Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Flashcards
7 cards from real AWS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) flashcards as text
What does the term 'flux basicity index' measure in Submerged Arc Welding?
Answer: The ratio of basic to acidic oxide components in the flux
The basicity index (BI) is calculated from the ratio of basic to acidic oxide constituents in the flux and indicates the flux's ability to refine the weld metal and control impurities.
In SAW, increasing amperage (wire feed speed) primarily affects which weld characteristic?
Answer: Depth of penetration
Increasing amperage increases the heat input and current density at the wire tip, which primarily drives deeper penetration into the base metal.
Which of the following base metals is NOT commonly welded using the SAW process?
Answer: Aluminum alloys
Aluminum alloys are not suited for SAW because appropriate flux systems for aluminum SAW are not commercially practical, and the process is not specified in standard AWS aluminum welding codes.
Flux for Submerged Arc Welding must be properly dried before use primarily to prevent:
Answer: Porosity and hydrogen-induced cracking
Moisture in SAW flux decomposes at the arc to produce hydrogen, which can cause porosity and hydrogen-induced (cold) cracking, particularly in higher-strength steels.
What is the purpose of using a copper backing bar in SAW root pass welding?
Answer: To prevent burn-through and support the weld pool on single-sided welds
A copper backing bar supports the molten weld pool on single-sided groove welds, prevents burn-through, and helps form a smooth root bead without requiring back-gouging.
In tandem SAW, two wire electrodes are used in a single weld puddle. What is the primary benefit?
Answer: Significantly increased deposition rates and travel speeds
Tandem SAW uses two electrodes in the same weld pool to roughly double the deposition rate and travel speed compared to single-wire SAW, increasing productivity on heavy fabrications.
According to AWS A5.17, the flux classification designation 'F7A2' indicates:
Answer: Minimum 70 ksi tensile strength, as-welded condition, Charpy V-notch impact at -20°F
In AWS A5.17, 'F7' indicates the weld metal tensile strength (70 ksi min), 'A' indicates as-welded condition, and '2' indicates minimum Charpy V-notch impact value at -20°F.