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 function of a 'backing bar' or 'backing strip' in a groove weld?
Answer: To support the molten root pass and ensure full-penetration fusion without burn-through
A backing bar (often steel or ceramic) supports the molten weld metal at the root, preventing burn-through and allowing full-penetration welds to be made from one side only.
In friction stir welding (FSW), how is the weld made?
Answer: A rotating, non-consumable tool pin plasticizes the metal through frictional heat and stirs the softened material together without melting it
FSW uses a rotating shouldered tool to generate frictional heat, plasticizing (but not melting) the base metal, then mechanically stirring the softened material to create a solid-state bond.
Which electrode diameter and amperage range is typically used for SMAW root passes on pipe in the 6G position?
Answer: 3/32 or 1/8-inch electrode at 60–100 amps
Root passes on pipe require smaller diameter electrodes (3/32 or 1/8 inch) and lower amperages (60–100 A) to control heat input and achieve complete fusion without burning through the thin root land.
What does the 'interpass temperature' limit control during multi-pass welding?
Answer: The maximum temperature of the base metal between passes to control heat input, microstructure, and prevent hot cracking
Interpass temperature is the maximum allowable base metal temperature before starting the next weld pass, limiting cumulative heat input to control grain growth, residual stress, and cracking susceptibility.
Which of the following is a characteristic advantage of laser beam welding (LBW) compared to conventional arc welding?
Answer: LBW produces a very narrow, deep weld with a small HAZ and minimal distortion due to its extremely concentrated energy source
The highly concentrated laser beam produces a narrow fusion zone and very small heat-affected zone, resulting in minimal distortion—a critical advantage for precision components.
What is 'undercutting' in a weld and what welding parameter most commonly causes it?
Answer: A groove melted into the base metal at the weld toe that is not filled by weld metal; often caused by excessive amperage or travel speed
Undercut is a stress-concentrating groove at the weld toe where the base metal has been melted away and not replaced by weld metal, typically caused by too-high amperage, voltage, or travel speed.
In AWS certification testing for welders, what does a 'coupon' refer to?
Answer: The test piece of base metal on which qualification welds are made and then tested
A test coupon is the base metal specimen welded during a qualification test; it is then subjected to bend tests, radiography, or visual inspection to verify the welder's skill.