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Weld Beads and Pools

Its not surprising that so much of the lingo relates to the weld and the weld pool. After all, they are at thecore of the process. Here are some terms you may encounter on the job site.

Stringer bead

A narrow, straight weld bead that is created by moving the SMAW electrode straight along theweld joint. A quality stringer bead should have good tie-in on both sides of the weld.

Wetting-out The ability of a weld puddle to flow evenly, allowing both sides of the weld to merge smoothly withthe base material.

Root pass The first weld bead placed in the weld joint in a multipass weld.

Fill Also referred to as a fill pass, it is the amount of weld bead necessary to fill the weld joint. Thispass comes after the root pass and before the cap pass (see next term). In some applications,multiple fill passes are necessary.

Cap The final weld bead in a weld joint. It may be completed in the form of a stringer bead or by aweaving motion back and forth.

Fisheye The shape of the puddle while welding.It is sometimes also used to describe the shape of thecrater at the end of the weld.

Keyhole The shape of the hole that is formed while welding an open-root joint, particularly with an AWS6010 SMAW electrode. It allows for good penetration and tie-in in the completed weld.

The Arc

Arc characteristics are important in any welding process. These allow you to determine the correct travelspeed and motion, or method of moving, the SMAW electrode to gain the desired results. The followingterms all refer to the arc or technology used to adjust the arc for improved performance.

Stiff An arc that provides a lot of drive (dig) into the weld joint. It often is associated with increasedspatter.

Soft An arc that has less drive (dig) and potentially less penetration into the weld joint.

Dig Also called arc force or arc control . It is the ability to adjust the drive of the SMAW electrode toachieve more or less penetration into the weld joint.

Arc control The ability to adjust the amount of dig for the best weld result. It also refers to the technology thatprovides the power source with additional amperage during low-voltage (short arc length)conditions. In this case, it helps you avoid sticking the SMAW electrode when a short arc lengthis used.

Hot start

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Function used on some SMAW power sources to simplify arc starting when using difficult-to-startelectrodes. It works by adding more current to help establish the arc.

Arc blow The deflection of the arc away from the direction of travel caused by either magnetic or thermalinfluences. For example, as the weld gets closer to the end of a plate, it may deflect to one side,forward, or backward, which typically causes heavy spatter and undercutting. Arc blow caused bymagnetic buildup also is referred to as arc wander .

Techniques

Creating quality welds with the SMAW process requires special attention to welding parameters andprocedures. It also demands attention to various welding positions. Across various industries, thefollowing are some common related terms you may encounter.

Downhill The technique of creating a weld in a vertical-down progression; that is, from top to bottom of theweld joint.

Uphill The technique of creating a weld in a vertical-up progression; that is, from bottom to top of the

weld joint.Weave

Also referred to as oscillating or stitching . It is the technique of moving the SMAW electrode fromside to side in order to wash the sides of the weld pool into the base material.

Weld Defects

Weld defects are an unfortunate reality in any welding process and ones that proper technique andadherence to welding parameters can help prevent. Some in the industry call common weld defects bythese terms.

Cold lap A defect that occurs when there is lack of penetration on one leg of the weld. Also called lack of

fusion or incomplete fusion , it most often is caused by travel speeds that are too slow or weavesthat are too wide. It also can be caused by lack of heat input, which prevents the weld and basemetal from fusing together.

Undercut A weld defect in which the base material overhangs the weld bead. It appears as a groove orcrater near the outer edges of the weld and often results from voltage that is too high or using anincorrect weld angle.

Wagon tracks Also called worm tracking , this weld defect is caused by hydrogen that has been trapped by thefreezing slag. The defect, typically the result of excessive voltage, appears when a bubble flowsinto the weld puddle and evaporates into the atmosphere.

EquipmentYou cant get the job done without the p roper equipment. And even though most of the focus is on thepower source, other components play an important part in the SMAW process too.

Stinger Another name for the SMAW electrode holder , it comes in various sizes for light- to heavy-dutywelding applications.

Whip

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The cable typically 10 to 15 ft. long that is connected to the SMAW electrode holder, orstinger.

Electrodes

SMAW electrodes come in various diameters and alloys to meet the needs of differing base materials andindustry applications. Each has its own unique arc and burn-off characteristics.

Rods An informal term for a SMAW electrode.

Cellulosic SMAW electrodes having organic material, such as paper, as the main component. Theseelectrodes tend to have deep penetrating capabilities.

Low hydrogen SMAW electrodes that provide weld deposits containing a low amount of hydrogen gas, typically4 to 8 ml per 100 g of weldment. The low amounts of hydrogen help minimize cracking in thecompleted weld.

Fingernail

The shape of the SMAW electrode as the flux burns off the end.Unloading

The way a SMAW electrode, typically an AWS 7018 classification, burns off while welding.Itoccurs as a large amount of the SMAW electrode releases across the arc, often resulting inadditional spatter.

Keeping up with SMAW lingo isnt critical to achieving good welds; rather, following proper procedures,practice, and careful attention to technique are critical. However, knowing some of the common lingowelders use can help you communicate effectively with others and avoid confusion on the job.