Basic Welding Terms | Part 2
1️⃣ Electrode = a metal wire utilized in arc welding processes to conduct electricity, establish circuit connectivity, and generate the characteristic "arc." Depending on the welding method, the electrode can also serve as a filler metal.
2️⃣ Welding arc = the sustained electric discharge that occurs between the welding electrode and the workpiece during the welding process. It generates intense heat, melting the metal and allowing for the fusion and bonding of the welded materials.
3️⃣ Duty cycle = a widely accepted measure of a welding machine's working capacity. The duty cycle rating is expressed as a percentage indicating the time a welding machine can operate at a specific amperage within ten minutes. For instance, a duty cycle of 60% at 300 amps means the machine can sustain operation at 300 amps for 6 out of every 10 minutes without risking overheating or harm.
4️⃣ End of the electrode = the extreme end point of a welding electrode that touches the base metal and initiates the arc. This part must be clean and free of dirt or debris to make a clean and proper start to a weld.
5️⃣ Multi-pass fillet weld = the sequential execution of multiple welding passes to attain the desired size of the weld and fulfill the requirements of the joint (simply, you should make several seems to attach the detail).
6️⃣ Heat-affected zone (HAZ) = the area closest to the weld that has been heated up due to the welding process and undergone metallurgical changes in its molecular structure as a result.
7️⃣ Weave = a technique where the welding torch or electrode is moved in a zigzag pattern along the joint. This technique helps to distribute heat evenly, ensure proper fusion, and create a wider weld bead.
8️⃣ Parent metal = also referred to as the “base metal,” the main component of material intended to be joined together. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe the primary material being worked on in welding processes.
9️⃣ Molten metal = metal that has been heated to the point that it is in a liquid state.
🔟 Weld pool = the portion of the weld that is in a liquid molten state during the welding process.
1️⃣1️⃣ Electrical current = the electricity that jumps through the arc gap between the electrode and the metal being joined.
See also