WELDING

Definition:

Material joining process. Two parts connected at their contacting surfaces by suitable heat and pressure. Many welding processes are accomplished by heat alone, some others by heat and pressure, and some with pressure only. In some welding operations a filler material is used.

Welding operation usually applied to metals but also used for plastics.
1

Fusion Welding Processes

Sources of Energy for Fusion Welding

Chemical reactions
Burning gases GAS WELDING

Heat from electricity

Arc
ARC WELDING SYSTEMS Resistance welding

Light LASER

Three Specific Types of Welding Modules

In this Welding, Cutting, and Brazing module, three specific types of welding are covered. These are listed below:
Oxygen-fuel gas welding and cutting Arc welding and cutting Resistance welding

WELDING PROCESSES
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Arc Welding Resistance Welding Oxyfuel Gas Welding Other Fusion Welding Processes Solid State Welding Weld Quality Weldability

Weldability
Capacity of a metal or combination of metals to be welded into a suitably designed structure, and for the resulting weld joint(s) to possess the required metallurgical properties to perform satisfactorily in intended service Good weldability characterized by: Ease with which welding process is accomplished Absence of weld defects Acceptable strength, ductility, and toughness in welded joint

Two Categories of Welding Processes

Fusion welding - coalescence is accomplished by melting the two parts to be joined, in some cases adding filler metal to the joint Examples: arc welding, resistance spot welding, oxyfuel gas welding Solid state welding - heat and/or pressure are used to achieve coalescence, but no melting of base metals occurs and no filler metal is added Examples: forge welding, diffusion welding, friction welding

Arc Welding (AW)

A fusion welding process in which coalescence of the metals is achieved by the heat from an electric arc between an electrode and the work Electric energy from the arc produces temperatures ~ 10,000 F (5500 C), hot enough to melt any metal Most AW processes add filler metal to increase volume and strength of weld joint

What is an Electric Arc?

An electric arc is a discharge of electric current across a gap in a circuit It is sustained by an ionized column of gas (plasma) through which the current flows To initiate the arc in AW, electrode is brought into contact with work and then quickly separated from it by a short distance

Arc Welding
A pool of molten metal is formed near electrode tip, and as electrode is moved along joint, molten weld pool solidifies in its wake

Figure 31.1 Basic configuration of an arc welding process.

Two Basic Types of AW Electrodes

Consumable consumed during welding process Source of filler metal in arc welding Nonconsumable not consumed during welding process Filler metal must be added separately

Consumable Electrodes
Forms of consumable electrodes Welding rods (a.k.a. sticks) are 9 to 18 inches and 3/8 inch or less in diameter and must be changed frequently Weld wire can be continuously fed from spools with long lengths of wire, avoiding frequent interruptions In both rod and wire forms, electrode is consumed by arc and added to weld joint as filler metal

Nonconsumable Electrodes
Made of tungsten which resists melting Gradually depleted during welding (vaporization is principal mechanism) Any filler metal must be supplied by a separate wire fed into weld pool

Arc Shielding
At high temperatures in AW, metals are chemically reactive to oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen in air Mechanical properties of joint can be seriously degraded by these reactions To protect operation, arc must be shielded from surrounding air in AW processes Arc shielding is accomplished by: Shielding gases, e.g., argon, helium, CO2 Flux

Flux
A substance that prevents formation of oxides and other contaminants in welding, or dissolves them and facilitates removal Provides protective atmosphere for welding Stabilizes arc Reduces spattering

Various Flux Application Methods

Pouring granular flux onto welding operation Stick electrode coated with flux material that melts during welding to cover operation Tubular electrodes in which flux is contained in the core and released as electrode is consumed

Power Source in Arc Welding

Direct current (DC) vs. Alternating current (AC) AC machines less expensive to purchase and operate, but generally restricted to ferrous metals DC equipment can be used on all metals and is generally noted for better arc control

Consumable Electrode AW Processes

Shielded Metal Arc Welding Gas Metal Arc Welding Flux-Cored Arc Welding Submerged Arc Welding

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Uses a consumable electrode consisting of a filler metal rod coated with chemicals that provide flux and shielding Sometimes called "stick welding" Power supply, connecting cables, and electrode holder available for a few thousand dollars

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Figure 31.3 Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Figure 31.2 Shielded metal arc welding (stick welding) performed by a (human) welder (photo courtesy of Hobart Brothers Co.).

