400 450 550 - -
5.0 - 400 450 550 700 -
5.5 - - 450 550 700 -
6.0 - - 450 550 700 900
6.4 - - 450 550 700 900
7.0 - - 450 550 700 900
8.0 - - 450 550 700 900
Notes on the tolerance: Core wire diameter:±0.05 mm
Length of core wire: ±3 mm

A large portion of the core wire becomes deposited metal in welding. Therefore, the carbon
and manganese content of the core wire should be properly adjusted in order to provide the
desired quality of the deposited metal. Such impurities as phosphorus, sulfur and copper in
the core wires should be lower than in ordinary steels to prevent welding defects. Table 3.3
shows an example of standard chemical composition of the core wire.

Table 3.3 — Standard chemical composition of core wire

for covered electrodes — JIS G3523-80 SWY-11
Chemical composition (%)

C Mn Si P S Cu
0.09 max 0.35-0.65 0.03 max 0.020 max 0.023 max 0.20 max

(2) Coating fluxes

If an electrode is not covered, and only bare wire is used in welding as an electrode, the
electrode will stick to the base metal, and an arc will not be easily generated. Even if an arc is
generated, it will frequently be interrupted. Consequently, the molten metal will not be
deposited continuously on the base metal, and uneven deposited metals will contain blowholes
caused by nitrogen and oxygen in the air. In order to prevent these problems, the coating flux
is essential for covered electrodes. The main functions of the coating flux are:

18
Welding Consumables

a) To make a concentrated, stable arc

b) To protect the arc and molten pool with generated gases
c) To produce slag that covers the weld bead to make a smooth surface and
protect it from sudden cooling
d) To refine weld metals by reducing oxygen and other impurities
e) To add alloying elements into weld metals
f) To provide higher deposition efficiency
g) To provide electrical insulation

About 100 different kinds of powdered raw materials are used as the coating fluxes. These raw
materials include oxides, carbonates, silicates, organic matters, fluorides and iron alloys. A coating
flux is a mixture of raw materials mixed at certain combination ratios. The most frequently used
powdered raw materials and their functions are listed in Table 3.4.

The main ingredients in the coating fluxes are used to classify covered electrodes with the
exception of the low-hydrogen type. Table 3 .5 shows examples of the mixing proportions of raw
materials and the types of typical covered electrodes for mild steels.

The usability, weldability and welding efficiency of covered electrodes are governed by the
coating fluxes. For special covered electrodes, which are used for welding high strength steels,
heat-resistant low-alloy steels, stainless steels, hardfacing, cast irons and nonferrous alloys, more
emphasis is placed upon the weldability to prevent weld cracks and to control the chemical
composition and mechanical properties of the weld metal.

Table 3.4 — Main coating flux ingredients and their functions

Flux ingredient Primary function Secondary function

Cellulose Gas generation Deoxidation,

Strengthening coatings
Clay Slag formation Arc stability
Talc Slag formation
Titanium oxide Arc stability,
Slag formation
Ilmenite Slag formation Arc stability
Iron oxide Slag formation, Arc stability
Oxidation
Lime carbonate Gas generation Oxidation, Arc stability,
Slag formation,
Ferromanganese Deoxidation, Alloying Slag formation
Manganese dioxide Oxidation Slag formation
Silica sand Slag formation
Potassium silicate Binding coatings,
Arc stability,
Slag formation
Sodium silicate Binding coatings,
Arc stability,
Slag formation

19
Welding Consumables

20
Welding Consumables

3.1.2 Production of covered electrodes

Covered electrodes are produced according to the process shown in Fig. 3.2. If the coating of a
covered electrode is not applied concentrically around the core wire, eccentric melting occurs
during welding, resulting in poor workability and defective welds. The eccentricity of a covered
electrode must be as small as possible, and JIS Z 3200 prescribes the maximum eccentricity of
3% for covered electrodes with 3.2 mm or larger diameters.

Rolled wire Coating flux Water glass

Descaling
Weighing Weighing
Drawing

Cutting Dry-mixing

Wet-mixing

Molding

Coating
Drying
Weighing

Packing

Fig. 3.2 — Typical production process for covered electrodes

3.1.3 Types of covered electrodes

Various types of covered electrodes are available, which can be classified according to the
kinds of metals to be welded. Fig. 3.3 is a typical classification of covered electrodes.

Ele r e r il eel
Ele r e r ig reng eel
Ele r e r ir n an eel Ele r e r l w all y eel
Ele r e r ainle eel
Ele r e r ar a ing
Ele r e r a ir n
Ele r e r n n err u e al Ele r e r er an er all y
Ele r e r ni el an ni el all y

Fig. 3.3 — Classification of covered electrodes according to applicable metals

(1) Covered electrodes for mild steel

Mild steel contains a low amount of carbon (0.25% or less) and have a minimum tensile
strength of about 400N/mm2. Mild steel is used widely for steel structures due to its excellent
cold workability and weldability. The group of covered electrodes used for mild steel is
specified by many national standards.

21
Welding Consumables

Table 3.6 shows the American Welding Society (AWS) standard as an example. Table 3.7
compares several major covered electrodes in terms of welding performance, mechanical
properties, chemical composition, and usual applications. The following paragraphs describe
the features and intended uses of major covered electrodes classified in the AWS standard,
however individual brands have, on any scale, different characteristics.

Table 3.6 — AWS classification of carbon steel electrodes for SMAW (Excerpted from AWS A5.1:2004)
AWS Type of flux covering Applicable Type of current
classification welding positions and polarity

E6010 High cellulose sodium F, V, OH, H DC-EP

E6013 High titania potassium F, V, OH, H AC, DC-EP or DC-EN
E6019 Iron oxide, titania potassium F, V, OH, H AC, DC-EP or DC-EN
E6027 High iron oxide, iron powder H-fillet AC or DC-EN
F AC, DC-EP or DC-EN
E7016 Low hydrogen potassium F, V, OH, H AC or DC-EP
E7018 Low hydrogen potassium, iron powder F, V, OH, H AC or DC-EP
E7024 Iron powder, titania H-fillet, F AC, DC-EP or DC-EN
E7028 Low hydrogen potassium, iron powder H-fillet, F AC or DC-EP
E7048 Low hydrogen potassium, iron powder F, OH, H, V-down AC or DC-EP

Note: (1) The abbreviations, F, V, V-down, OH, H, and H-fillet, indicate the welding positions as follows:
F: Flat; H:Horizontal; H-fillet: Horizontal fillet; V-down: Vertical downwards; V: Vertical; OH: Overhead
(2) Classification system: EXXXX
 E: designates an electrode.
 The first two digits, 60 and 70, designate the minimum tensile strength (ksi) of the deposited metal.
 The third and forth digits, 10, 13, 19, 27, 16, 18, 24, 28, and 48, designate the welding position in which
electrodes are usable, the type of covering, and the kind of welding current for which the electrodes are
suitable.

Table 3.7 — A comparison between major covered electrodes on qualities and applications

AWS classification E6010 E6013 E6019 E6027 E7016

Usability Fair Excellent Good Excellent Fair

Welding
performance Weldability Fair Fair Good Fair Excellent
Efficiency Excellent Fair Good Excellent Fair
Yield strength(N/mm2) 420 450 410 440 500
Typical Tensile 490 510 460 500 570
2
mechanical strength (N/mm )
properties Elongation (%) 27 25 32 30 32
Impact value (J) 70 (-29℃) 60 (0℃) 110 (0℃) 78 (0℃) 210 (0℃)
Typical C% 0.12 0.08 0.10 0.07 0.08
chemical Mn% 0.51 0.37 0.43 0.69 0.94
composition Si% 0.18 0.30 0.10 0.41 0.60
Vertical- General use General Fillets for General
down for sheet use for medium- uses for
Usual applications welding of metals medium- thick medium-
steel pipes thick steels steels and
heavy-thick
steels

Note: A comparison between Kobe Steel's brands.

22
Welding Consumables

E6010 electrodes: They are characterized by a deeply penetrating, forceful, spray type arc
and readily removable, thin, friable slag. The coverings are high in cellulose, usually
exceeding 30% by weight. These electrodes are recommended for all welding positions,
particularly with multiple pass applications in the vertical and overhead welding positions.
They frequently are selected for joining pipes and generally are capable of welding in the
vertical-down position.

E6013 electrodes: Their flux covering makes slag removal easier and allows smoother arc
transfer. This permits satisfactory operation with lower open-circuit AC voltage. The arc
action tends to be quieter and the bead surface smoother with a fine ripple. The coverings are
high in rutile. These electrodes are designed specifically for light sheet metal work, providing
a low penetration arc. Some brands are recommended for sheet metal applications where their
ability to weld satisfactorily in the vertical welding position with downward progression is an
advantage. A less-fume-emitting electrode of this type is available, which emits about 30% less
fumes than conventional ones.

E6019 electrodes: This type of electrode was originally developed around 1940 by using raw
materials available in Japan. About one-third of the weight of the coating flux consists of
ilmenite ores. These electrodes, with a fluid slag system, offer deeper penetration due to a
strong, spray arc and better usability in all positions. In addition, they provide better X-ray
soundness, superior mechanical properties, and excellent crack resistibility. These electrodes
are suitable for multi-pass welding of up to 25-mm thick steel.

E6027 electrodes: The covering contains a large amount of iron powder and is very thick
and usually amounts to about 50% of the weight of the electrode, offering a spray-type arc.
They will operate at high travel speeds. Arc penetration is medium. Spatter loss is very low.
They produce a heavy slag that is honeycombed on the underside. The slag is friable and
easily removed. The welds have a flat to slightly concave weld face with a smooth, fine, even
ripple, and good wetting along the sides of the joint. This type of electrode is designed, in
particular, for fillet welds with a 5- to 10-mm leg length single pass in the flat and horizontal
welding positions. These electrodes, therefore, are also known as "fillet welding electrodes."
These electrodes are used in the contact welding in which highly efficient semi-automatic
welding devices such as the "gravity" and the "auto-contact" are applied. When one welding
operator uses three sets of the gravity devices, the welding speed can be 1 m a minute.

E7016 electrodes: These electrodes are also known as "low-hydrogen type electrodes" due to
the low amounts of diffusible hydrogen contained in the weld metals. Fig. 3.4 shows a
comparison of the diffusible hydrogen content of the weld metals of several types of covered
electrodes. The low-hydrogen type electrodes are made with inorganic coverings that contain
minimal moisture. The main raw material employed in the coating flux of this type of
electrode is lime carbonate. The slag, therefore, is chemically basic. The slag is heavy, friable,
and easy to remove. The arc is moderately penetrating. The weld face is convex. In addition to
their use on mild steel, E7016 electrodes are also used for high strength steel. The
low-hydrogen type electrodes are suited for medium to thick base metals due to superior crack
resistibility.

23
Welding Consumables

Diffusible hydrogen
Non-diffusible hydrogen
deposited metal (ml/100g)

High cellulose type

Hydrogen content of

Lime titania type

High titania oxide type
Ilumenite type
Low hydrogen type

Fig. 3.4 — Hydrogen content of the deposited metals of

several types of covered electrodes (by glycerol displacement method)

When an inexperienced welder uses a low-hydrogen type electrode, he/she may mistake in
starting an arc. If the arc length is kept to be long when starting an arc, porosity tends to
occur in the weld bead. For starting an arc easier without causing porosity, an arc-generating
agent is applied on the tip of the electrode, or in addition, the tip of the core wire is shaped as
shown in Fig. 3.5. The electrodes with the shaped tip and arc-generating agent offer an easier
arc start and a smoother bead-to-bead joint, preventing the occurrence of porosity. As is
common with all low-hydrogen type electrodes, the back-stepping technique should be used
when starting an arc and the arc length should be maintained to be as short as possible all
times. These techniques are very effective to prevent the occurrence of porosity.

