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Troubleshooting & Diagnostics 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 Troubleshooting & Diagnostics flashcards as text

  1. Porosity is found throughout a GMAW weld on galvanized steel. What is the primary cause?

    Answer: Zinc vapor from the coating contaminating the weld pool

    Galvanized steel releases zinc vapors during welding that become trapped in the solidifying weld pool, causing porosity.

  2. A welder experiences arc blow when using SMAW with DC current. Which is the most effective remedy?

    Answer: Switch to AC current

    Arc blow is caused by magnetic fields associated with DC current; switching to AC eliminates the directional magnetic force that causes arc deflection.

  3. Crater cracks appear at the end of a weld pass. What is the most effective prevention technique?

    Answer: Use a run-off tab or backfill the crater before extinguishing the arc

    Using a run-off tab or backfilling the crater ensures the shrinkage void is filled before the weld metal solidifies, preventing crater cracks.

  4. During SMAW in the vertical-up position, the welder notices the weld metal sagging. What adjustment should be made?

    Answer: Reduce amperage and use a weaving technique

    Reducing amperage lowers heat input so the weld pool is less fluid, and a weaving technique allows the metal to partially solidify before depositing more.

  5. A weld joint shows incomplete joint penetration (IJP) on a butt weld. Which factor is least likely to be the cause?

    Answer: Shielding gas mixture containing argon

    Argon-containing shielding gas is used routinely in GMAW and is not a cause of incomplete joint penetration; root gap, amperage, and travel speed all directly affect penetration.

  6. Weld cracks appear in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of a high-carbon steel weld shortly after welding. This is most likely:

    Answer: Hydrogen-induced cracking (cold cracking)

    Hydrogen-induced cracking occurs in the HAZ of high-carbon or high-hardenability steels, typically within hours or days after welding.

  7. A GTAW weld on stainless steel shows a grey, scaly discoloration that extends well beyond the weld bead. This indicates:

    Answer: Inadequate back-purging or trailing shielding

    Grey or black oxidation on stainless steel indicates that the weld and HAZ were exposed to oxygen, pointing to inadequate shielding on the root or trailing side.