SMAW Applications

Used for steels, stainless steels, cast irons, and certain nonferrous alloys Not used or rarely used for aluminum and its alloys, copper alloys, and titanium

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Uses a consumable bare metal wire as electrode and shielding accomplished by flooding arc with a gas Wire is fed continuously and automatically from a spool through the welding gun Shielding gases include inert gases such as argon and helium for aluminum welding, and active gases such as CO2 for steel welding Bare electrode wire plus shielding gases eliminate slag on weld bead - no need for manual grinding and cleaning of slag

Gas Metal Arc Welding

Figure 31.4 Gas metal arc welding (GMAW).

GMAW Advantages over SMAW

Better arc time because of continuous wire electrode Sticks must be periodically changed in SMAW Better use of electrode filler metal than SMAW End of stick cannot be used in SMAW Higher deposition rates Eliminates problem of slag removal Can be readily automated

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Adaptation of shielded metal arc welding, to overcome limitations of stick electrodes Electrode is a continuous consumable tubing (in coils) containing flux and other ingredients (e.g., alloying elements) in its core Two versions: Self-shielded FCAW - core includes compounds that produce shielding gases Gas-shielded FCAW - uses externally applied shielding gases

Flux-Cored Arc Welding

Figure 31.6 Flux-cored arc welding. Presence or absence of externally supplied shielding gas distinguishes the two types: (1) self-shielded, in which core provides ingredients for shielding, and (2) gas-shielded, which uses external shielding gases.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

Uses a continuous, consumable bare wire electrode, with arc shielding provided by a cover of granular flux Electrode wire is fed automatically from a coil Flux introduced into joint slightly ahead of arc by gravity from a hopper Completely submerges operation, preventing sparks, spatter, and radiation

Submerged Arc Welding

Figure 31.8 Submerged arc welding.

SAW Applications and Products

Steel fabrication of structural shapes (e.g., I-beams) Seams for large diameter pipes, tanks, and pressure vessels Welded components for heavy machinery Most steels (except hi C steel) Not good for nonferrous metals

Non-consumable Electrode Processes

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Plasma Arc Welding Carbon Arc Welding Stud Welding

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas for arc shielding Melting point of tungsten = 3410C (6170F) A.k.a. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding In Europe, called "WIG welding" Used with or without a filler metal When filler metal used, it is added to weld pool from separate rod or wire Applications: aluminum and stainless steel most common

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Figure 31.9 Gas tungsten arc welding.

Advantages / Disadvantages of GTAW

Advantages: High quality welds for suitable applications No spatter because no filler metal through arc Little or no post-weld cleaning because no flux Disadvantages: Generally slower and more costly than consumable electrode AW processes

Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)

Special form of GTAW in which a constricted plasma arc is directed at weld area Tungsten electrode is contained in a nozzle that focuses a high velocity stream of inert gas (argon) into arc region to form a high velocity, intensely hot plasma arc stream Temperatures in PAW reach 28,000C (50,000F), due to constriction of arc, producing a plasma jet of small diameter and very high energy density

Plasma Arc Welding

Figure 31.10 Plasma arc welding (PAW).

Advantages / Disadvantages of PAW

Advantages: Good arc stability Better penetration control than other AW High travel speeds Excellent weld quality

Can be used to weld almost any metals Disadvantages: High equipment cost Larger torch size than other AW Tends to restrict access in some joints

Resistance Welding (RW)

A group of fusion welding processes that use a combination of heat and pressure to accomplish coalescence Heat generated by electrical resistance to current flow at junction to be welded Principal RW process is resistance spot welding (RSW)

Resistance Welding

Figure 31.12 Resistance welding, showing the components in spot welding, the main process in the RW group.

Components in Resistance Spot Welding

Parts to be welded (usually sheet metal) Two opposing electrodes Means of applying pressure to squeeze parts between electrodes Power supply from which a controlled current can be applied for a specified time duration

Advantages / Drawbacks of RW
Advantages: No filler metal required High production rates possible Lends itself to mechanization and automation Lower operator skill level than for arc welding Good repeatability and reliability Disadvantages: High initial equipment cost Limited to lap joints for most RW processes

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW)

Resistance welding process in which fusion of faying surfaces of a lap joint is achieved at one location by opposing electrodes Used to join sheet metal parts using a series of spot welds Widely used in mass production of automobiles, appliances, metal furniture, and other products made of sheet metal Typical car body has ~ 10,000 spot welds Annual production of automobiles in the world is measured in tens of millions of units

Spot Welding Cycle

Figure 31.13 (a) Spot welding cycle, (b) plot of squeezing force & current in cycle (1) parts inserted between electrodes, (2) electrodes close, force applied, (3) current on, (4) current off, (5) electrodes opened.

