Proper Storage of Welding Consumables
Proper storage of both opened and unopened packages of welding consumables is crucial. It should avoid quality issues such as porosity, excessive slag fluidity, rough weld surface, difficult slag removal and more importantly, elevated levels of diffusible hydrogen which can lead to cracking. Adequate storage, handling and re-conditioning of electrodes vary according to type. The […]
Recommendations for Welding T-1 Steels
T-1, or ASTM A514 is a high strength steel which is quenched and tempered to provide yield strengths of over 100,000psi (over 690MPa). The name “T-1” is a trademark of Arcelor Mittal and not an ASTM, AISI or part of other organization’s standard numbering system. ASTM A514 is primarily used as a structural steel and […]
How To Calculate Heat Input From Welding
The vast majority of fabricators are not typically concerned with heat input. For the most part this is OK. But when you are welding on materials whose microstructure can be significantly affected by welding procedures it is important to know about heat input. The reason why heat input is critical in certain applications is because […]
4 Material Properties That Affect Distortion
Welding can present many challenges, a common one being distortion. The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding defines distortion in a weldment as the result of the non-uniform expansion and contraction of the weld metal and adjacent base metal during the heating and cooling cycle of the welding process. It is extremely difficult to predict distortion […]
Preventing Hydrogen Induced Cracking
Our last post (Factors Influencing Hydrogen Induced Cracking) went over the factors that contribute to hydrogen-induced cracking. We will now go over how to prevent HIC from happening. If you recall, we mentioned you need all three factors to be present in order to have HIC: These factors are 1. a susceptible microstructure, 2. threshold […]
Factors Influencing Hydrogen Induced Cracking
Hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC) is a far too common type of failure. It is also called hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) and delayed cracking since it does not occur right after welding, but a few hours or days after the weld has completely cooled down to ambient temperature. Cracking occurs due to a significant loss in ductility […]
7 Ways You Are Violating Welding Procedures And Don’t Know It
Some welding shops can weld however they want and don’t have to comply to any standard or code. On the other hand, some manufacturers have to meet and follow stringent requirements and follow specific codes such as AWS D1.1, API 1104 or ASME Section IX. The development of welding procedures is not an art, at […]
What Changes To A WPS Require Requalification
Normally the posts on our blog are inspired by questions frequently asked by customers. Unfortunately, the question above is not asked that often, but it should be. A welding procedure specification (WPS) is a set of instructions that if followed to the letter, insure a sound weld. A WPS will typically provide ranges rather than […]
The Real Cost of Welding Spatter
Spatter in welding is very common, we see it everywhere. We assume that it is something we have to learn to live with and cannot get rid of. Or, if we can get rid of it, we think that it is more trouble than what it’s worth. If you want to know the causes for […]
The CWI Exam
If you want to become a certified welding inspector, you will have to take a three-part exam. The three parts are fundamentals, practical and code. The topics you’ll encounter in each are detailed below. Part A – Fundamentals This section of the exam will test your knowledge in a wide variety of subjects related to […]