A holed tip with a coat of

the arc generating agent

Arc generating agent

A coated tip with

the arc generating agent

Fig. 3.5 — Special tips of low-hydrogen type covered electrodes

for the sake of easier arc starting, smoother bead-to-bead
joining, and the prevention of the porosity occurrence

24
Welding Consumables

In E7016 electrodes the "uranami" welding electrode or the one-side welding electrode is
available, which is exclusively used for root passes.

E7018 electrodes: The coverings of these electrodes are similar to E7016 coverings, except
for the addition of a relatively high percentage of iron powder. The coverings of the E7018
electrodes are slightly thicker than E7016 coverings. Consequently the deposition rates of
E7018 electrodes are higher, and they can be used at higher travel speeds. In addition, E7018
electrodes offer better usability with DC currents than E7016 electrodes. A quiet arc, low
spatter, and medium arc penetration characterize E7018 electrodes. The fillet welds made in
the horizontal and flat welding positions have a slightly convex weld face with a smooth and
finely rippled surface; however, an E7018 electrode dedicated to fillet welding offers flat bead
shape. E7018 electrodes are suitable for medium to thick base metals due to excellent crack
resistance.

E7024 electrodes: Their coverings contain large amounts of iron powder in combination
with ingredients similar to those used in E6013 electrodes. The coverings of E7024 electrodes
are thick and usually amount to about 50% of the weight of the electrode, resulting in higher
deposition rates. E7024 electrodes are suited for making fillet welds in the flat or horizontal
positions. A quiet arc, very low spatter, low arc penetration, and excellent slag removal
characterize E7024 electrodes. The weld face is slightly convex to flat, with a smooth surface
and a fine ripple. They can be used with high travel speeds. Some brands can also be used in
gravity welding.

E7028 electrodes: Electrodes of the E7028 classification are suitable for welding in the flat
and horizontal positions. The E7028 electrode coverings are comparatively thicker. They make
up approximately 50% of the weight of the electrodes. The iron powder content of E7028
electrodes coverings is higher (approximately 50% of the weight of the coverings).
Consequently, E7028 electrodes have a higher deposition rate.

E7048 electrodes: Electrodes of the E7048 classification are specifically designed for the
exceptionally good vertical welding with downward progression. Slag removal is excellent. The
less-fume-emitting type version of this classification emits about 35% less fumes than
conventional ones.

(2) Covered electrodes for high strength steel

Covered electrodes for 490- to 780-N/mm2-class high strength steels are available. A variety
of the covering types are available for high strength steel electrodes; however, low-hydrogen
type is mostly used in view of better crack resistance, except for specific applications. High
strength steel electrodes are specified in AWS A5.1 (Carbon Steel Electrodes for Shielded
Metal Arc Welding) and AWS A5.5 (Low Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc
Welding).

25
Welding Consumables

(3) Covered electrodes for low-temperature steel

Low-temperature steel materials have superior notch toughness at temperatures below
room temperature. Low-temperature steels include aluminum-killed steel, 3.5%-Ni steel,
9%-Ni steel and austenitic stainless steel. Low-temperature-service equipment should also
have welds with high notch toughness at low temperatures; therefore, low-alloy electrodes are
generally used for aluminum-killed and 3.5%-Ni steels. In the welding of 9%-Ni steel, high
Ni-alloy electrodes are used. In the welding of austenitic stainless steel, the matching
electrode whose chemical and mechanical properties are similar to those of the base metal is
used. Low-alloy electrodes are specified in AWS A5.5 (Low Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded
Metal Arc Welding). Stainless steel electrodes are specified in AWS A5.4 (Stainless Steel
Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding). High Ni-alloy electrodes for 9%-Ni steel are
specified in JIS Z 3225 (Covered Electrodes for 9%-Ni Steel), which are also satisfy AWS A5.11
(Nickel and Nickel-Alloy Welding Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding).

(4) Covered electrodes for stainless steel

Stainless steel materials are suitable for corrosion resistant, heat resistant, and
low-temperature applications. For welding stainless steels, covered electrodes that match the
base metal are used. The coatings of these electrodes are of the lime titania type and lime type.
The lime titania type is more common. General covered electrodes for austenitic stainless steel
are designed so as to contain a certain percentage of ferrite in the austenite matrix of the weld
metal. This is to prevent hot cracks in the weld metals. Among the electrodes for ferritic
stainless steel and martensitic stainless steel, Nb-bearing electrodes, which produce ferritic
weld metals with fine crystal grains, are used in order to improve weldability and mechanical
properties. Stainless steel electrodes are specified in AWS A5.4 (Stainless Steel Electrodes for
Shielded Metal Arc Welding).

(5) Covered electrodes for heat-resistant low-alloy steel

For such applications as boilers, chemical equipment, and petroleum refining equipment,
heat-resistant low-alloy steels are used. These steels include molybdenum steel and
chromium-molybdenum steel. For welding these steels, covered electrodes that match the base
metal are used. Most of these electrodes are specified in AWS A5.5 (Low Alloy Steel Electrodes
for Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and some high-Cr electrodes are specified in AWS A5.4
(Stainless Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Welding).

(6) Covered electrodes for cast iron

Cast iron contains a large amount of carbon (3 to 4%C). Consequently, its weldability is
poor in comparison with that of steels. Welding of cast iron, however, can be successful, if
appropriate welding procedures are taken. Among a variety of cast irons, ductile cast iron has
the best weldability. Electrodes for cast iron are specified in AWS A5.15 (Welding Electrodes
and Rods for Cast Iron). AWS ENi-CI and ENiFe-CI electrodes are widely used because of the
better weldability and the machinability of the welds with lower hardness. ENi-CI electrodes
use pure Ni core wires, and ENiFe-CI electrodes use Fe-Ni alloy core wires. Their coatings are
made of mainly graphite flux. AWS ESt electrodes are made of dead mild steel core wire coated
with low-hydrogen type flux.

26
Welding Consumables

(7) Covered electrodes for other metals

In addition to the covered electrodes described above, other types of electrodes for specific
applications are available. There are hardfacing electrodes for extending the life of machinery
components, nickel and nickel alloy electrodes for providing superior heat and corrosion
resistance, and copper and copper alloy electrodes for providing corrosion resistance.

3.1.4 Handling and storage of covered electrodes

Because covered electrodes tend to absorb moisture, they should be properly stored and
redried before use according to the supplier requirements in order to assure sound welds. The
following sections discuss the factors that govern moisture absorption and how to store and
redry covered electrodes.

(1) Moisture absorption

Different types of covered electrodes have different compositions of the coating fluxes.
Their moisture absorption rates, therefore, differ in the same atmospheric condition, as shown
in Fig. 3.6. When covered electrodes are stored in a high-temperature high-humidity area, the
moisture absorption rates become higher as shown in Fig. 3.7.
Amounts of moisture absorption (wt%)

E6019 electrode
Amounts of moisture absorption (wt%)

4.0

3.0

2.0
E7016 electrode
1.0

0
0 6 8 4 0
0
Exposure time to the testing atmosphere (h) Exposure time to the testing atmosphere (h)

Fig. 3.6 — Moisture absorption versus Fig. 3.7 — Moisture absorption rates of an E7016
the type of electrode in the constant testing electrode in the various testing atmospheres
atmosphere (30℃ x 80%RH)

The amount of moisture absorption of covered electrodes varies depending upon how the
electrodes are placed in the storage as shown in Fig. 3.8. This test result suggests that covered
electrodes should be stored in a slender container so as to minimize moisture absorption when
welders handle electrodes at the welding sites.

27
Welding Consumables

r i n w%

Ele r e are u irregularly

Ele r e are lai in a x
Ele r e are u u rig in
a len er x
B
i ure a

C
un
A

Ex ure i e e e ing a ere

70φ

Fig. 3.8 — A comparison between three different storage ways for E7016 electrodes on
the moisture absorption rates in the constant atmospheric condition (25℃ x 90%RH)

When covered electrodes absorb moisture, usability and weldability of the electrodes may
decline; typical signs of degraded usability and weldability are:
a) A stronger and unstable arc
b) Increased amounts of spatter
c) Deeper penetration and increased undercut
d) Irregular slag covering and rough bead surface
e) Poor slag removal
f) Cracking of welds
g) Blowholes in welds

If electrodes that contain a large amount of moisture are used, they may cause various
welding defects. Therefore, it is important to know the permissible limits of moisture
absorption for obtaining the optimum performance of an electrode. Such limits are given below
for a general guidance (Refer to the specification of the electrodes manufacture for a specific
electrode).

a) 0.5%: the permissible moisture absorption for low-hydrogen type electrodes to

restrict the amount of hydrogen in the deposited metal for maintaining
good crack resistance.
b) 2 to 3%: the permissible moisture absorption for non-low-hydrogen type electrodes
to maintain good usability and X-ray soundness.

28
Welding Consumables

(2) Redrying
Electrodes are stored sometimes for a long period from the time of production to the time of
use at sites. During this period, they may be exposed to a humid atmosphere and may absorb
a considerable amount of moisture. The extent of the degradation of performance caused by
absorbed moisture depends upon the type of electrode. In the case of low-hydrogen type
electrodes, even a small amount of absorbed moisture should be noted, because this type of
electrode is commonly used with heavy thick steel materials that tend to experience
hydrogen-assisted cracking. Therefore, redrying or conditioning the electrodes is necessary
prior to use in order to restore their low hydrogen character. In the case of other types of
electrodes, with exception of a certain high-cellulose type, redrying prior to use is needed in
order to restore their usability and x-ray soundness.

For redrying, it is necessary to determine the temperature, time and number of redrying
cycles carefully. Too high or too low redrying temperature may cause problems with the
electrode. Too high temperature may cause decomposition of the gas generating agents and
deoxidizers contained in the coating flux, which leads to the generation of blowholes in the
weld metal as well as to a decrease in the strength and toughness of the weld metal. If the
redrying temperature is too low, the absorbed moisture cannot be removed sufficiently.

Table 3.8 shows the optimum redrying conditions, but it should be noted that they may
differ depending on the brand of electrode. Normally, redrying may be repeated a maximum of
three times for low-hydrogen electrodes and a maximum of five times for non-low-hydrogen
electrodes, depending on the welding work schedule. Electrodes will not change their
appearance even if they are redried more times, but the binding agents in the coating flux may
deteriorate and the coating may partially break off during welding. It is desirable to
predetermine the amount of electrodes to be used on a particular day and to redry only that
amount. Leftover electrodes may be used on the following day after redrying them again.

(3) Storage
When electrodes have absorbed moisture, their inherent characteristics may be damaged.
In that case, redrying electrodes can restore their original quality. However, it is more
important to store them in a proper area and to use the older electrodes first. Precautions to
be paid when storing electrodes are listed below:
a) Store electrodes in a well-ventilated area and keep electrodes away from the
floor and the wall of the storehouse.
b) Mark clearly the date of receiving electrodes and stack them in such a manner
that older electrodes can be taken out first.
c) Clearly indicate the types, brands, and sizes of electrodes.
d) Keep electrodes stacked at an appropriate height.

29
Welding Consumables

30
Welding Consumables

3.2 Wires for gas-shielded arc welding

3.2.1 Scope of welding wires
As shown in Fig. 3.9, solid wires for gas-shielded arc welding include both those for gas
metal arc welding (MAG, MIG) and those for tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc welding. These
wires can be further classified by the suitable shielding gas. In order to obtain intended wire
usability and weld quality, the chemical composition of wire and the application chose a
suitable shielding gas. For example, CO2 and Ar+CO2 mixture are used for welding mild steel,
high strength steel, and low alloy steel; Ar+2%O2 for stainless steel, and pure Ar for nickel
alloys. For MAG and TIG welding, flux-cored wires are also available.