Resistance Seam Welding (RSEW)

Uses rotating wheel electrodes to produce a series of overlapping spot welds along lap joint Can produce air-tight joints Applications: Gasoline tanks Automobile mufflers Various other sheet metal containers

Resistance Seam Welding

Figure 31.15 Resistance seam welding (RSEW).

Resistance Projection Welding (RPW)

A resistance welding process in which coalescence occurs at one or more small contact points on parts Contact points determined by design of parts to be joined May consist of projections, embossments, or localized intersections of parts

Resistance Projection Welding

Figure 31.17 Resistance projection welding (RPW): (1) start of operation, contact between parts is at projections; (2) when current is applied, weld nuggets similar to spot welding are formed at the projections.

Oxyfuel Gas Welding (OFW)

Group of fusion welding operations that burn various fuels mixed with oxygen OFW employs several types of gases, which is the primary distinction among the members of this group Oxyfuel gas is also used in flame cutting torches to cut and separate metal plates and other parts Most important OFW process is oxyacetylene welding

Oxyacetylene Welding (OAW)

Fusion welding performed by a high temperature flame from combustion of acetylene and oxygen Flame is directed by a welding torch Filler metal is sometimes added Composition must be similar to base metal Filler rod often coated with flux to clean surfaces and prevent oxidation

Oxyacetylene Welding

Figure 31.21 A typical oxyacetylene welding operation (OAW).

Acetylene (C2H2)
Most popular fuel among OFW group because it is capable of higher temperatures than any other - up to 3480C (6300F) Two stage chemical reaction of acetylene and oxygen: First stage reaction (inner cone of flame): C2H2 + O2 2CO + H2 + heat Second stage reaction (outer envelope): 2CO + H2 + 1.5O2 2CO2 + H2O + heat

Oxyacetylene Torch
Maximum temperature reached at tip of inner cone, while outer envelope spreads out and shields work surfaces from atmosphere

Figure 31.22 The neutral flame from an oxyacetylene torch indicating temperatures achieved.

Oxyacetylene Torch

The acetylene valve is opened first; the gas is lit with a spark lighter or a pilot light; then the oxygen valve is opened and the flame adjusted.

Basic equipment used in oxyfuel-gas welding. To ensure correct connections, all threads on acetylene fittings are left-handed, whereas those for oxygen are right-handed. Oxygen regulators are usually painted green, and acetylene regulators red.

Oxyacetylene Gas Welding

Three basic types of oxyacetylene flames used in oxyfuel-gas welding and cutting operations: (a) neutral flame; (b) oxidizing flame; (c) carburizing, or reducing, flame. The gas mixture in (a) is basically equal volumes of oxygen and acetylene. (d) The principle of the oxyfuel-gas welding operation.

Alternative Gases for OFW

Methylacetylene-Propadiene (MAPP) Hydrogen Propylene Propane Natural Gas

Other Fusion Welding Processes

FW processes that cannot be classified as arc, resistance, or oxyfuel welding Use unique technologies to develop heat for melting Applications are typically unique Processes include: Electron beam welding Laser beam welding Electroslag welding Thermit welding

Electron Beam Welding (EBW)

Fusion welding process in which heat for welding is provided by a highly-focused, high-intensity stream of electrons striking work surface Electron beam gun operates at: High voltage (e.g., 10 to 150 kV typical) to accelerate electrons Beam currents are low (measured in milliamps) Power in EBW not exceptional, but power density is

EBW Advantages / Disadvantages

Advantages: High-quality welds, deep and narrow profiles Limited heat affected zone, low thermal distortion High welding speeds No flux or shielding gases needed Disadvantages: High equipment cost Precise joint preparation & alignment required Vacuum chamber required Safety concern: EBW generates x-rays

Thermit Welding (TW)

FW process in which heat for coalescence is produced by superheated molten metal from the chemical reaction of thermite Thermite = mixture of Al and Fe3O4 fine powders that produce an exothermic reaction when ignited Also used for incendiary bombs Filler metal obtained from liquid metal Process used for joining, but has more in common with casting than welding

Thermit Welding

Figure 31.25 Thermit welding: (1) Thermit ignited; (2) crucible tapped, superheated metal flows into mold; (3) metal solidifies to produce weld joint.

