Welding Processes 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 Welding Processes flashcards as text
What is the main difference between FCAW-G and FCAW-S?
Answer: FCAW-G requires external shielding gas while FCAW-S is self-shielded by the core flux
FCAW-G (gas-shielded) requires an external shielding gas supply, while FCAW-S (self-shielded) generates its own shielding from the flux core, making it usable without gas cylinders.
In SMAW, what does the coating on a covered electrode primarily provide?
Answer: Shielding gas and slag to protect the molten weld metal from atmospheric contamination
The electrode coating burns during welding to generate shielding gases and form a slag layer that protects the molten weld pool from oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere.
Which electrode classification is a low-hydrogen SMAW electrode suitable for welding high-strength steels?
Answer: E7018
E7018 is a low-hydrogen iron powder electrode with a 70,000 psi minimum tensile strength, widely used for structural and high-strength steel applications.
What polarity is typically used for GTAW on aluminum and why?
Answer: AC, because it provides a cleaning action on positive half-cycles and penetration on negative half-cycles
AC is used for GTAW on aluminum because the electrode-positive half-cycle provides a cathodic cleaning action that breaks up the refractory aluminum oxide, while the electrode-negative half-cycle provides penetration.
Electroslag welding (ESW) is most appropriate for which application?
Answer: Joining very thick plates (over 1 inch) in the vertical position in a single pass
ESW is designed for welding very thick plates vertically in a single pass using a molten slag bath and water-cooled copper shoes to contain the weld pool.
What is 'pulsed GMAW' and what advantage does it offer?
Answer: A mode that cycles between a high peak current (to transfer a droplet) and a low background current, enabling spray transfer at lower average heat input
Pulsed GMAW alternates between a high peak current to detach one droplet per pulse and a low background current, achieving spray-transfer quality at lower average heat input—ideal for thin materials or out-of-position work.
Which statement correctly describes plasma arc welding (PAW) compared to GTAW?
Answer: PAW constricts the arc through a nozzle orifice to produce a higher energy density than GTAW
PAW forces the arc through a constricting orifice in the torch nozzle, creating a plasma column with much higher energy density than GTAW, enabling higher travel speeds and deeper penetration.