Welding Vocab Flashcards
Enhances arc starts and provides a softer arc throughout all ranges, with less puddle turbulence and less spatter.
Active Arc Stabilizer:
Automatically increases the output amperage at the start of a stick weld, should the start require it. Helps eliminate sticking of the electrode at arc start
Adaptive Hot Start:
A cutting process by which metals are melted by the heat of an arc using a carbon electrode. Molten metal is forced away from the cut by a blast of forced air
Air Carbon Arc Cutting (CAC-A):
An electrical current that reverses its direction at regular intervals, such as 60 cycles alternating current (AC), or 60 hertz
Alternating Current (AC):
The measurement of the amount of electricity flowing past a given point in a conductor per second (i.e., current).
Amperage (amps):
The physical gap between the end of the electrode and the base metal. The physical gap causes heat due to resistance of current flow and arc rays.
Arc:
Gives a power source variable additional amperage during low voltage (short arc length) conditions while welding. Helps avoid “sticking” stick electrodes when a short arc length is used
Arc Control (Dig):
A group of thermal cutting processes that severs or removes metal by melting with the heat of an arc between an electrode and the work piece.
Arc Cutting:
A group of welding processes which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc, with or without the application of pressure and with or without the use of filler metal.
Arc Welding:
Automatically enhances Stick welding, especially on pipe, by focusing the arc and preventing the electrode from going out.
Arc-Drive:
The side of the joint to which the arrow points.
Arrow Side:
Allows a TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) arc to crater-out, allowing time for the addition of filler, without the loss of shielding gas. Eliminates the need for a remote control at arc end.
Auto-Crater:
The control of a process with equipment that requires little or no observation of the welding and no manual adjustment of the equipment controls.
A welding aid used to prevent melting through of a joint when performing a complete-joint penetration groove weld.
Automatic:
Backing Bar:
A shielding gas used on the underside of a weld bead to protect it from atmospheric contamination.
Backing Gas:
A weld bead applied to the root of a single groove joint to assure complete root penetration
Backing Weld:
A material (base metal, weld metal, or granular material) placed at the root of a weld joint for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal.
Backing:
A joint between two members lying in the same plane.
Butt Joint:
A weld where two pieces of metal are to be joined are in the same plane.
Butt Weld:
A welding technique where the weld is created by alternatively welding either side of the metal joint, along the entire joint
Chain Intermittent Weld:
A method of removing surface defects with a chisel, so that the defects will not be worked into the finished product.
Chipping:
The maximum distance from the face of a concave fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the weld toes.
Concavity:
Welding machine with limited maximum short circuit current. They have a negative volt-amp curve and are often referred to as “droopers.”
Constant Current (CC) Welding Machine:
Welding machine that maintains a relatively stable, consistent voltage regardless of the amperage output. It results in a relatively flat volt-amp curve.
Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Potential (CP) Welding Machine:
Feeder operates from 24 or 115 VAC supplied by the welding power source.
Constant-Speed Wire Feeder:
The shape of the top of a finished weld.
Contour:
A contour in which the face of the weld curves out.
Convex Contour:
The maximum distance from the face of a convex fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the weld toes.
Convexity:
A conical hole cut into a manufactured object, or the cutter used to cut such a hole.
Countersink:
The amount of electricity flowing past a point in a conductor every second.
The physical destruction of the completed weld in order to evaluate its characteristics.
Current:
Destructive testing:
Current that flows in one direction and does not reverse its direction of flow.
Direct Current (DC):
The direction of current flow through a welding circuit when the electrode lead is connected to the negative terminal and the work lead is connected to the positive terminal of a DC welding machine. Also called direct current, straight polarity (DCSP).
Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN):
The direction of current flow through a welding circuit when the electrode lead is connected to a positive terminal and the work lead is connected to a negative terminal to a DC welding machine. Also called direct current, reverse polarity (DCRP).
Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP):
The number of minutes out of a 10-minute time period an arc welding machine can be operated at maximum rated output.
Duty Cycle:
Are used where the edges of two sheets or plates are adjacent and are in approximately parallel planes at the point of welding
Edge Weld:
A type of welding that uses a welding power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt the metals at the welding point.
Electric Arc Welding:
An arc welding process, which combines features of gas and shielded welding with those of electro-slag welding.
Electro-Gas Welding:
A welding process that is used for welding heavy structure components.
The depth the weld penetrates the base metal.
Electro-Slag Welding:
Fill Depth:
The process of joining two pieces of metal together that are perpendicular or at an angle.
Fillet welding:
The method of surface preparation for welded items that are not to remain in an “as welded” condition.
Finish Method:
Automated electronically controlled welding system for simple, straight or circular welds.
Fixed Automation:
A contour in which the face of the weld is flat.
Flat Contour:
Automated, robotically controlled welding system for complex shapes and applications where welding paths require torch-angle manipulation.
Flexible Automation:
A contour that requires that the weld be laid or finished in such a way that it rests flush against the part or base material itself.