TW Applications
Joining of railroad rails Repair of cracks in large steel castings and forgings Weld surface is often smooth enough that no finishing is required

Solid State Welding (SSW)

Coalescence of part surfaces is achieved by: Pressure alone, or Heat and pressure If both heat and pressure are used, heat is not enough to melt work surfaces For some SSW processes, time is also a factor No filler metal is added Each SSW process has its own way of creating a bond at the faying surfaces

Success Factors in SSW

Essential factors for a successful solid state weld are that the two faying surfaces must be: Very clean In very close physical contact with each other to permit atomic bonding

SSW Advantages over FW Processes

If no melting, then no heat affected zone, so metal around joint retains original properties Many SSW processes produce welded joints that bond the entire contact interface between two parts rather than at distinct spots or seams Some SSW processes can be used to bond dissimilar metals, without concerns about relative melting points, thermal expansions, and other problems that arise in FW

Solid State Welding Processes

Forge welding Cold welding Roll welding Hot pressure welding Diffusion welding Explosion welding Friction welding Ultrasonic welding

Forge Welding
Welding process in which components to be joined are heated to hot working temperature range and then forged together by hammering or similar means Historic significance in development of manufacturing technology Process dates from about 1000 B.C., when blacksmiths learned to weld two pieces of metal Of minor commercial importance today except for its variants

Roll Welding (ROW)

SSW process in which pressure sufficient to cause coalescence is applied by means of rolls, either with or without external heat Variation of either forge welding or cold welding, depending on whether heating of workparts is done prior to process If no external heat, called cold roll welding If heat is supplied, hot roll welding

Roll Welding

Figure 31.26 Roll welding (ROW).

Roll Welding Applications

Cladding stainless steel to mild or low alloy steel for corrosion resistance Bimetallic strips for measuring temperature "Sandwich" coins for U.S mint

Diffusion Welding (DFW)

SSW process uses heat and pressure, usually in a controlled atmosphere, with sufficient time for diffusion and coalescence to occur Temperatures 0.5 Tm Plastic deformation at surfaces is minimal Primary coalescence mechanism is solid state diffusion Limitation: time required for diffusion can range from seconds to hours

DFW Applications
Joining of high-strength and refractory metals in aerospace and nuclear industries Can be used to join either similar and dissimilar metals For joining dissimilar metals, a filler layer of different metal is often sandwiched between base metals to promote diffusion

Explosion Welding (EXW)

SSW process in which rapid coalescence of two metallic surfaces is caused by the energy of a detonated explosive No filler metal used No external heat applied No diffusion occurs - time is too short Bonding is metallurgical, combined with mechanical interlocking that results from a rippled or wavy interface between the metals

Explosive Welding
Commonly used to bond two dissimilar metals, in particular to clad one metal on top of a base metal over large areas
Figure 31.27 Explosive welding (EXW): (1) setup in the parallel configuration, and (2) during detonation of the explosive charge.

Friction Welding (FRW)

SSW process in which coalescence is achieved by frictional heat combined with pressure When properly carried out, no melting occurs at faying surfaces No filler metal, flux, or shielding gases normally used Process yields a narrow HAZ Can be used to join dissimilar metals Widely used commercial process, amenable to automation and mass production

Friction Welding

Figure 31.28 Friction welding (FRW): (1) rotating part, no contact; (2) parts brought into contact to generate friction heat; (3) rotation stopped and axial pressure applied; and (4) weld created.

Applications / Limitations of FRW

Applications: Shafts and tubular parts Industries: automotive, aircraft, farm equipment, petroleum and natural gas Limitations: At least one of the parts must be rotational Flash must usually be removed Upsetting reduces the part lengths (which must be taken into consideration in product design)

Ultrasonic Welding (USW)

Two components are held together, oscillatory shear stresses of ultrasonic frequency are applied to interface to cause coalescence Oscillatory motion breaks down any surface films to allow intimate contact and strong metallurgical bonding between surfaces Although heating of surfaces occurs, temperatures are well below Tm No filler metals, fluxes, or shielding gases Generally limited to lap joints on soft materials such as aluminum and copper

Ultrasonic Welding

Figure 31.29 Ultrasonic welding (USW): (a) general setup for a lap joint; and (b) close-up of weld area.

USW Applications
Wire terminations and splicing in electrical and electronics industry Eliminates need for soldering Assembly of aluminum sheet metal panels Welding of tubes to sheets in solar panels Assembly of small parts in automotive industry

Gun Technique
Pulling the Weld Pushing the Weld

Heat into Puddle Slower Rate of Travel

Heat into Work

Easier Burn Through Faster Rate of Travel

Weld Positions
Standard Flat Position.

Vertical Start at the top and move down.

Weld Positions
Horizontal Used on vertical panels.

Overhead Can be a difficult weld to master.

Defects High Heat

A voltage setting that is too high will result in holes melted through the panel.

Defects Good Weld

This is an example of a good weld. Look for an even bead without spatter, and an even heat affect zone.

Heat Effect Zone

Defects High Wire Speed

High wire speed will create a cooler weld with very little penetration and excessive surface bead buildup.