For CO2 gas shielding

For MAG welding For Ar+CO2 gas mixture shielding
Solid wires for For Ar gas shielding
gas shielded For MIG welding For Ar+CO2 gas mixture shielding
arc welding For Ar+O2 gas mixture shielding
For TIG welding

Fig. 3.9 — Scope of solid wires

3.2.2 Features of MAG welding shielding gases

Although solid wires for CO2 arc welding are widely used, they have such drawbacks as
much spatter due to the globular transfer arc, inferior bead appearance, and difficulty in
welding thin steel plates. These problems can be solved by the use of Ar+CO2 gas mixtures or
flux-cored wires. Fig. 3.10 compares the amounts of spatter tested with different mixing ratios
of CO2 and Ar gases for shielding. It can be seen that a gas mixture of 80%Ar and 20%CO2
results in the least spatter generation as well as higher deposition efficiency. However, when a
wire designed for CO2 shielding is used with such a mixed gas, the amounts of Mn and Si in
the deposited metal increase, resulting in increased tensile strength and hardness. Therefore,
when a mixed gas is used, it is desirable to use the appropriate wires.

00 Wel ing wire: ER70S- φ

Wel ing urren : 00 A
i i n e i ien y %

Wel ing i i n: Fla

8
a er w %

Wel ing wire: ER70S- φ 6

Wel ing urren : 0 A
6
5 4
De

4
3
un

2
A

1
CO2: 100 80 60 40 0 0 CO : 0 0 00
Ar: 0 0 40 60 80 100 Ar: 80 0 0
S iel ing ga ii n % S iel ing ga ii n %

Fig. 3.10 — Relationship between spatter generation, deposition efficiency, and

shielding gas compositions in welding with solid wires

31
Welding Consumables

3.2.3 Features of MIG welding shielding gases

For MIG welding of aluminum and titanium alloys, pure Ar, an inert gas, is commonly used
for shielding in order to prevent oxidation of the welds. In contrast, for welding stainless steels,
Ar+O2 gas mixtures containing a small percentage of O2 are used. This is to stabilize the arc
and to improve the weld soundness. In welding low alloy steels, Ar+CO2 gas mixtures
containing a small percentage of CO2 are used in order to stabilize the arc. Additions of O2 or
CO2 mixed with Ar can cause oxidization in the alloying elements of the wire, decreasing the
yield of these elements into the deposited metal. However, as long as less than 2% of O2 or 5%
of CO2 is mixed in with Ar, there is little likelihood that oxidization will occur. Therefore, these
gas mixtures are also classified as inert gases for MIG welding in addition to Ar gas.

3.2.4 Features of TIG welding shielding gases

Pure Ar gas is generally used in TIG welding for shielding tungsten electrodes, molten
droplets, and molten pools. Ar gas can protect the molten droplets and the molten pool from
oxidation; therefore, the deposited metal has almost the same chemical composition as that of
the wire when the shielding is appropriate.

3.2.5 Production of wires

Several sectional shapes are available, as shown in Fig. 3.11, for the wires used in gas-
shielded arc welding. These wires are classified into flux-cored wires and solid wires. Fig. 3.12
illustrates the typical production process for solid wires for mild steel, high strength steel, and
low-alloy steel. Solid wires for gas metal arc welding are generally wound onto spools, while
those for TIG welding are wound onto spools or cut into certain lengths. Fig. 3.13 shows the
typical production process for flux-cored wires of the type (A) shown in Fig. 3.11.

S l a i
co - la ac
S l a Co - la ac

Co l x Co l x

Fig. 3.11 — Examples of sectional shapes of wires for gas-shielded arc welding

32
Welding Consumables

Fig. 3.12 — Typical production process for solid wires

Fig. 3.13 — Typical production process for flux-cored wires

33
Welding Consumables

3.2.6 Types of wires

(1) Wires for MAG welding
Wires for MAG welding can be divided into solid wires and flux-cored wires. Table 3.9
shows some of the standards for solid wires and flux-cored wires: AWS A5.18 (Carbon Steel
Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding) and A5.20 (Carbon Steel Electrodes for
Flux Cored Arc Welding). The A5.18 standard specifies solid wires for welding mild steel and
490N/mm2 high strength steel. The A5.20 standard specifies flux-cored wires for welding mild
steel and 490N/mm2 high strength steel. The following paragraphs describe the characteristics
of the major classifications of both solid wires and flux-cored wires.

A5.18 ER70S-2: This type of solid wire is primarily used for single-pass welding of killed,
semi-killed, and rimmed steel, but may be used for some multi-pass applications. Because of
the added deoxidants (Ti, Zr, Al), these wires can be used for welding steel materials that have
a rusty or dirty surface, with a possible sacrifice of weld quality depending on the condition of
the surface. The specified type of shielding gas is CO2; however, available wires can mostly be
used with Ar+CO2 gas mixture shielding.

A5.18 ER70S-3: This type of solid wire is intended for welding single-pass and multi-pass
welds. The specified type of shielding gas is CO2; however, available wires can mostly be used
with Ar+CO2 gas mixture shielding.

A5.18 ER70S-6: This type of wire is intended for both single- and multiple-pass welding. It
is especially suited for sheet metal applications, where smooth weld beads are desired, and
structural and plate steels that have moderate amounts of rust or mill scale. The specified
type of shielding gas is CO2; however, available wires can mostly be used with Ar+CO2 gas
mixture shielding.

A5.18 ER70S-G: For this type of wire only tensile property requirements are specified. The
wire suppliers, therefore, should be consulted for the composition, properties, characteristics,
and intended use of this classification. This type of wire is intended for both single- and
multi-pass applications. Available wires can mostly be used with CO2 shielding and Ar+CO2
gas mixture shielding.

A5.20 E70T-1C and E70T-1M: The E70T-1C wires are classified as using CO2 shielding gas,
whereas the E70T-1M wires are classified as using 75-80%Ar/balanced CO2 gas mixture
shielding. Both wires are designed for single- and multiple-pass welding in the flat and
horizontal position. Spray transfer, low spatter loss, and flat bead contour characterize these
wires.

A5.20 E71T-1C and E71T-1M: The E71T-1C wires are classified as using CO2 shielding gas,
whereas the E71T-1M wires are classified as using 75-80%Ar/balanced CO2 gas mixture
shielding. Both wires are designed for single- and multiple-pass welding in all positions. Spray
transfer, low spatter loss, and flat bead contour characterize these wires.

34
Welding Consumables

35
Welding Consumables

For MAG welding of low alloy steel, solid wires are specified in AWS A5.28 (Low-Alloy Steel
Electrodes and Rods for Gas Shielded Arc Welding) and flux-cored wires, in A5.29 (Low-Alloy
Steel Electrodes for Flux Cored Arc Welding). The A5.28 standard covers solid wires for
welding 550-830N/mm2 high strength steel, low-temperature steel, and heat-resistant
low-alloy steel. The A5.29 standard covers flux-cored wires for welding low-temperature steel,
high strength steel, and heat-resistant low-alloy steel. For MAG welding of stainless steel,
flux-cored wires are specified in A5.22 (Stainless Steel Flux Cored and Metal Cored Welding
Electrodes and Rods).

(2) Wires for MIG welding

The A5.28 standard mentioned above also specifies solid wires for MIG welding of
heat-resistant low-alloy steel, low-temperature steel, and high strength steel. As for MIG
welding of stainless steel, AWS A5.9 (Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods)
specifies solid wires. Solid wires are specified for MIG welding of nickel and nickel alloys in
AWS A5.14 (Nickel and Nickel Alloy Bare Welding Electrodes and Rods). For MIG welding of
copper and copper alloys, solid wires are specified in AWS A5.7 (Copper and Copper Alloy Bare
Welding Rods and Electrodes).

(3) Wires for TIG welding

Wires for TIG welding are also included in the above-mentioned AWS standards. Solid
wires are specified in AWS A5.18 for welding carbon steel. For welding low-alloy steel solid
wires are specified in AWS A5.28. For welding stainless steel, solid wires are specified in AWS
A5.9. As for flux-cored rods, AWS A5.22 specifies them for welding stainless steel. Solid wires
are specified in AWS A5.14 for welding nickel and nickel alloys. For welding copper and copper
alloys, solid wires are specified in AWS A5.7.
Flux cored wires for TIG welding are designed to be used without Ar gas back-shielding for
the root pass in one-side welding of tubes and pipes. In TIG welding, the burned flux becomes
slag, and the slag covers the reverse-side bead, preventing oxidation.

3.3 Wires for self-shielded arc welding

Self-shielded arc welding is also known as "non-gas shielded arc welding". Specially
designed flux-cored wires are used in this welding process without any external shielding gas.
In self-shielded arc welding, the cored flux generates the shielding gas to protect the molten
pool. The other ingredients in the cored flux are deoxidizers, denitrifying components, arc
stabilizers, and slag components. This type of wire has larger diameters (2.4 and 3.2 mm) than
wires for MAG and MIG welding. These larger-size wires use the AC drooping type power
sources in the flat and horizontal positions. Recently, wires with smaller sizes of 1.6 and 2.0
mm are also available, which are suited for out-of-position welding by using the DC constant
voltage power sources (DC-EN polarity). AWS A5.20 mentioned above also includes
specifications for self-shielded arc welding wires. Self-shielded arc welding offers stable
quality even in a strong wind of up to 15 m/sec. This type of wire, therefore, is useful
particularly in outdoor welding.

36
Welding Consumables

3.4 Wires, strips, and fluxes for submerged arc welding

3.4.1 The basics of wires, strips, and fluxes
While the function of wires and strips in submerged arc welding (SAW) is similar to that of
covered electrode core wires in shielded metal arc welding, the fluxes must be supplied
separately in SAW. A variety of combinations of different types of wires, strips, and fluxes are
available.

(1) Wires and strips

SAW uses solid wires, flux-cored wires, and strips. Fig. 3.14 shows the types and
applications of these wires and strips.

C er- la e wire
S li wire F r r inary u e

N n- er- la e wire
F r nu lear rea r ainle eel
Ele r e an ni el all y

Flux- re wire F r ar a ing

S ri F r erlaying ainle eel wel an

ni el all y wel an r ar a ing

Fig. 3.14 — A classification of electrodes (wires and strips) for

submerged arc welding, and their intended applications

The diameters of the most commonly used wires range from 2.4 to 6.4 mm. Small sizes of
1.6 and 2.0 mm are also available for specific applications. Fig. 3.15 shows the typical
production process for solid wires for SAW of mild steel, high strength steel, and low-alloy
steel. SAW wires are wound into a coil or onto a spool as shown in Fig. 3.16. Those of 2.0 mm
or larger diameters are supplied in coils, while 1.6 mm diameter wires are supplied in spools.
Cardboard drum package or pail pack (Arrow Pack) is also available for 1.6 mm diameters.

Fig. 3.15 — Typical production

process for solid wires for
submerged arc welding

37
Welding Consumables

Fig. 3.16 — Typical types of wire packaging

(2) Fluxes
Fluxes for submerged arc welding are used to stabilize and shield the arc and produce
metallurgical reactions in welding. They can be divided into fused, bonded, and agglomerated
fluxes by the difference in production method. As shown in Fig. 3.17, fused fluxes are produced
by melting raw materials, which are then cooled in glass-like state in the air, crushed and
sieved for adjusting the particle size. Fused fluxes are used for single and multi-pass welding
of mild steel, high strength steel, and low-alloy steel, and have the following advantages:
a) Suitable for high-speed welding of thin steel plates
b) Little moisture absorption due to glassy particles
c) Good in usability at welding currents of up to 1000 A
d) Applicable to various types of steels (in combination with an appropriate wire)
e) Applicable to a wide range of welding currents due to a variety of particle sizes
available

Fig. 3.17 — Typical production process for fused fluxes for

submerged arc welding

38
Welding Consumables

Bonded fluxes are produced by baking a pelletized mixture of powdered raw materials and
bonding agents at a temperature of 400 to 600℃. Fig. 3.18 shows the typical production
process for bonded fluxes. Since bonded fluxes are not melted in the production process, it is
possible to add deoxidizers and alloying elements into the flux.