Flush Contour:
An arc welding process that produces coalescence of metals by means of tubular electrode. Shielding gas may or may not be used.
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW):
A solid-state welding process, which produces coalescence of material by the heat obtained from a mechanically induced rotating motion between tightly butted surfaces. The work parts are held together under pressure.
Friction Stir Welding:
A solid welding process which produces coalescence of material by the heat obtained from a mechanically induced sliding motion between rubbing surfaces. The work parts are held together under pressure.
Friction Welding:
A process that uses gases and oxygen to weld and cut metals, respectively. 3
Gas Cutting:
An arc welding process where the arc is between a continuous filler metal electrode and the weld pool. Shielding from an externally supplied gas source is required.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW):
An arc welding process where the arc is between a tungsten electrode (non-consumable) and the weld pool. The process is used with an externally supplied shielding gas.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW):
Welding with the heat from an oxy-fuel flame, with or without the addition of filler metal or pressure.
Gas Welding:
Named for “globs” of weld metal transferring across the arc in a gravity feed. Droplets across the arc are usually larger than the electrode diameter. It does not produce a very smooth weld bead appearance, and some spatter can occur. Usually limited to the flat and horizontal welding positions, and not used on thin metals.
Globular Transfer:
An abrasive machining process that uses a grinding wheel.
Grinding:
A safety connection from a welding machine frame to the earth.
Ground Connection:
Method of finishing to flatten the weld and stretch the metal back in the desired shape.
Hammering:
A unit of frequency that measures cycles per second.
Hertz:
Covers the entire frequency spectrum above 50,000 Hz. Used in TIG welding
for arc ignition and stabilization.
High Frequency:
Used on some stick (SMAW) machines to make it easier to start difficult-to-start electrodes. Used for arc starting only.
Hot Start:
A combination of laser and arc welding which produces deep penetration welds with good tolerance to poor joint fit-up.
Hybrid laser-arc welding:
Also known as stitch welding, where individual weld segments are broken up into regularly repeating weld segments rather than a continuous joint.
Intermittent Weld:
Power source that increases the frequency of the incoming primary power, thus providing for a smaller size machine and improved electrical characteristics for welding, such as faster response time and more control for pulse welding
Inverter:
The total volts times amps divided by 1,000, demanded by a welding power source from the primary power furnished by the utility company
KVA (Kilovolt-amperes):
A measure of power, calculated as volts times amps divided by 1,000.
A joint between two overlapping members in parallel planes.
KW (Kilowatts):
Lap Joint:
A process that severs material with the heat from a concentrated coherent beam impinging upon the work-piece.
Laser Beam Cutting:
A process that fuses material with the heat from a concentrated coherent beam impinging upon the members to be joined.
Laser Beam Welding:
A technology that is used for industrial manufacturing applications and uses a laser to cut materials.
Laser Cutting:
A welding process that offers low heat input and minimum distortion of welded plates and stiffeners.
Laser Welding:
The leg length is usually designated as the size of the weld.
Leg Size:
This feature allows TIG arc starting without high frequency. Starts the arc at any amperage without contaminating the weld with tungsten.
Lift-Arc:
A device that provides a concentrated coherent light beam.
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (Laser):
Any of various processes in which a piece of raw material is cut into a desired final shape and size by a controlled material-removal process.
Machining:
A subtype of GMAW that uses an inert gas or gas mixture for shielding. Typically used on aluminum and other non-ferrous metals.
MIG Welding:
A joint made by beveling each of two parts to be joined, usually at a 45° angle, to form a corner, usually a 90° angle.
Miter Joint:
A weld joint where adjacent pieces to be joined are not touching and a predefined gap or space is specified. Typically used for high strength joints that require complete penetration (i.e. the backside of the joint is welded from the front side).
Open Root:
The measurement from midpoint to midpoint of intermittent welds (i.e., spacing).
Pitch:
An arc welding process that uses a constricted arc between a nonconsumable electrode and the weld pool (transferred arc) or between the electrode and the constricting nozzle (non-transferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the ionized gas issuing from the torch.
Plasma Arc Welding (PAW):
A gas that has been heated to at least partially ionized condition, enabling it to conduct an electric current.
Plasma:
An arc cutting process using a constricted arc to remove the molten metal with a high-velocity jet of ionized gas from the constricting orifice.
Plasma-Arc Cutting (PAC):
How well an electrical machine uses the incoming electrical power.
Power Efficiency:
Normally used on single-phase, constant current power sources to reduce the amount of primary amperage while welding.
Power Factor Correction:
The input line voltage and amperage available to the welding machine from the shop’s main power line, single-phase or three-phase AC power expressed in watts or kilowatts (KW)
Primary Power:
A modified spray transfer process that produces no spatter, because the wire does not touch the weld puddle.
Pulsed MIG (MIG-P):
A modified TIG process appropriate for welding thinner materials.
Pulsed TIG (TIG-P):
For this variation of spray transfer, the welding machine “pulses” the output between high peak currents and low background currents. The weld pool gets to cool slightly during the background cycle, allowing for welding in all positions on either thin or thick metals.
