Articles & Podcast Episodes

Welding glasses with shade level 14 protect your eyes during solar viewing. Glasses with lower shades, like 5 or 9, do not provide enough safety. For viewing the sun or solar eclipses, use dedicated solar eclipse glasses or welding helmets with proper filters. This ensures protection from the risk of eye damage during eclipse phases. … Read more

Drooping characteristics in manual arc welding describe a power source that decreases voltage as the welding current increases. This change happens due to internal electrical resistance and inductance. A reliable power source maintains stable current levels even when the arc length and duty cycle vary. The drooping arc may occur due to various factors, including … Read more

DS/EN ISO 15609-1 details the requirements for Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) for arc welding. It defines key elements such as parent material and consumables. This standard is part of the ISO 15609 series, which encompasses specifications and welding qualifications for metallic materials. An essential checklist for developing a WPS includes verifying the base materials’ chemical … Read more

Spray transfer is a key method for arc welding aluminum. During this process, molten metal droplets move smoothly from the electrode to the molten pool. These droplets have a smaller diameter than the electrode. This technique promotes stable transfer and reduces defects, resulting in high-quality welds. As droplets form, surface tension and gravity influence their … Read more

Yes, hold down magnets affect arc welding. Their magnetic field can divert the welding arc, leading to poor weld quality. To address this, start with alternating current (AC) welding for tacks. Then, switch to metal inert gas (MIG) welding to ensure arc stability and achieve a strong, quality weld in the weld zone. To prevent … Read more

Do not watch a welding arc. Sunlight exposure to the arc can cause a flash burn on your retina. This injury is very painful and may lead to blindness. You might not notice the damage until it’s too late. Always wear goggles or a welding hood for proper eye protection. In addition to immediate effects, … Read more

Amperage needs to be adjustable for effective arc welding. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) works best with the right amperage settings. Use a stick welding amperage chart for starting points. Experiment with adjustments to fine-tune performance and achieve optimal results in your welding projects. In arc welding, adjusting the amperage affects the penetration and the … Read more

In pulse arc welding, choose the push technique for thicker materials to achieve better penetration. Use the pull technique for thinner materials to reduce heat input and avoid warping. Understanding the application context and welding materials is important for selecting the right technique and ensuring effective results. Regardless of the technique, effective pulse arc welding … Read more

Ensure proper ventilation when arc welding to prevent inhaling welding fumes. Don’t weld on coated metals such as galvanized steel or lead without removing the coating first. Avoid welding on gas cylinders. Always follow safety precautions to minimize hazards and ensure effective welding practices in the welding area. On the other hand, one of the … Read more

Arc welding produces harmful radiation, including visible and infrared light. This radiation can damage your eyes, leading to thermal or photochemical injuries to the retina. To protect your eyes, wear safety goggles. Taking safety precautions is vital during arc welding to prevent eye damage. UV rays emitted during arc welding can cause photokeratitis, similar to … Read more