Raw material

Pelletizing

Fig. 3.18 — Typical production process for bonded fluxes for

submerged arc welding

Bonded fluxes are often used for one-side welding of mild steel, using high currents. In
addition, 490N/mm2 high strength steel, low-alloy steel, and stainless steel also use bonded
fluxes. A higher tendency of absorbing moisture is a disadvantage of bonded fluxes. Therefore,
redrying is a must before use. With bonded fluxes,
a) Low-hydrogen welds can be obtained.
b) Si and Mn can be added for deoxidization.
c) Alloying elements can be added to adjust the chemical and mechanical properties
of the weld metal.
d) Good usability can be assured both at high welding currents of 1000A or higher
and at lower currents.
e) The consumption of flux can be conserved due to lower flux consumption ratios to
obtain a particular amount of weld metal as compared with fused fluxes.

3.4.2 Types of wires and fluxes

Submerged arc welding is performed with a combination of wire and flux. Since high
currents are employed in submerged arc welding, the weld penetration is quite deep. The
chemical composition of the base metal tends to affect the chemical composition of the weld
metal because of deep penetration. Therefore, a suitable combination of wire and flux should
be determined by testing their performance on the steel material to be used in advance.
Standards generally specify wires, fluxes, and deposited metals. AWS A5.17 (Carbon Steel
Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding) specifies the wires and fluxes for welding
mild steel and 490N/mm2 high strength steel. Table 3.10 shows excerpts from the A5.17

39
Welding Consumables

specification. AWS A5.23 (Low Alloy Steel Electrodes and Fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding)
specifies the wires and fluxes for welding heat-resistant low-alloy steel, low-temperature steel,
and high strength steel. Stainless steel wires for submerged arc welding are specified in AWS
A5.9 (Bare Stainless Steel Welding Electrodes and Rods).

Table 3.10 — Classifications and requirements for submerged arc welding wires and fluxes (AWS A5.17 -97)
Chemical composition of wire (%)
Classification (1) C Mn Si S P Cu Others
EL8 0.10 0.25- 0.07
max. 0.60 max.
EL12 0.04- 0.25- 0.10
Wires 0.14 0.60 max. 0.030 0.030 0.35 0.50
EM12K 0.05- 0.80- 0.10- max. max. max. max.
0.15 1.25 0.35
EH14 0.10- 1.70- 0.10
0.20 2.20 max.

Mechanical properties of deposited metal

Classification (2) Tensile strength 0.2% proof strength Elongation Charpy impact energy
(ksi) (ksi) (%) (ft-lbf)
F7A0-EXXX 20 min. at 0°F
F7A2-EXXX 20 min. at -20°F
Fluxes F7A6-EXXX 70-95 58 min 22 min. 20 min. at -60°F
F7P6-EXXX 20 min. at -60°F
Note (1) Classification system of EXXX
E: designates an electrode
L: indicates low manganese content
M: indicates medium manganese content
H: indicates high manganese content
8: indicates the nominal carbon content: 0.08
12: indicates the nominal carbon content: 0.12
14: indicates the nominal carbon content: 0.14
K: indicates that the electrode is made from a heat of silicon killed steel
(2) Classification system of FXXX-EXXX
F: designates a virgin flux
7: represents the minimum tensile strength of the weld metal in 70 ksi
A: indicates that the weld metal was tested in the as-welded condition
P: indicates that the weld metal was tested after postweld heat treatment
0: designates 0 degree Fahrenheit as the temperature at which the weld metal meets
the required 20 ft-lbf Charpy V-notch impact strength
2: designates -20 degrees Fahrenheit as the temperature at which the weld metal meets
the required 20 ft-lbf Charpy V-notch impact strength
6: designates -60 degrees Fahrenheit as the temperature at which the weld metal meets
the required 20 ft-lbf Charpy V-notch impact strength
EXXX: refers to the electrode classification with which the flux will deposit weld
metal that meets the specified mechanical properties when tested as called for
in the specification

40
Welding Design and Fabrication

4. Welding Design and Fabrication

Structures fabricated by welding should be suited to their usage and fully live up to their
expected qualities. On the other hand, the costs of welding fabrication should be kept as low as
possible. The realization of such goals or plans is called welding design. In order to obtain
weld joints with acceptable quality conforming to the requirements and the purposes of design,
welding work should be carried out with appropriate planning and welding procedures.

4.1 Welding joints and grooves

Joints can be welded into various shapes depending on the plate thickness and the shape of
the structure to be welded. The principle types of weld joints are shown in Fig. 4.1. A weld
zone has a channel to be filled with weld metal. This channel is called a groove. The groove
should be narrow enough to minimize welding work, but wide enough to prevent the
occurrence of welding defects. Fig. 4.2 shows the most commonly used types of grooves. Fig.
4.3 defines the groove parts.

In the case of a butt joint, its groove shape commonly varies from Square  Single-V 
Double-V  Single-U  Double-U as the plate becomes thicker in order to reduce the mass to
be filled with deposited metal. It is also necessary to select a groove suitable for the welding
process and welding position. Butt joints can basically transmit the strength most effectively
and are employed in various applications. A T-joint is most often used for assembling
structures. There are two reasons for using a T-joint: one is to transmit the shearing strength,
another is to transmit the tensile strength. Other than the principle types of joint shown in
Fig. 4.1, some variations are used depending on the structure as shown in Fig 4.4. Fig. 4.5
shows other variations of welds.

41
Welding Design and Fabrication

Flare-V-Groove

Flare-Bevel-Groove

Fig. 4.1 — Typical welding joints

42
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.2 — A variety of welding grooves

43
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.3 — Definition of the groove parts

44
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.4 — Variations of welding joints

Fig. 4.5 — Variations of welds

45
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.2 Strength of welded joints

On designing a structure to be fabricated by welding, several types of strength of the weld
joints may have to be taken into consideration: tensile strength, impact strength, fatigue
strength, and creep-rupture strength, depending on the requirements. In general, a welding
joint is designed so that it satisfies the same requirements as those for the base metal.
Therefore, the designer is expected to be acquainted with the properties of both steel materials
and weld metals. Table 4.1 shows examples of the properties of steel materials specified by the
Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). The properties of weld metals were discussed in the
previous chapter. This chapter discusses only the fundamentals of the static strength of weld
joints.

Table 4.1 — Requirements for rolled steels for welded structures (JIS G 3106-2004)
Mechanical properties
Yield point (N/mm2) Tensile strength Elongation (%)
Classification 2 Charpy impact
(N/mm )
t≦16 16<t≦40 40<t≦75 5<t≦16 16<t≦50 value (J) at 0℃
t≦100
SM400A —
SM400B 245 min. 235 min. 215 min. 400-510 18 min. 22 min. 27 min.
SM400C 47 min.
SM490A —
SM490B 325 min. 315 min. 295 min. 490-610 17 min. 21 min. 27 min.
SM490C 47 min.

Chemical composition (%)

Classification
C Si Mn P S
t≦50: 0.23 max.
SM400A — 2.5 x C min. 0.035 max. 0.035 max.
50<t≦200: 0.25 max.
t≦50: 0.20 max.
SM400B 0.35 max. 0.60-1.40 0.035 max. 0.035 max.
50<t≦200: 0.22 max.

SM400C t≦100: 0.18 max. 0.35 max. 1.40 max. 0.035 max. 0.035 max.

t≦50: 0.20 max.

SM490A 0.55 max. 1.60 max. 0.035 max. 0.035 max.
50<t≦200: 0.22 max.
t≦50: 0.18 max.
SM490B 0.55 max. 1.60 max. 0.035 max. 0.035 max.
50<t≦200: 0.20 max.

SM490C t≦100: 0.18 max. 0.55 max. 1.60 max. 0.035 max. 0.035 max.

The calculation of strength should be based upon the allowable stress. The maximum
safety load is defined as a load by which the stress of the structure reaches the allowable
stress. Although it is difficult to precisely compute stresses raised in a weld joint, the
computation can be made by using the following method, provided the weld zone is uniformly
stressed. Where the weld has convex reinforcement, the stresses raised around the weld are
concentrated at the toes of the weld. The concentrated stresses can reach 1.3-1.8 times the
stresses raised at other parts of the weld in the case of butt welds, according to experimental
results. In the case of front fillet welds, the concentrated stresses can reach 2-5 times; further,
at the root of a front fillet weld, the stress concentration can reach 6-7 times those of other

46
Welding Design and Fabrication

portions in the weld. These stress concentrations affect fatigue strength rather than static
strength. The stresses raised in a weld by a load can be calculated according to the following
formula for a groove weld and fillet weld:

For determining throat thickness, the following methods are used:

(1) Groove weld

As illustrated in Fig. 4.6 (A), a complete joint penetration weld uses the thickness of the
base metal for the throat thickness. Where the weld joint consists of base metals with
dissimilar thicknesses, the smaller thickness is used as the throat thickness. The size of the
reinforcement is not included in the size of the throat. In the case of welds that have partial
penetration, the throat thickness is defined as the joint penetration or the total size of the
joint penetration where the weld is made on both sides of the joint as shown in Fig. 4.6 (B).

(2) Fillet weld

The throat thickness of a fillet weld in structural components placed at a right angle is
determined by the following formula. The "S" is the size of a fillet weld as in Fig. 4.6 (C).

When a fillet weld has unequal sizes, the smaller size is used for the calculation. Where a pair
of components do not make right angles, the following formula is used to determine the throat
thickness, where "θ" is the angle at which a pair of components make a skewed tee joint.

However, "θ" should be limited to 60°≦θ≦120˚, because where "θ" is out of this range, the
transmission of the applying force cannot be expected. As stated above, the strength of a fillet
weld is determined by using the throat thickness which is calculated using the size of the fillet.
However, the size can be substituted by the leg length of the fillet, because the leg length is
roughly equal to the size of the fillet. In practice, the throat thickness can be approximately
0.7 times the leg length. Fig. 4.7 shows definitions of fillet weld sizes.

47
Welding Design and Fabrication

Wel wel
rein r e en rein r e en
a1
a a a2

wel u in a = a 1 + a 2
Wel
rein r e en rein r e en

a1
a a a2

T- in a = a1 + a 2
a le a: r a e wel
A a: r e wel r a
e in ene ra i n r a
ar ial in ene ra i n

a a

0-
a
- 0
a

C a:aFille wel r a

Fig. 4.6 — Definition of throat thickness of welds

48
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.7 — Fillet weld sizes

4.3 Symbols for welding

In general, expected welds are shown on fabrication drawings with representations called
"welding symbols." Figs. 4.8 and 4.9 show the welding symbols used to represent butt joints
and fillet joints, respectively. Welding symbols convey the design requirements to the
workshop in a concise manner. A welding symbol can be used to specify the type of weld,
groove design, weld size, welding process, face and root contours, operation sequence, weld
length, and other information. For further information refer to JIS Z3021 (Symbolic
Representation of Welds), or AWS A2.4 (Standard Symbols for Welding, Brazing, and
Nondestructive Examination).

49
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.8 — Examples of welding symbols (Groove welds)

50
Welding Design and Fabrication

Fig. 4.9 — Examples of welding symbols (Fillet welds)

51
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.4 Welding positions

Welding positions are illustrated in Figs. 4.10, 4.11, and 4.12. Each welding position is
identified by the symbol in the parenthesis in accordance with the provision of ASME sec. IX.
The quality of welds and the work efficiency in vertical and overhead welding are generally
inferior to those in flat welding. Therefore, welding should be carried out in the flat position as
much as possible by positioning the work. Fig. 4.13 illustrates an example of positioning.