Pulsed-Spray Transfer:
Sequencing and controlling the amount of current, the frequency and the duration of the welding arc.
Pulsing:
A process in which two pieces of metal are joined by passing current between electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the pieces to be welded. There is no arc with this process.
Resistance Spot Welding (RSW):
The separation between the members to be joined at the root of the joint.
The first weld bead deposited in a multiple pass weld.
Root Opening:
Root Pass:
Welding a lengthwise seam in sheet metal either by abutting or overlapping joints.
Seam Welding:
Welding where the equipment controls only the electrode wire feeding. The welding gun movement is controlled by hand. Shielding gas is obtained from the electrode outer coating, often called flux. Filler metal is primarily obtained from the electrode core.
Semiautomatic Welding:
Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination of the weld pool.
Shielding Gas:
Named for welding wire touching the base metal many times per second, can be used in all welding positions and on all thicknesses of metal. Some spatter is produced.
Short Circuit Transfer:
A weld between two members, one containing an elongated hole through which the other member is exposed; the hole is completely or partially filled with weld metal, thereby joining the two members; one end of the hole may be open.
Slot Weld:
Metal particles blown away from the welding arc. These particles do not become part of the completed weld.
Spatter:
Also known as “connecting”, joining materials by welding at a number of separate points, usually made on materials having some type of overlapping joint design.
Named for a “spray” of tiny molten droplets across the arc, usually smaller than the wire diameter. Uses relatively high voltage and amperage values, and the arc is “on” at all times after the arc is established. Very little if any spatter is produced. Usually used on thicker metals in the flat or horizontal welding positions.
Spot Welding:
Spray Transfer:
Making a line of intermittent fillet welds on each side of a joint in a manner such that the increments on one side are not opposite to those on the other side.
Staggered Intermittent Weld:
An arc welding process that melts and joins metals by heating them with an arc, between a covered metal electrode and the work.
Stick Welding (SMAW or Shielded Metal Arc):
A straightforward bead in which you either “drag” (pull) or push the torch across the joint with minimal side-to-side movement.
Stringer Bead:
A process by which metals are joined by an arc or arcs between a bare metal electrode or electrodes and the work. Shielding is supplied by a granular, fusible material usually brought to the work from a flux hopper.
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW):
A weld made to hold the parts of a weldment in proper alignment until the final welds are made.
Tack welds:
The maximum stress a material subjected to a stretching load can withstand without tearing.
Tensile Strength:
The degree to which a material conducts heat.
Thermal Conductivity:
A group of processes in which finely divided metallic or non-metallic
materials are deposited in a molten or semimolten condition to form a coating.
Thermal Spraying:
Stresses in metal resulting from non-uniform temperature distributions.
Thermal Stresses:
A fusion process, the required heat being evolved from a mixture of powdered aluminum and iron oxide.
Thermite Welding:
Also called gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), this welding process joins metals by heating them with a tungsten electrode, which does not become part of the completed weld. Filler metal is sometimes used and argon inert gas or inert gas mixtures are used for shielding.
TIG Welding:
The junction between the face of a weld and the base metal.
Toe Line:
A device used in the TIG (GTAW) process to control the position of the electrode, to
transfer current to the arc, and to direct the flow of the shielding gas.
Torch:
A low-voltage, low-amperage arc starting procedure for TIG (GTAW). The tungsten is touched to the workpiece; when the tungsten is lifted from the workpiece, an arc is established.
Touch Start:
Rare metallic element with extremely high melting point (3410° Celsius). Used in manufacturing TIG electrodes.
Tungsten:
The pressure or force that pushes the electrons through a conductor, causing current (amperage) to flow. Sometimes termed electromotive force (EMF), or difference in potential.
Voltage:
Feeder operates from arc voltage generated by welding power source.
Voltage-Sensing Wire Feeder:
Graph that shows the output characteristics (voltage and amperage capabilities) of a welding power source.
Volt-Amp Curve:
A tool for cutting a wide variety of materials using a very high-pressure jet of water, or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance.
Water jet cutter:
A discontinuity or discontinuities which, by nature or accumulated effect (for example, total crack length), render a part or product unable to meet the minimum applicable acceptance standards or specifications, designating rejectability.
Weld Defect:
The electrode and base metal that was melted while welding was taking place. This forms the welding bead.
Weld Metal:
A single progression of welding or surfacing along a joint or substrate. The result of a pass is a weld bead, layer, or spray deposit.
Weld Pass:
Method by which metal is transferred from the wire to the molten puddle.
Weld Transfer:
The order in which weld beads are deposited in a weldment.
Welding Sequence:
A unit formed by welding together an assembly of pieces.
Weldment:
The speed and amount of filler metal fed into a weld, expressed in in/min or mm/s.
Wire Feed Speed:
A means to fasten the work lead (work cable) to the work (metal to be welded on).
Workpiece Connection:
The conductor cable or electrical conductor between the arc welding machine and the work.
Workpiece Lead:
