Welding is a skill that requires both knowledge and practice. To produce a strong and durable weld, you need to follow some basic rules on welding angle, direction, and speed. These rules affect the quality, appearance, and penetration of the weld. In this article, we will explain what these rules are and how to apply them to different welding processes and positions.
I. What are welding angle, direction, and speed?
Welding angle, direction, and speed are three important factors that influence the shape, size, and fluidity of the weld pool. The weld pool is the molten metal that forms between the workpieces or the workpiece edges when welding.
Welding angle refers to the angle between the welding electrode (or wire) and the workpiece. It affects the distribution of heat and filler metal in the weld pool. A proper welding angle can ensure good fusion and penetration of the base metal.
Welding direction refers to the direction of travel of the welding electrode (or wire) along the joint. It affects the shape and appearance of the weld bead. A proper welding direction can prevent undercutting, slag inclusion, and porosity in the weld.
Welding speed refers to the rate of travel of the welding electrode (or wire) along the joint. It affects the size and depth of the weld pool. A proper welding speed can balance the heat input and the cooling rate of the weld.
II. Why are welding angle, direction, and speed important?
Welding angle, direction, and speed are important because they determine the quality and strength of the weld. If you use the wrong angle, direction, or speed, you may encounter some common welding defects, such as:
Lack of fusion: This occurs when the weld metal does not fully bond with the base metal, leaving gaps or voids in the weld. It can be caused by a too-low welding angle, a too-fast welding speed, or a wrong welding direction.
Lack of penetration: This occurs when the weld metal does not reach the desired depth in the base metal, leaving a weak weld. It can be caused by a too-high welding angle, a too-fast welding speed, or a wrong welding direction.
Excessive penetration: This occurs when the weld metal penetrates too deep into the base metal, leaving a convex or concave weld. It can be caused by a too-low welding angle, a too-slow welding speed, or a wrong welding direction.
Spatter: This occurs when the molten metal splashes out of the weld pool, leaving small droplets on the workpiece or the surrounding area. It can be caused by a too-high welding angle, a too-fast welding speed, or a wrong welding direction.
To avoid these defects, you need to follow some key rules on welding angle, direction, and speed for different welding processes and positions. In the following sections, we will discuss these rules in detail.
III. How to choose the right welding angle, direction, and speed?
The welding angle, direction, and speed depend on the type of welding process, the position of the weld, and the thickness of the metal. There is no one-size-fits-all rule for these factors, but there are some general guidelines that you can follow. Here are some examples:
Stick welding: Stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), uses a consumable electrode coated with flux to create an electric arc and melt the metal. For stick welding, you should use a drag or backhand technique, which means moving the electrode away from the direction of travel. This allows the flux to create a protective gas shield around the weld pool and prevent oxidation. The welding angle should be between 60° and 90° for flat and horizontal positions, and between 45° and 60° for vertical and overhead positions. The welding speed should be slow enough to allow the electrode to melt completely and fill the joint, but fast enough to avoid excessive penetration and spatter.
MIG welding: MIG welding, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), uses a continuous wire feed and an inert gas shield to create an electric arc and melt the metal. For MIG welding, you can use either a push or forehand technique, which means moving the wire toward the direction of travel, or a pull or drag technique, which means moving the wire away from the direction of travel. The push technique is preferred for thin metals and flat positions, as it creates a flatter and wider weld bead. The pull technique is preferred for thicker metals and vertical or overhead positions, as it creates a deeper and narrower weld bead. The welding angle should be between 10° and 15° for the push technique, and between 15° and 20° for the pull technique. The welding speed should be fast enough to avoid overheating and burn-through but slow enough to ensure good fusion and penetration.
TIG welding: TIG welding, also known as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas shield to create an electric arc and melt the metal. For TIG welding, you should use a push or forehand technique, which means moving the electrode toward the direction of travel. This allows the gas shield to protect the weld pool and the filler metal from contamination. The welding angle should be between 10° and 20° for all positions. The welding speed should be slow enough to allow the filler metal to flow smoothly and evenly into the joint, but fast enough to avoid sagging and distortion.
These are some of the key rules on welding angle, direction, and speed for different welding processes and positions. By following these rules, you can improve your welding skills and produce high-quality welds. However, remember that these rules are not absolute, and you may need to adjust them according to the specific situation and your personal preference. The best way to learn is to practice and experiment with different settings and techniques until you find what works best for you.
Related articles
1. Arc Length, Weld Speed and Welding Current
2. Tips for Out-of-position Welding
3. 9 Tips for Welding Thin Gauge Sheet Metal
4. What are the 4 Basic Welding Positions and How to Choose the Right One?
5. Tips for Setting MIG Welding Parameters for Thin Materials