W l axi
El c o

W l

Fig. 4.10 — Welding positions used for groove welds

W l axi
El c o

W l

Fig. 4.11 — Welding positions for fillet welds

52
Welding Design and Fabrication

(1G) (5G)

(6G)

(2G)

Fig. 4.12 — Welding positions for pipe welds

Fig. 4.13 — Welding a flanged cylinder with a powered elevation positioner

53
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.5 Welding conditions

In performing welding, it is important to use the optimum welding conditions particularly
for welding current, voltage, and travel speed in consideration of the type of steel, plate
thickness, joint configuration, welding position and quality requirement. Welding current in
particular has a strong effect on the welding performance irrespective of the welding process.
An optimum welding current for each welding position is determined by each manufacturer of
welding consumables in consideration of three points: usability of the welding consumable,
soundness of the weld metal, and the mechanical properties of the weld metal. Therefore, it is
preferable to determine welding currents taking into account the manufacturer
recommendation. If either an excessively high or low current is used, even when no problem
seems apparent, welding defects may occur and eventually repair work will be needed.
Optimum current ranges for a covered electrode are shown in Fig. 4.14. As the diameter of an
electrode increases, the optimum current becomes higher, and its range becomes wider.
ere ele r e
Dia e er

Wel ing urren A

Fig. 4.14 — Optimum current ranges for an AWS E6019 electrode in flat position welding

54
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.6 Manipulation techniques in welding

(1) Shielded metal are welding
In the case of shielded metal arc welding, two methods are used to generate an arc, as
shown in Fig. 4.15. With the method shown in Fig. 4.15(A), an arc can be generated by putting
the tip of the electrode down lightly onto the surface of the base metal. Following the method
shown in Fig. 4.15 (B), to generate an arc, strike the tip of the electrode across the surface of
the base metal, as you would strike a match. In both methods, immediately after the arc is
generated, move the electrode to the starting point of welding, maintaining an appropriate arc
length.

Fig. 4.15 — Arc striking methods

Beads can be straight or weaving, depending on how the electrode is manipulated. A

straight bead can be obtained by moving the electrode in a straight line, keeping the electrode
in an angle as shown in Fig. 4.16. Straight beads are best suited for sheet metals, root pass,
and fillet welds.

Dragangle:
Drag
Drag angl
e
angle 0 - 0°

Fig. 4.16 — A straight bead in the flat position

55
Welding Design and Fabrication

In order to obtain a weld bead with a wide width, the weaving technique must be used:
move the electrode from side to side as welding progresses as shown in Fig. 4.17. If the
weaving technique is poor, the bead appearance will become uneven and cause welding defects
such as undercut and slag inclusions. The width of weaving should be limited to three times
the size of the electrode being used.

Dragangle
Drag angle
angle: 0 - 0°

Fig. 4.17 — A weaving bead in the flat position

In placing weld beads, how beads are joined is important. On making a bead junction, the
electrode must be manipulated so that the height of the junction is even with both the new
and preceding beads as shown in Fig. 4.18. When the arc is extinguished at the end of a bead,
the crater must be filled by using the crater treatment technique before cutting the arc. If not,
the crater will be left concave containing crater cracks and blowholes. Crater treatment is
performed by exposing the arc onto the crater to make it even with the weld bead surface.

A ea n ur a in

Fig. 4.18 — How to join weld beads Ar ri ing anner

56
Welding Design and Fabrication

(2) Gas metal arc welding

To perform gas metal arc welding, set a welding wire, adjust current, voltage and shielding
gas flow rate; then keep the torch at the position where the tip of the wire can clearly be seen
with an appropriate wire extension. To start an arc, as shown in Fig. 4.19 (A), place the tip of
the wire at the target on the base metal, lift the torch upward a little to keep the wire tip at a
standoff distance of about 3 mm as shown in Fig. 4.19 (B), and turn on the torch switch;
consequently, the shielding gas, wire and electricity are fed sequentially to generate an arc.

AApprox.
r x AApproxr. x 0

Fig. 4 19 — How to start an arc in gas metal arc welding

Since the gas metal arc welding process generates a strong arc and less slag, either the
forehand or backhand technique can be used as shown in Fig. 4.20. The forehand technique is
used for horizontal fillet welding, cover pass welding, and one-side welding, because the weld
contour is rather flat. The backhand technique is better for the filling pass in the flat position,
because the penetration is deeper.

The procedures for placing straight beads and weaving beads, the method of joining beads,
and crater treatment are similar to those in shielded metal arc welding.

0 - 0°: Push
Pu angle
angle Dragangle:
Drag angle 0 - 0°

Fig. 4.20 — A comparison between forehand welding and backhand welding

57
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.7 Residual stresses and distortion

Residual stresses are the stresses remaining in a structure as a result of thermal or
mechanical treatment or both. The stresses arise in fusion welding primarily, because the
melted material contracts on cooling from the solidus to room temperature. Residual stresses
in a weldment have two major effects. First, they produce distortion, and second, they may
cause premature failure. Distortion generates when the heated weld region contracts
irregularly to cause shrinkage in one part of the weld and to exert eccentric forces across the
weld section. The weldment strains elastically in response to these stresses, and these
irregular strains result in the welding distortion. There are a number of types of distortion, as
shown in Fig. 4.21; the magnitude of distortion depends on such factors as the type and size of
base metal and filler metal and the welding sequence.

A Tran er e rin age L ngi u inal rin age C L ngi u inal i ri n

Wel ing
Wel ing E R a i nal i ri n ire i n
ire i n

D Angular i ri n F u ling i ri n

Fig. 4.21 — Variations in welding distortion

Fig. 4.22 shows various methods to prevent welding distortion by using welding jigs. In
welding, the sequence of deposition and the order of welding should be determined to
minimize welding distortion. The sequence of deposition should thoroughly be examined in
order to minimize welding distortion. There are several sequences such as the forward,
backward, symmetrical and stepping stone methods as shown in Fig. 4.23.

58
Welding Design and Fabrication

In general, a structure to be welded has many welding lines. Consequently, if welding is

done in the wrong order, the structure may distort, and cracks may occur in it. Therefore, the
order of welding should thoroughly be examined beforehand, taking into account the welding
contraction and expansion.

Wedge

Fig. 4.22 — Some methods for preventing welding distortion

O erall wel ing ire i n O erall wel ing ire i n

A a war e Sy e ri al e

O erall wel ing ire i n O erall wel ing ire i n

Fig. 4.23 —
Deposition sequences C Se ing ne e D F rewar e

59
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.8 Preheating
As the thickness of a base metal increases, the welded portion tends to cool faster. As the
cooling rate of the weld increases, the weld tends to increase in hardness. As the hardness of
the weld increases, the ductility of the weld decreases. As a result, cold cracks such as root
cracks, toe cracks and underbead cracks can occur in the heat-affected zone of the base metal,
and longitudinal and transverse cracks can occur in the weld metal. The degree of the effect of
the cooling rate on the weld hardening depends on the chemical composition of the base metal
and weld metal. How much a particular type of metal will harden is known as "hardenability."
For example, mild steel has lower hardenability, but low alloy steel has higher hardenability.
In general, lower hardenability can lead to better weldability, and high hardenability can lead
to poor weldability.

In welding a metal that has high hardenability, the base metal should be preheated in
order to reduce the cooling rate of the weld, thereby preventing cold cracks. Preheating
temperatures must be determined in consideration of several factors such as welding heat
input, plate thickness, type of joint, the chemical composition of the base metal, the amount of
hydrogen in the weld metal, and the degree of restraint of the welding joint. Table 4.2 shows a
general recommendation on preheating temperatures for various metals. (In the case of copper
alloys, preheating is applied not to prevent cracking, but to improve usability for better fusion
and penetration)

Table 4.2 — General recommendations on preheating temperatures

for various types of metals

Kind of metal Preheating temperatures (℃)

HT 50 20 - 100
HT 60 60 - 100
HT 70 80 - 150
HT 80 100 - 180
Cast iron 150 - 300
0.5%Mo steel 100 - 200
Mn-Mo steel, Mn-Mo-Ni steel 150 - 250
0.5%Cr-0.5%Mo steel 150 - 250
1.25%Cr-0.5%Mo steel 150 - 300
2.25%Cr-1%Mo steel 200 - 350
5%Cr-0.5%Mo steel 250 - 350
9%Cr-1%Mo steel, 13%Cr-Mo steel 250 - 400
18%Cr steel 100 - 200
403 and 410 stainless steel 100 - 400
Bronze 150 - 200

Preheating can be performed with a gas torch using oxyacetylene, propane, or city gases.
Induction coils, infrared ray heaters, and electric furnaces are also often used. The entire work
should be preheated if possible; however, localized preheating can be applied too. For
measuring preheating temperatures, thermometers and the crayons that melt at specified
temperatures can be used.

60
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.9 Postweld heat treatment

As regards heat treatment carried out after welding is finished, stress relief heat treatment
is important. Stress relief heat treatment is usually called SR or PWHT (Postweld Heat
Treatment). In general, residual stresses can cause delayed cracking associated with diffusible
hydrogen and premature failure associated with applied stresses and can increase
susceptibility to corrosion cracking in fabricated structures. Therefore, in cases where residual
stresses are required to be removed, PWHT is applied. Residual stresses generated in welds
can be removed by heating the weldment at an elevated temperature for a specified period of
time, followed by gradual cooling. Heating temperatures for PWHT vary according to steel
materials and specified standards. Table 4.3 shows some examples of heating temperatures
and holding times for PWHT. As shown in the table, a thicker plate is required to be heated for
longer hours and Cr- and Mo-bearing steel materials are required to be heated at higher
temperatures in order to relieve residual stresses. The entire weldment should be heat-treated
if possible; however, localized heat treatment is often applied too.

Table 4.3 — Postweld heat treatment conditions for various types of steel (ANSI B31.3-90) (1)

P No. Heating temperatures

Kind of steel Holding time (h)
(2) (℃)
P1 Carbon steel 593 - 649 (3) 1 h for each 25.4 mm of
P3 C-0.5%Mo steel 593 - 718 (3) plate thickness, but min. 1 h.
P4 1.25%Cr-0.5%Mo steel 704 - 746
2.25%Cr-1%Mo steel 1 h for each 25.4 mm of
P5 5%Cr-0.5%Mo steel 704 - 760 plate thickness, but min. 2 h.
9%Cr-1%Mo steel
P9A 2.5%Ni steel 1 h for each 50.8 mm of
593 - 635
P9B 3.5%Ni steel plate thickness, but min. 1 h.
1 h for each 25.4 mm of
P11A 9%Ni steel 522 - 585
plate thickness, but min. 1 h.
Note: (1) ANSI: American National Standards Institute, B31.3, "Chemical Plants and Petroleum
Refinery Piping"
(2) Grouping of base metals for qualification per ASME sec. IX
(3) Substitute rules are specified in which lower temperatures can be used, provided
longer holding times are applied.

4.10 Welding defects and preventive measures

Because welding defects may impair the strength of a welded joint, they must be evaluated,
in the light of the relevant specifications and standards, as to whether they must be repaired
or they can be left. The causes of welding defects should thoroughly be investigated, and
proper measures for preventing their recurrence should be taken. Fig 4.24 shows various
welding defects which can occur, if welding procedures are not appropriate. Table 4.4 shows
the causes of typical welding defects and preventive measures in shielded metal arc welding.
Table 4.5 shows those in gas metal arc welding. Fig. 4.25 shows some examples of actual
welding defects.

61
Welding Design and Fabrication

(A)

(B)

Fig. 4.24 — Various welding defects occurring in a but weld and fillet weld

62
Welding Design and Fabrication

Table 4.4 — Typical welding defects in shielded metal arc welding of carbon steel and low-alloy steel

Kinds of welding defects Causes of welding defects Preventive measures

1. Arc blow disturbs the arc direction 1. Place the grounding at the welding-start
Undercut in DC welding. area of the base metal. Keep arc length
2. Welding current is too high. shorter. Use run-on and run-off tabs.
3. Welding speed is too fast. 2. Use proper welding currents.
4. Arc length is too long. 3. Use proper welding speeds.
5. Electrode drag angle is too large. 4. Keep arc length as short as the electrode
diameter.
5. Keep electrode at a proper drag angle.
(20 - 30 degree)

1. Welding current is too low. 1. Use proper welding currents.

Overlap 2. Welding speed is too slow. 2. Use proper welding speeds.
3. Arc length is too short. 3. Keep arc length as short as the electrode
4. Electrode drag angle is too small. diameter.
4. Keep electrode at a proper drag angle.
(20 - 30 degree)

1. Welding groove is contaminated 1. Remove dirt in the welding groove by

Porosity with rust, oil, paint, or moisture. using a grinder or gas flame.
including 2. Electrode covering picks up a large 2. Redry covered electrodes before use.
pits and blowholes amount of moisture.

