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
In SAW, what is the primary purpose of the flux layer covering the arc?
Answer: To shield the arc and molten pool from atmospheric contamination
The flux layer completely submerges the arc, protecting the weld from oxygen and nitrogen contamination while also stabilizing the arc.
Which SAW parameter has the greatest influence on weld bead width?
Answer: Arc voltage
Arc voltage primarily controls weld bead width in SAW; higher voltage produces a wider, flatter bead.
What type of current is most commonly used for single-wire SAW to achieve deep penetration?
Answer: DCEP (electrode positive)
DCEP provides the deepest penetration in SAW because more heat is concentrated at the work piece.
What is 'flux consumption ratio' in SAW?
Answer: The ratio of flux melted to wire melted by weight
Flux consumption ratio (typically 1:1) is the weight of flux consumed relative to the weight of wire consumed during welding.
When welding with tandem SAW electrodes, what is the typical relationship between the two arcs?
Answer: Lead arc uses DCEP for penetration; trail arc uses AC for fill and bead shape
Tandem SAW typically uses DCEP on the lead wire for deep penetration and AC on the trailing wire to improve deposition and bead shape while reducing arc blow.
What condition causes 'cold cracking' in SAW welds?
Answer: High hydrogen content, residual stress, and susceptible microstructure
Cold cracking (hydrogen-induced cracking) requires three factors: diffusible hydrogen, tensile residual stress, and a susceptible (hard) microstructure.
Which flux classification system does AWS use for SAW fluxes?
Answer: AWS A5.17 / A5.23
AWS A5.17 covers carbon steel electrodes and fluxes for SAW, while AWS A5.23 covers low-alloy steel electrodes and fluxes.