SMAW characteristics and definition
Name _____________________________________________ Date ________ Period_________
A welder will have a good understanding of how five essential basic essentials of welding effect the final
weld bead. Answering the following questions will help promote your understanding of arc welding.
Research answers on Google or Welding text books.
1. The acronym CLASS stands for what five basic variables that can be controlled by the welder?
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
2. Setting the amperage or current correctly is essential to producing good weld. Amperage is set from
recommended ranges of what three things?
a.
b.
c.
3. Describe the polarities and current of the following acronyms.
AC _________________________________________________________________________
DCEN _______________________________________________________________________
DCEP _______________________________________________________________________
4. Are current ranges the same for all electrodes? _________________________________________
Why or why not?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Give an example.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
5. Some welders use this word to describe amperage? ________________________________________
SMAW characteristics and definition
6. What steps might a welder do before welding on the actual work piece?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
7. Describe the meaning of the word arc gap?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
8. What eventually happens if the arc gap gets to wide?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
9. When using a constant current welding machine, what increases to maintain current flow set on the
machine? ____________________________________________________________________________
10. There are two basic angles to position the electrode relative to the work being welded. Name them
and describe them?
a. ____________________________________________________________________________
b. ____________________________________________________________________________
11. How might the angle of the electrode affect the final weld bead appearance?
____________________________________________________________________________________
12. Rate of travel is important in welding. What determines how fast or slow the electrode should
travel across the base metal when welding.
____________________________________________________________________________________
13. List the variables to consider when selecting electrodes and describe the meaning of each variable.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
14. Electrodes have a number identification. Describe what the numbers mean on an E6010 rod.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
15. Which electrodes would be a good choice for each of the following weld conditions?
a. Name the electrode that is the same as E6010 but runs on AC current. __________________
b. Name the electrode that would be a good choice for welding thinner metals or poor fit up
conditions. __________________
SMAW characteristics and definition
c. These electrodes should be stored in a heated oven to drive off moisture and contain extra
iron powder in the coating. __________________________________________________
16. Describe the possible reasons given for the following weld discontinuities.
a. Excessive Convexity ______________________________________________________________
b. Undercut _______________________________________________________________________
c. Poor Fusion _____________________________________________________________________
d. Porosity ________________________________________________________________________
e. Slag inclusions ___________________________________________________________________
f. Excessive Spatter __________________________________________________________________