GMAW, FCAW & SAW Flashcards
Self-shielded FCAW uses shielding gas from:
A) the base metal
B) an external source
C) the flux
D) a paste flux applied to the base metal before welding
C) the flux
Describe the operating principles of FCAW.
FCAW uses an arc established between a continuously fed electrode & the work piece. Appropriate settings made by the operator maintain a constant burn off rate of the electrode. Depending on the power source & the wire drive system used, the arc length is maintained automatically. Shielding gas can be applied externally &/or obtained from flux contained within the hollow electrode core (depending on the flux wire being used).
What is the electrode extension range for self shielded FCAW?
For self-shielded electrodes, extensions range from 3/4 - 3- 3/4” (19-95mm).
List the components of a basic FCAW applications?
Welding power source Wire feeder compatible with the power source Welding gun & cable assembly Spooled filler wire Shielding filler wire Shielding gas (gas controlled equipment) Flux feed & recovery equipment Cooling system
What type of power source is used for most FCAW applications?
A) CV
B) CC
C) ACHF
D) AC square wave
A) CV
Explain the differences between the automatic and semi-automatic operating mode with FCAW.
Semi-automatic - the arc to be manually directed to the joint to be welded
Automatic - the arc is directed or positioned to the joint by mechanical means
What shielding gases are most often used with FCAW?
A) helium & argon
B) co2 & argon/hydrogen gas mixes
C) co2 & nitrogen
D) co2 & argon/co2 gas mixes
D) co2 & argon/co2 gas mixes
What duty cycle rating is common for semi-automatic welding shop FCAW power sources?
A) 20%
B) 60%
C) 80%
D) 100%
B) 60%
What type of power source are constant speed wire feeders mainly used with?
A) CV
B) CC
C) inverter design
D) CC motor generator sets
A) CV
Voltage-sensing wire feeders set their speed according to:
A) open circuit voltage
B) primary input power voltage
C) arc voltage
D) inductance
C) arc voltage
What type of drive roll design is preferred for FCAW wires?
A) v-groove
B) u- groove
C) knurled
D) angled
C) knurled
Explain the purpose of the curved neck design FCAW gun.
To maximize operator comfort in the semi automatic welding mode, it helps the wire solid contact against the inside of the contact tip, ensuring a positive & continuous transfer of current to the wire
How are FCAW guns rated?
A) by current-carrying capacity
B) by maximum open circuit voltage
C) by maximum wire size
D) by gas nozzle size
A) by current-carrying capacity
One of the main functions of the contact tube is to:
A) direct the shielding gas over the weld zone
B) transfer current to the electrode
C) contact the base metal to enable arc initiation
D) insulate the wire electrode from the gas nozzle
B) transfer current to the electrode
Why is the gas nozzle insulated? Explain your answer.
A sleeve of insulating material is usually placed inside the nozzle to prevent contact between the nozzle & the wire. If the nozzle were electrically live & should touch the work, it tends to arc & hang up on the work. This would interfere with gun movements cause the nozzle damage & leave harmful stray arcs on the work surface.