1. Weaving width is too much. 1. Use proper weaving widths up to three

Slag inclusions 2. Welding current is too low. times the electrode diameter.
3. Slag remains in the preceding 2. Use proper welding currents.
layers 3. Remove slag completely.
4. Welding groove is too narrow. 4. Prepare the welding groove with a proper
5. Base metal is inclined downward to width.
welding direction in the flat position. 5. Keep base metal horizontally or use
higher welding speeds, using a higher
current.

1. Welding current is too low. 1. Use proper welding currents.

Incomplete fusion 2. Welding speed is too fast. 2. Use proper welding speeds.
3. Arc voltage is too high. 3. Keep arc length as short as the electrode
4. Welding groove is too narrow. diameter.
4. Prepare the welding groove with a proper
width.

Cold cracks 1. Electrode covering picks up a large 1. Redry covered electrodes before use.
(Mostly transverse amount of moisture. 2. Preheat base metal.
cracks, toe cracks, root 2. Cooling speed of weld is too fast.
cracks, and underbead
cracks, but possibly
longitudinal cracks)

Hot cracks 1. Welding current is too high. 1. Use proper welding currents.
(Mostly longitudinal 2. Welding groove is too narrow. 2. Prepare the welding groove with a proper
cracks, crater cracks, and width.
sulfur cracks, but possibly
transverse cracks)

63
Welding Design and Fabrication

Table 4.5 — Typical welding defects in gas metal arc welding of carbon steel and low-alloy steel

Kinds of welding defects Causes of welding defects Preventive measures

Undercut 1. Arc blow disturbs the arc direction. 1. Place the grounding at the welding-start
2. Welding current is too high. area of the base metal. Keep arc length
3. Arc voltage is too high. shorter. Use run-on and run-off tabs.
4. Welding speed is too fast. 2. Use proper welding currents.
5. The torch drag angle is too large. 3. Use proper arc voltages.
4. Use proper welding speeds.
5. Keep the torch at a proper drag angle.
(10 - 20 degree)

Overlap 1. Arc voltage is too low. 1. Use proper arc voltages.

2. Welding speed is too low. 2. Use proper welding speeds.
3. The torch drag angle is too small. 3. Keep the torch at a proper drag angle.
(10 - 20 degree)

Porosity 1. Too little shielding gas is fed, 1. Use a gas regulator with a built-in heater.
including because the gas regulator is frozen. 2. Remove spatter clogged inside the nozzle.
pits and blowholes 2. Too little shielding gas is fed, Use a spatter removal agent for the
because the nozzle is clogged with nozzle. Clean the orifice.
spatter. 3. Maintain the gas passage.
3. Shielding gas is contaminated with 4. Protect the welding area with a screen.
air, because the gas passage has a 5. Use a larger-size nozzle suited for the
leak. welding amperage.
4. Wind is too strong. 6. Use a shielding gas suitable for welding.
5. Too little shielding gas is fed, 7. Clean the welding groove, welding wire,
because the nozzle diameter is too and wire passage. If the wire has rust,
small. discard the rusted part.
6. Shielding gas contains moisture. 8. Keep the arc at a proper length.
7. Grease, oil, moisture, and rust are 9. Remove primer paint from the welding
adhered on the surfaces of the area. Use a suitable wire more resistible to
base metal, welding wire, and the the primer paint.
passage of the welding wire.
8. Arc is too long.
9. Primer paint coated on the surfaces
of the base metal.

Incomplete fusion 1. Welding current is too low. 1. Use proper welding currents.
2. Arc voltage is too low or too high. 2. Use proper arc voltages.
3. Welding speed is too fast or too 3. Use proper welding speeds.
slow. 4. Prepare the welding groove with a proper
4. Welding groove is too narrow. width.
5. The torch drag angle is too small. 5. Keep the torch at a proper drag angle.
(10 - 20 degree)

Cold cracks 1. Heat-affected zone is hardened 1. Apply preheating.

(Mostly transverse because of fast cooling speed. 2. Use a shielding gas suitable for welding.
cracks, toe cracks, root [Link] contained in a shielding Dry the surfaces of the groove.
cracks, and underbead gas and on the surfaces of the
cracks, but possibly groove.
longitudinal cracks)
Hot cracks 1. Welding current is too high. 1. Use proper welding currents.
(Mostly longitudinal 2. Arc voltage is too low. 2. Use proper arc voltages.
cracks, crater cracks, 3. Welding groove is too narrow. 3. Prepare the welding groove with a proper
and sulfur cracks, but width.
possibly transverse
crack)

64
Welding Design and Fabrication

(A) Undercut (B) Overlap

(C) Porosity (D) Slag inclusion

(E) Crater crack (F) Root crack

Fig. 4.25 — Examples of welding defects

65
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.11 Safety in welding

According to a Japanese national regulation, the Industrial Safety and Health Law, each
workshop is required to establish a system preventing labor accidents to secure the safety and
health of workers and to promote the establishment of a comfortable work environment. Since
welders work in a dangerous environment where high-temperature arc torches have to be
handled, they face many potential dangers: electric shock, eye troubles, skin burns, metal
fever, headache, fires, and explosions. Consequently, welders should be aware of accidents in
welding and preventive measures for their own safety. Table 4.6 summarizes possible
accidents in arc welding and preventive measures. Fig. 4.26 shows typical protective clothing.

Table 4.6 — Accidents in arc welding and preventive measures

Kinds of accidents Causes Preventive measures

Electric shock: High voltage: Maintain the electric leads, terminals,

death or injury by electric shock primary voltage: 200-220V holders, torches, and power sources

Keep work clothing dry.

secondary voltage: 65-95V to be insulated.

Wear leather gloves.

Burns: Strong visible rays, infrared Use goggles, shields with an

eye troubles and skin burns rays, and ultraviolet rays appropriate shade glass,

Spatter
generated from an arc. leather gloves, and other protective
clothes.

Headache and fever Fumes and gases Apply general ventilation or local

Use respirators.
ventilation.

Difficulty in breathing Oxygen shortage caused by a Apply adequate ventilation to assure

Use an air-supplied welding helmet.

shielding gas (inert gas or CO2 adequate oxygen for life support.
gas).

Fires Ignition of combustible Remove combustible substances

substances by an arc or spatter. completely in advance.

Explosions Ignition of explosive gases by Remove combustible and explosive

an arc or spatter. gases completely in advance.

Fig. 4.26 — Typical protective clothing in

gas metal arc welding

66
Welding Design and Fabrication

4.12 Welding costs

(1) Factors of cost estimation

The following are the basic factors for computing welding costs:
a) The cost of labor
b) The cost of welding consumables
c) The cost of electric power
d) The depreciation of welding equipment
e) The cost of accompanied work (testing, heat treatment, grinder finishing, etc.)
Among these costs, a), b) and c) are major and are directly related to the total mass of welds. In
order to calculate the major costs, the welding work time, the required quantity of welding
consumables, and the required electric power must be calculated in advance, which depend on
plate thickness, groove size, weld length, welding position, and welding amperage. By mechanizing
the welding process, the welding speed can be increased so that the welding time can be shorter.
However, the costs of mechanized welding equipment and for the work of setting up the equipment
must be added.

The costs of labor and welding consumables are the governing factors that affect the total
welding costs, which depend on the welding process. The following paragraphs provide
fundamental data for calculating the costs of labor and welding consumables.

(2) Welding work time

Welding work time can be obtained by the following formula:

Wt =[ C／α]×100

where Wt: Welding work time (min.)

C: Arc time (min.) = Deposited metal needed (g)／Deposition rate (g/min.)
α: Arc generation ratio (%): 5 - 40%

The arc time is the time needed for filling a welding groove with deposited metal. The
deposition rate can vary depending on the diameter of welding consumables, welding current,
welding process, and wire extension in the case of gas metal arc welding as shown in Fig. 4.27.
The arc generation ratio is the ratio of the arc time to the welding work time that includes
welding time, preparation time for welding, and time for postweld treatments. It is 30-40% in
the case of exclusive welders and around 10% for welders who are in charge of assembling
work in addition to performing welding.

Once you have calculated the welding work time (Wt), you can get the cost of labor by
multiplying it with unit price of labor (＠):

Labor cost = Wt × ＠

67
Welding Design and Fabrication

CO ar wel ing
li wire: 6φ
in

CO ar wel ing
li wire: φ
i i n ra e g
De

C ere
ele r e

Wel ing urren A

Fig. 4.27 — Deposition rates as a function of welding current

(  : wire extension)

(3) Required quantity of welding consumables

The required quantity of welding consumables to fill a given welding groove can be
obtained by the following formula. The quantities of welding consumables needed for fillet
welding and butt-welding are shown in Tables 4.7 and 4.8 respectively for quicker estimation.

Wd = [(A + B) x L xρ／η] x 100

where Wd: Required quantity of welding consumables (g)

A: Sectional area of a groove (cm2)
B: Sectional area of reinforcement (cm2), A×0.2
L: Weld length (cm)
ρ: Specific gravity of deposited metal, 7.85 g/ cm3 for carbon steel and low-alloy steel
η: Deposition efficiency (%), 55% for covered electrodes, 95% for solid wires

Once you have calculated the required quantity of welding consumables (Wd), you can get
the cost of welding consumables by multiplying it with the unit price of a welding consumable
(＠):

Welding consumable cost = Wd × @

68
Welding Design and Fabrication

Table 4.7 — Estimated quantity of welding consumables needed for fillet welding (1)

Leg length Shielded metal arc welding CO2 arc welding

(mm)

Quantity of covered electrodes Quantity of solid wires needed

needed for 1-m length of weld for 1-m length of weld
(kg/m) (kg/m)

3 0.077 0.044
4 0.137 0.079
5 0.214 0.124
6 0.308 0.179
7 0.419 0.243
8 0.548 0.317
9 0.693 0.402
10 0.856 0.496
11 1.036 0.600
12 1.232 0.714
Note: (1) Computed by using the following simplified formulas for fillet welding provided
the reinforcement areas and leg lengths are determined as shown in
the following figures.
For covered electrodes:

For solid wires:

496

Table 4.8 — Estimated quantity of welding consumables needed for butt welding (1)
Quantity of covered electrodes needed Quantity of solid wires needed for 1-m
Groove sizes for 1-m length of weld in shielded metal length of weld in CO2 arc welding, (kg/m)
arc welding, (kg/m)
θ c (mm)
(deg) 0 1 2 3 4 0 1 2 3 4
b (mm)
0 1.18 1.00 0.82 0.67 0.53 0.68 0.58 0.47 0.37 0.30
1.0 1.36 1.16 0.98 0.84 0.62 0.78 0.67 0.57 0.48 0.40
1.5 1.44 1.25 1.07 0.93 0.78 0.83 0.73 0.62 0.53 0.45
60 2.0 1.53 1.33 1.16 1.00 0.87 0.88 0.77 0.67 0.58 0.50
2.5 1.60 1.42 1.24 1.09 0.95 0.93 0.82 0.72 0.63 0.55
3.0 1.69 1.51 1.33 1.18 1.04 0.98 0.87 0.77 0.68 0.60
4.0 1.85 1.67 1.51 1.34 1.20 1.07 0.97 0.87 0.78 0.69
0 1.44 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.64 0.83 0.69 0.58 0.46 0.37
1.0 1.60 1.36 1.16 0.98 0.80 0.93 0.79 0.67 0.57 0.46
1.5 1.69 1.45 1.25 1.05 0.89 1.02 0.89 0.77 0.66 0.57
70 2.0 1.76 1.55 1.33 1.15 0.98 1.07 0.95 0.82 0.72 0.61
2.5 1.85 1.64 1.42 1.24 1.05 1.13 0.99 0.87 0.76 0.66
3.0 1.95 1.71 1.51 1.31 1.15 1.22 1.09 0.97 0.86 0.76
4.0 2.11 1.89 1.67 1.49 1.31 1.52 1.39 1.25 1.16 1.06
Note: (1) The groove configuration is as shown below.