Defects No Gas
A weld without shielding gas will be porous and very uneven.

Travel Speed
Travel Speed is another variable that can affect your weld quality.
Too slow can cause excessive penetration and burn-through. Too fast can cause excessive bead buildup without adequate penetration. It is a combination of Travel Speed, Voltage, and Wire Speed that creates a good weld.

Defects Speed too Fast

If the travel speed is too fast inadequate heat will create a tall bead with no penetration.

Defects Speed too Slow

Travel speed that is too slow will result in a wide bead with a large heat affect zone.

Weld Penetration
Weld penetration should also be checked to ensure complete metal fusion without excessive heat. This picture shows a good even ribbon of penetration.

Weld Penetration
This picture is showing excessive penetration. The weld puddle is literally falling through the metal and if left unchecked will result in a hole.

Problem Solving
Clean The Metal
Coatings Rust-proofing Grime Rust Dont Grind off Galvanizing

Problem Solving - Weld Fit Up

The term Fit Up refers to the preliminary alignment and securing of the panels to be welded. Proper fit up can greatly enhance the weld quality.

Weld Fit Up
Assure Good Fit Up
Tightly Clamp the Metal Using Locking Pliers Grind Off Burrs Use Metal Screws Use Clecos

PCB printed circuit boards

Solder Pads

Soldering

Top View

Side View

Circuit Board

Resistor

Soldering Iron

Move soldering iron until tip is touching wire & solder pad

Move solder to touch edge of tip.

Solder

Hold until solder melts on tip by wire

Solder

Move solder back to touch wire only

Solder

Move solder in to form a small pocket

Solder

Move soldering iron tip up. This will drag solder up with it.

Solder

Look for shinny fillets

Brazing
Definition:

A process which a filler metal is placed at or between the faying surfaces, the temperature is raised high enough to melt the filler metal but not the base metal.

The molten metal fills the spaces by capillary attraction.

Torch Brazing
Oxy-fuel torch with a carburizing flame First heat the joint then add the filler

Safe Work Practices

Electric & Gas Welding

Safety Check:

Ensure electrical cord, electrode holder and cables are free from defects
No cable splices within 10 feet of electrode holder.

Ensure welding unit is properly grounded.

This helps to avoid over heating.

All defective equipment shall be repaired or replaced before using.

Safe Work Practices

Electric & Gas Welding Cont.:
Safety Check:

Remove all jewelry rings, watches, bracelets, etc Ensure PPE e.g.. welding hood, gloves, rubber boots or safety shoes, apron are available and in good condition. Ensure fire extinguisher is charged and available. Ensure adequate ventilation and lighting is in place. Set Voltage Regulator to Manufactures specifications. Avoid electrical shock DONT wrap cables around any body part.

Safe Work Practices Electric & Gas Welding Cont.: Safety Check:
Inspect hoses for cuts and frayed areas. Set gauges to desired PSI. Ensure that sufficient PPE is made available. Locate welding screens to protect employees DONT block your exit. Ensure that adequate ventilation and lighting are in place.

Fire Protection & Prevention Cont.:

Welding areas should meet the following requirements:

Floors swept & cleared of combustibles 35 ft. radius of work area. Flammable and combustible liquids kept 35 ft. radius of work area. At least one fire extinguisher on site Protective dividers to contain sparks and slag
UW-Eau Claire Facilities Planning & Management

Welding curtains

Proper Ventilation for Welding

Ventilation
Proper ventilation can be obtained either naturally or mechanically.

Natural Ventilation is considered sufficient for welding and brazing operations if the present work area meets these requirements:
Space of more than 10,000 square feet is provided per welder A ceiling height of more than 16 feet.

Mechanical ventilation options generally fall into two basic categories.

Low vacuum system which takes large volumes of air at low velocities. High vacuum system that are captured and

Fire Protection & Prevention

Fire hazards must be removed, or
Guards installed, or Welding/cutting must NOT take place

Hot work permit should be used outside designated areas to ensure that all fire hazards are controlled Use of fire watch
1/2 hour after operation ceases

Proper Ventilation for Welding

Ensure protection from fumes and gases by one or a combination of the following:
Good general ventilation. Use of a booth. Local exhaust ventilation on the hand piece. Air supply to the helmet.

Welding Operators Protection

Welding involves specialized personal protection that must be worn every time you perform welding operations. The following is a list of basic PPE: Fire-resistant gloves Aprons Safety shoes Helmet Ultraviolet radiation filter plate (arc welding) Goggles with filter lenses

THANKS AND GOOD LUCK