69
Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

5. Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

Welding can be described as metal production or metallurgy in which melting, refining

and casting are performed in an extremely short time. In arc welding, the base metal is locally
melted together with a welding consumable by the arc heat and solidified, creating the weld
metal. The weldability of a base metal and a welding consumable basically govern the quality
of welded joints. Therefore, in welding engineering, the knowledge of welding metallurgy and
weldability is very important.

5.1 Types and features of base metals

Most metals used commonly can be welded successfully, provided proper welding
procedures are used. These metals can be categorized into ferrous and non-ferrous; each of
them can be further classified into various types based on chemical composition and
mechanical properties. Fig. 5.1 outlines a classification of metals used in welding. The
majority of metals used for general applications are carbon steel, and they can be classified as
follows by the amount of carbon: (1) Low-carbon steel (less than 0.30%C), (2) Medium-carbon
steel (0.30-0.50%C), and (3) High-carbon steel (0.50-2.0%C). Because the hardness of steel
materials increases as the amount of carbon increases, low-carbon steel is often referred to as
mild steel, medium-carbon steel as semi-hard steel, and high-carbon steel as hard steel. Table
5.1 shows a classification of carbon steel materials by hardness.

Or inary eel Car n eel

Wea er r eel
S eel Hig reng eel
L w-all y eel
L w- e era ure eel
S e ial eel Hea -re i an eel

Ferr u S ainle eel

Hig -all y eel Hig angane e eel
Me al Hig ni el eel
Or inary a ir n
Ca ir n
S e ial a ir n
N n- err u Ni el all y C er all y Alu inu all y

Fig. 5.1 — Classification of metals

Table 5.1 — Classification of carbon steel by hardness

Carbon Yield Tensile Elonga- Hardness
Classification content strength strength tion Usage
2
(%) (N/mm ) (N/mm2) (%) (HB)
Ultra-dead mild steel 0.08 max. 176-274 314-353 30-40 95-100 Sheet metals
Dead mild steel 0.08-0.12 196-284 353-412 30-40 80-120 Electrodes, Wires
Mild steel 0.12-0.20 216-294 372-470 24-36 100-130 Structural materials
Semi-mild steel 0.20-0.30 235-353 431-539 22-32 112-145
Semi-hard steel 0.30-0.40 294-392 490-588 17-30 140-170 Machinery, Tools, Rails,
Hard steel 0.40-0.50 333-451 568-686 14-26 160-200 Springs, Piano wires,
Ultra-hard steel 0.50-0.80 353-461 637-980 11-20 180-235 Dies

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Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

Carbon steel is an iron-carbon alloy, and it usually contains silicon (Si) and manganese
(Mn) by which its mechanical properties can be considerably improved. They also contain such
impurities as phosphorous (P) and sulfur (S). These impurities adversely affect the toughness
and weldability of steel materials. Carbon has a remarkable influence upon the weldability
and mechanical properties of steel materials. Fig. 5.2 shows the effects of carbon content on
the mechanical properties of carbon steel.

rinell ar ne

alue g -
g
g

Re u i n area %
Ten ile reng
reng

El nga i n %

C ar y i a
Yiel

Car n n en %

Fig. 5.2 — Relationship between carbon content and

mechanical properties of carbon steel

5.2 Metallurgical features of welds

The maximum temperature of a welding arc is as high as 5,000 to 6,000℃. The base metal
near the arc is heated and melted by this heat in welding. The weld is rapidly heated to high
temperatures and quickly cooled after removal of the arc. Fig. 5.3 shows a weld, which consists
of the weld metal made from deposited metal and the melted part of the base metal, the
heat-affected zone of the base metal subjected to the arc heat cycle, and the unaffected (by the
arc heat) zone of the base metal.

Fig. 5.3 — A macro-section of weld

71
Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

5.2.1 Features of weld metal

A filler metal is almost uniformly fused together with part of the base metal by the arc heat
to form a molten weld metal in the welding groove; as the molten weld metal solidifies, it
creates a columnar structure. This process of solidification is similar to that of casting in steel
production. In the solidification process of the molten weld metal, columnar crystals develop
from the fusion lines, the base metal to molten weld metal interfaces, toward the central part
of the molten weld metal due to a temperature gradient inside the molten weld metal.

The quality of weld metal varies depending upon heat input, heat cycle, chemical
composition of deposited metal and base metal, and the ratio of weld metal dilution by base
metal. Fig. 5.4 shows the relationship between heat input and the mechanical properties of
the weld metal of high strength steel. This figure clearly shows that tensile strength and
impact strength decrease as the heat input increases.

16

14

12
g-

Ten ile reng Te ing

90
10 e era ure ℃
r e energy

80 8 0
g

a i e -gr e
6 -20
S reng

70
0 % r re
4 -40
A

Final i e -gr e
60
2 -60

0 0 0 0 40 0 60 0 0 0 0 40 0 60
Hea in u J Hea in u J
A Hea in u 0 %PS an TS Hea in u i a energy

Fig. 5.4 — Relationship between heat input and mechanical properties of high strength
weld metal in shielded metal arc welding

72
Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

The ratio of weld metal dilution by base metal can vary from 10 to 20% in shielded metal
arc welding. The dilution ratio increases to 50-60% in one-sided submerged arc welding. Thus,
the chemical composition of the base metal affects the quality of the weld metal to a greater
extent in submerged arc welding. In cases where there is a remarkable difference between the
chemical composition of the base metal and that of the deposited metal, as observed in welding
a dissimilar-metal joint, it should be noted that the quality of the weld metal can change
remarkably depending on the depth of penetration or dilution. Fig. 5.5 shows how to
determine the dilution ratios.

Dilu i n y Me al A % Dilu i n y Me al C %

Dilu i n y Me al %

T al ilu i n %

Fig. 5.5 — Determination of the dilution ratios of welds

5.2.2 Features of the heat-affected zone (HAZ)

The heat-affected zone of a base metal adjacent to the weld metal is developed by heating
at temperatures close to its melting point and by subsequent cooling to room temperature in a
very short time. The cooling rate affects the hardness, crystal grain size and mechanical
properties of the heat-affected zone. The cooling rate decreases with increases in the heat
input and the base metal temperature. The cooling rate increases as the thickness of the base
metal increases. The maximum temperature and the cooling rate of the heat-affected zone
vary depending on the location in the heat-affected zone. Due to such thermal variations, the
metallurgical structure varies within the heat-affected zone of a base metal. Table 5.2 shows
the categories of the metallurgical structures of a mild steel weld. Fig. 5.6 shows the
microstructures of a 0.35%C-steel weld.

73
Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

Table 5.2 — Structural categories of a mild steel weld

Structural category Heating temperature range Remarks
(℃)
Weld metal More than 1500 Dendrite structure solidified from the molten
state.

Fusion zone More than 1450 Base metal is partially melted and partially
overheated without melting, resulting in
extreme coarse grains and hardened structure.

Coarse grain zone 1450-1250 Coarse and hardened structure.

Intermediate grain zone 1250-1100 Intermediate structure between coarse grain

and fine grain zones.

Fine grain zone 1100-900 Fine grain structure provided by the AC3
transformation.

Granular pearlite zone 900-750 Granular pearlite structure provided by heating

at temperatures between AC1 and AC3.

Brittle zone 750-200 Embrittled structure.

Unaffected zone of base metal 200-Room temperature As-manufactured structure.

A Wel e al an C ar e grain an C Fine grain ne

ar e grain ne in er e ia e grain ne

D Fine grain an E na e e ne
granular earli e ne

Fig. 5.6 — Microstructures of a 0.35%C steel weld

74
Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

Heat-affected zones can harden as a result of rapid cooling in welding. Fig. 5.7 shows
hardness distributions of a weld. Because of high cooling rate, considerable hardening occurs
at the portion adjacent to the fusion line in the heat-affected zone.

Di an e r e en er e wel

Di an e r e en er e wel

Fig. 5.7 — Hardness distributions of a 50HT steel weld

(Base metal: 20-mm thick plate; 0.20%C, 1.38%Mn, 0.2%Si; 170A, 25V, 15 cm/min.)

Hardening in the heat-affected zone may cause cracking due to decreased ductility.
Therefore, it is desirable to limit the hardness to a minimum level to ensure better weldability.
The maximum hardness of heat-affected zone is governed by the alloying elements contained
in the base metal and the cooling rate in welding. Though the maximum hardness is governed
mainly by the carbon content in a base metal, other alloying elements also affect the hardness
at a low or high degree. The carbon equivalent can be obtained by totaling the carbon content
and the degrees of influence of other alloying elements in comparison with that of carbon. The
following formula is commonly used for evaluating the hardening of welds:

where Ceq: Carbon equivalent,

C, Mn, Si, Ni, Cr, Mo: Percentage of each element contained in steel

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Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

The relationship between the maximum hardness and the carbon equivalent of a 20-mm
thick plate of mild steel and high strength steel is shown in Fig. 5.8. Using the carbon
equivalent the maximum hardness can be estimated by the following formula:

Hv (max) = (666 x Ceq + 40) ±40

where Hv: Vickers hardness

Fig. 5.8 ― Relationship between maximum hardness of welds

and carbon equivalent of mild steel and high strength steel

As the carbon equivalent of the base metal increases the maximum hardness of the weld
becomes higher and the weld becomes more susceptible to underbead cracking as shown in Fig.
5.9.

Fig. 5.9 ― Relationship between carbon

equivalent and underbead cracking under
the following testing conditions:

Base metal: C-Mn steel, 38-mm thick

Electrode: E6010, 3.2mmφ
Welding conditions: 100A, 25V, 25cm/min
Bead length: 32mm

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Welding Metallurgy and Weldability

The maximum hardness of the heat-affected zone is influenced by plate thickness, heat input,
and preheating temperature, besides the carbon equivalent. Fig. 5.10 shows the relationship
between preheating temperature and maximum hardness with different amounts of heat input by
different welding processes. It reveals that the higher the preheating temperature and the heat
input, the lower the maximum hardness.

Fig. 5.10 — Relationship between preheating temperature and maximum hardness

of welds with different amounts of heat input by different welding processes
(Base metal: carbon steel)

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

6. Test and Inspection of Weldment

A welded structure must be safe and reliable. It is often said that the integrity of a
weldment can be achieved when welding design, welding fabrication, material, and welding
skill are all appropriate. A welded structure can be suited for an application only when the
operational conditions of the application are taken into account in the welding design and
fabrication. But such care does not necessarily guarantee the quality of the welded structure,
because welding always brings about some metallurgical changes, distortion, and stresses.
Accordingly, testing and inspection are needed in order to confirm that the weldment meets
the requirements.

In testing, a weldment is examined according to a specified procedure, and the test results
are presented in a certain written format. In inspection, the test results are checked whether
they satisfy the criteria of the specification, and they have to be judged by an inspector.
Various tests and inspections are carried out according to the specification required,
considering the type of structure and such environmental factors as operational temperature,
corrosion and mechanical wear involved in the operation. Inspection should be conducted
throughout the period of time during the welding fabrication. Table 6.1 shows various
inspection items that should be inspected at every stage of the welding fabrication.

Table 6.1 — Inspection items and contents for welding fabrication

Inspection stages Contents of inspection
Before welding (1) Welding equipment Confirm the perfection of welding power sources, their
accessories, jigs, etc.

(2) Welding consumables Confirm the size, chemical composition, mechanical

properties, usability, and weldability of the welding
consumables to be used.

(3) Base metals Confirm the chemical composition, mechanical properties,

and heat treatment of the base metals to be used.

(4) Welding joints Confirm the groove angle, root opening, and surface
condition of the welding joints.
Confirm the perfection of tack weld beads.

(5) Welding and related Confirm the required conditions of welding, preheating,
operations post-heating, and postweld heat treatment.

(6) Welder's and welding Confirm the qualification status and experience of the
operator's skill welders and welding operators to be involved.

During welding (1) Welding defects and Check bead appearance layer by layer, and check the
distortion distortion occurred in the weldment.

(2) Welding conditions Check welding currents, arc voltages, pass sequences,
welding positions, and preheat and interpass temperatures.

After welding (1) Confirm the perfection of postweld heat treatment.

(2) Investigate welding defects, distortion, and the size accuracy of the weldment.

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

Ten i n e
en e
Me ani al e Har ne e
I a e
Fa igue e
De ru i e e Cree e
C e i al analy i
C e i al e C rr i n e
Di u i le y r gen e

Ma r - ru ure e
S ru ure e Mi r - ru ure e
Te ing e Fra ure ur a e e

Vi ual e
Ra i gra i e
l ra ni e
N n e ru i e e
Magne i ar i le e
Pene ran e
E y urren e
Pre ure e
Lea e
A u i e i i n e
S un e

Fig. 6.1 — Classification of testing methods

6.1 Destructive tests

Destructive tests aim to examine the mechanical, chemical, and metallurgical properties of
a weldment by breaking, deforming, or chemically processing test specimens removed from a
welded joint. These tests are considered to be a direct method of examining the qualities of the
weldment. The destructive tests can be classified into mechanical tests, chemical tests, and
structure tests as shown in Fig. 6.1. The destructive tests are often used to confirm whether or
not specific welding procedures can produce the required qualities of the weldment. The
following sections outline the major destructive tests.

6.1.1 Mechanical tests

(1) Tension test
Tension tests examine yield strength, tensile strength, elongation and reduction in area by
stretching a tension test specimen until it ruptures as shown in Figs. 6.2 and 6.3. The tension
tests of a weld metal and a welded joint are conducted according to the specification to be
followed. For fillet welds, the shearing strength of fillet joints is examined, using a tension test
machine.

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

Fig. 6.2 — A Tension test specimen after test

Fig. 6.3 — A tension test machine

(2) Bend test

Bend tests examine the ductility of welds and whether they contain welding defects or not.
Bend test specimens are usually removed from butt weld joints so that the weld is
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the specimen. In bend tests, three different types of
specimens are used, depending on the surface to be tested: face-bend specimens, root-bend
specimens, and side-bend specimens. The bend tests include the roller bend test, guide bend
test, and free bend test. Fig. 6.4 shows the tension surfaces of side bend specimens after a
roller bend test was conducted by using a bend test machine as shown in Fig. 6.5.

Fig. 6.4 — Side bend specimens

after test

Fig. 6.5 — A bend test machine

for roller bend test

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

(3) Impact test

Metals can be fractured in the ductile mode or brittle mode. The fracture of a metal with
plastic deformation in standard tensile testing and slow bend testing is considered ductile
fracture. Ductile metals (as judged by tensile or bend tests), however, may fracture with little
or no plastic deformation, when subjected to critical testing or service conditions. This type of
fracture is considered brittle fracture. The critical conditions depend on the fracture toughness
of the metal. The brittle fracture is considered more dangerous because a high-velocity failure
takes place in steel structures. Three factors markedly influence the behavior of a metal in
terms of brittle fracture; namely, (1) the presence of a notch in the metal, (2) the temperature
of the metal, and (3) the residual and applied stresses in the metal. For examining the
fracture toughness of a weldment, various testing methods are available. In particular,
Charpy impact testing of V-notch specimens is most widely used. Fig. 6.6 shows the fracture
surfaces of Charpy impact specimens, and Fig. 6.7 shows a Charpy impact test machine.

Fig. 6.6 — Fracture surfaces of Charpy

impact test specimens after test

Fig. 6.7 — A Charpy impact test machine

(4) Hardness test

The hardness of a weld is the ability to resist indentation or penetration by the point of a
material that is harder than the weld being tested. The hardness test is required to confirm
whether or not the weld is hard enough to resist mechanical wearing, or whether or not the
weld is ductile enough to stresses, depending on the usage of the weldment. Four different
methods of measuring hardness are in use depending upon the requirement: Brinell, Rockwell,
Vickers, and Shore hardness. In particular, Vickers hardness is most suitable to measure the
hardness distribution in a weld. A Vickers hardness tester, as shown in Fig. 6.8, uses a sharp
diamond quadrangular pyramid for the indenter which is applied under a standard load, and
measures the hardness from the amount of penetration into the weld.

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

Fig. 6.8 — A Vickers hardness tester

6.1.2 Structural test

(1) Macrostructure test
Macrostructure test is conducted by naked eyes to examine the penetration of a weld, the
status of weld layers, the size of the heat-affected zone, and the occurrence of welding defects.
In preparing a macrostructure specimen, the cross section of a weld is finished smooth and
etched by applying a suitable etching acid (such as 5% picric acid or nitric acid for carbon steel
and low-alloy steel). Fig. 6.9 shows a macrostructure of weld.

(2) Microstructure test

In this test, the cross section of a weld is smoothly polished, etched with a suitable etching
acid, and magnified by 100 to 1000 times with an optical microscope. Crystallized
microstructure, minute cracks and inclusions in the specimen are investigated. Electron
microscopes are used for investigation by high magnification of over 1000 times. Fig. 6.10
shows the microstructure of a ferritic deposited metal magnified by 200 times.

Fig. 6.9 — A macrostructure of weld Fig. 6.10 — A microstructure of

deposited metal (x 200)

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

6.2 Nondestructive tests

In order to guaranty the quality of a welded structure, it is indispensable to know what

welding defects may or may not exist in the welds. For this purpose, a welded structure could
be examined by using a destructive test after fabrication; however, the tested structure
becomes out of use if it is fractured by the test. Therefore, destructive tests are conducted for
test specimens, not for a product (except for the sampling test for small products). Since
finished products should never be fractured by a test, it is important to examine the
soundness of welds without breaking them. For this purpose, nondestructive tests are
conducted.

Nondestructive tests can detect defects in welds by utilizing radiation, ultrasonic waves,
electricity, magnetism, or light. The following paragraphs outline the main nondestructive
tests.

6.2.1 Visual test (VT)

A visual test examines bead appearance, width and thickness; welding defects such as
undercut, overlap, cracks, pits, and slag inclusions in the surfaces of the welds; and whether
the throat is as thick as specified, and the misalignment is within the allowance. This test is
simple, inexpensive, and is capable of examining many weld zones at one time. Therefore, it is
commonly applied to all welds.

6.2.2 Radiographic test (RT)

When an accelerated electron hits a target of heavy metal, the radiation emanates. This
radiation is a kind of electromagnetic wave; and the shorter the wavelength, the stronger its
penetrative capacity. A method to detect defects inside welds utilizing this penetrable capacity is
called the X-ray test. Weld zones can also be examined utilizing the radioactive isotopes (60Co;
192Ir, etc.) that emit γ -rays. These two methods using X-rays and γ -rays are called the
radiographic test. For the radiographic test, an X-ray emanating device of 150-400 KVP (Kilo Volt
Peak) is used. It makes X-rays penetrate into the weld zone in such a way as shown in Fig. 6.11.
Fig. 6.12 shows an X-ray unit.

The extent of X-ray penetration varies depending on the kind and thickness of the test material.
The radiation intensity changes at where there is a welding defect, reflecting a change in
photosensitivity. The radiation intensity becomes denser at most defects except for tungsten
inclusions. Darker portions in the negative film indicate the existence of such defects as blowholes,
lack of fusion, lack of penetration, slag inclusions, cracks, and undercut. A brighter spot in the
negative film indicates a tungsten inclusion, because tungsten absorbs the radiation at a high
degree. In taking radiophotographs, an Image Quality Indicator (I.Q.I.) and contrastmeter are
used in order to confirm the quality of radiophotographs.

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

X-ray source

Fig. 6.12 — An X-ray unit and a weld for RT

Fig. 6.11 — Arrangement of equipment and

materials in RT

6.2.3 Ultrasonic test (UT)

The ultrasonic test is a detection method which causes an inaudible, short sonic wave of
0.5-15 MHZ (megahertz) to penetrate the object to be tested. The ultrasonic wave is reflected
from an internal defect or uneven layer. The principle of UT is outlined in Fig. 6.13, and Fig.
6.14 shows an apparatus for UT.

Fig. 6.13 — Principle of ultrasonic pulse reflection

Fig. 6.14 — An ultrasonic test unit

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

6.2.4 Magnetic particle test (MT)

Irons and ferritic steels can easily be magnetized by a magnet. Therefore, if there is any defect
on or near the surfaces of a weldment, the magnetic poles will be developed on both sides of the
defect, producing the leaked magnetic flux as shown in Fig. 6.15. When fine magnetic particles are
brought near the periphery of this magnetic flux, the particles are magnetized, and the magnetic
poles are developed at both ends of each particle as shown in Fig. 6.16. The magnetic power acts
through the magnetic poles of the particles and defective zone. Consequently, the particles are
connected each other to develop a particle pattern like a chain. For the magnetic particle, either a
dry powder or liquid suspension powder is used.

By using this method, defects such as cracks and porosity which are open to or close to the
surface of a weldment can be detected. Minute defects cannot easily be detected, and this method is
not applicable to austenitic stainless steel weldments and other nonmagnetic materials. For this
test, both the yoke method and the prod method as shown in Fig. 6.17 are widely used since they
are portable. The prod method, however, is not suitable for testing high strength steels, because
this method tends to generate an arc during testing; the arc may cause hair cracks in the test
assembly.

(A) Surface defect (B) Sub-surface defect

Fig. 6.15 — Leaked magnetic flux lines caused by defects Fig. 6.16 — Magnetic particle chain

Fig. 6.17 — Typical MT methods

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

6.2.5 Penetrant test (PT)

The penetrant test uses fluorescent or red penetrant to visualize defects that open to the
surface of a weld zone, such as cracks and pits. Fig. 6.18 shows the procedure of the penetrant
test. If there is any defect that is open to the surface of a weld, the applied penetrant
penetrates into it. After it has fully penetrated the surface is cleaned with water or solvent
depending on the type of penetrant. When a developing solution is applied the penetrant left
in the defect comes to the surface exhibiting an indication pattern. The pattern is easily
identifiable because it is either fluorescent (fluorescent penetrant test) or red (dye penetrant
test) depending on the type of penetrant. In this test, even a minute defect can easily be
detected.

Vi i le
Su i i le ra Pene ran De el er in i a i n

A Cleane ur a e Pene ran a lie C Ex e re e D De el er a lie

Fig. 6.18 — Penetrant test procedure

6.2.6 Applicability of nondestructive tests (Excerpted from AWS B1.10:1999)

Table 6.2 relates nondestructive tests to the various types of discontinuities. Other factors
must also be considered before the examination method may be reliably chosen for consistent
results. For example, the shape of the weld, the compatibility of the material with the chosen
method, and the welding process all affect the choice of method. Table 6.3 relates joint types to
applicable nondestructive test method. Further information is necessary before a preferred
method can be chosen. Material type and shape, welding process, criticality level of the
weldment, and unacceptable discontinuity types must be considered in selecting the most
suitable examination method. RT, UT, PT, MT, and VT stand for radiographic test, ultrasonic
test, penetrant test, magnetic particle test, and visual test, respectively.

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Test and Inspection of Weldment

Table 6.2 ― Nondestructive tests vs. discontinuities

Discontinuities RT UT PT MT VT
Porosity A O A(1) O(2) A(1)
Slag inclusions A O A O(2) A(1)
Incomplete fusion O A U O(2) O(1)
Incomplete joint penetration A A U O(2) O(1)
Undercut A O A O A
Overlap U O A A O
Cracks O A A(1) A(2) A(1)
Note (1) Surface
(2) Surface and slightly subsurface
A: Applicable method
O: Marginal applicability (depending on other factors such as material thickness,
discontinuity size, orientation, and location)
U: Usually not used

Table 6.3 ― Nondestructive tests vs. weld joint types

Types of weld joints RT UT PT MT VT
Butt joints A A A A A
Corner joints O A A A A
Tee joints O A A A A
Lap joints O O A A A
Edge joints O O A A A
Note A: Applicable method
O: Marginal applicability (depending on other factors such as material thickness,
discontinuity size, orientation, and location)

87