discontinuities and defects training...

© 2010. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology EW 512-4 Discontinuities and Defects

DISCONTINUITIES AND DEFECTS

Training WorkbookEW-512-4

Written by the Staff of Hobart Institute

of Welding Technology

Additional copies can be obtained from:Hobart Institute of Welding Technology

400 Trade Square EastTroy, Ohio 45373www.welding.org(937) 332-5433

© 2010. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology, 400 Trade Square East, Troy, Ohio, U.S.A.All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America.ISBN: 978-1-936058-21-1


TABLE OF CONTENTS

TOPIC PAGE

Glossary of Welding Terms iv

Welding Inspector Responsibilities Related to Discontinuities and Defects 1

Identification and Definition of Weld Discontinuities and Defects 5

Common Causes of Discontinuities Related to Shape, Size, and Contour 15

Common Causes of Discontinuiies Related to Internal Inconsistencies and Weld Metal Irregularities 23

Common Causes of Discontinuities Related to Weld and Base Metal Properties 32

iii


TOPIC 1

WELD INSPECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES RELATED TO DISCONTINUITIES AND DEFECTS

OBJECTIVE To list the specific responsibilities or duties that welding inspectors assume as related to discontinuities and defects.

INTRODUCTION

This section includes the responsibilities of the welding inspector as they relate to the evaluation of weldments; the identification and classification of discontinuities; and the conditions that exist when evaluating discontinuities in order to decide whether they are acceptable or unacceptable.

DEFINITIONS

The term discontinuity has many meanings, but for purposes here, we will refer to it as an interruption of the typical structure of a weld or a weldment; this means that the weld or weldment lacks uniformity in mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics. A discontinuity is not necessarily a defect unless it is unable to meet minimum acceptance standards or specifications.

The term defect means the unacceptability of a weld or weldment.

QUALITY

Quality has many meanings. A quality weld will successfully sustain the service it encounters. The quality of welds must be based on codes and standards that anticipate the service of the product. For some, there are no applicable codes or specifications. For these products, the producer must maintain quality in order to compete. The success of maintaining the balance between quality requirements and cost factors is decided in the field and in the marketplace. The responsibility for producing quality products rests on engineers, designers, welding supervisors, welders, and quality control and inspection personnel.

1

Evaluating for discontinuity

Discontinuity, Undercut

Defect


WELDING INSPECTOR RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the welding inspector are many. Perhaps the most important responsibility is the ability to read and understand all welding drawings and written specifications. Also, the welding inspector should review all documented instructions such as codes, construction details, welding procedures, material specifications, and any special procedures required for the weldment.

The inspector’s duty is to assure that the proper evaluation of test results is accomplished. With the use of codes and standards as a guide, the inspector can determine the results. Documented workmanship standards, based on codes, are used as a guide for evaluating weldments. Maintaining and preparing reports for records is another of the inspector’s jobs. The reports should state general characteristics of the job, the job’s conformity to the code, and any difficulties that may have occurred, with a clear and descriptive statement of any defects.

The inspector examines yet-to-be-welded joints to confirm their conformity to the weld joint detail included in the procedure. Proper joint fit-up and edge preparation are equally important. The alignment and root opening of parts must be inspected to determine their conformance to the construction of joint detail.

Read engineering drawings.

Maintain reports.

Proper joint fit-up.


3

A common cause for many weld failures is the use of inadequate welding procedures, the inaccurate interpretation of procedures, or not using procedures during production. The inspector must verify the procedures are correct and properly implemented. The inspector should maintain records of qualified welders and weld operators. A weld can meet all standards, but if the welder or operator is not qualified to do the work, the weld may be rejected.

The inspector must verify the correct purchasing of welding materials and consumables. To assist in making selections, filler metals are specified by the American Welding Society (AWS), and base materials are commonly specified by the American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). The inspector must identify and verify the materials received, verify the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the material, and check for imperfections and deviations that might cause problems during production. The inspector also verifies correct storage of filler materials according to specifications.

Special procedures may be written for post-weld heat treatments, assembly, and final finishing. The inspector verifies the condition of equipment to be used for welding and testing, and any special equipment required for other treatments. The capability, calibration and safety of equipment should be accurately investigated to prevent possible nonconforming workmanship in weld-fabricated parts.

SUMMARY

Many weld defects can be eliminated before they occur if the inspector knows and accepts his/her responsibilities.

Verify procedures.

Verify correct purchasing of material.

Investigate for proper workmanship.


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TOPIC 1

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is the difference between a discontinuity and a defect?

2. On what documents is weld quality often based?

3. List the responsibilities of a welding inspector.


5

TOPIC 2

THE IDENTIFICATION AND DEFINITION OF WELD DISCONTINUITIES AND DEFECTS

OBJECTIVE

To be able to identify and define the various types of discontinuities and defects.

INTRODUCTION

In order to evaluate weldments, the weld inspector should have the ability to identify weld discontinuities. Discontinuities can be grouped into three classes. The first group relates to shape, size, and contour, which are the external dimensions of a weld. The second group relates to the internal consistency of welds, and is referred to as structural discontinuities. The third group is weld and base metal properties, which relates to the match between weld metal and base metal.

SHAPE, SIZE AND CONTOUR

Shape, size and contour can be broken down further to welds with excessive reinforcement, incorrect size, incorrect profile, and incorrect final weldment dimensions.

Excessive Weld Reinforcement

Excessive face reinforcement is extra metal deposited in a weld, forming a highly convex contour on the side of the joint from which welding is done.

Excessive root reinforcement is extra weld metal deposited in the root of the weld. It is more common with joint designs which have root openings.

Incorrect Weld Size

The size of a groove weld is measured by the shortest distance from the root of a weld to its face, less any reinforcement. It is generally equal to the base metal thickness, on full penetration welds. When the plates are of unequal thickness, the thickness of the thinner plate determines the size of the groove weld. A slight reinforcement is usually specified.

Shape, size, and contour. Internal consistency of welds.

Structural discontinuities.

Size.

Excessive face reinforcement

Groove size


6

Excessive reinforcement is not only wasteful, but decreases the working strength of the joint due to the concentration of stresses at the toes.

The size of a fillet weld is designated as its shortest leg length, a measurable dimension used to deposit the weld. The leg is the distance from the root of the joint to the toe. For strength, the size of a fillet weld is the leg length of the largest isosceles right triangle that can be inscribed within the weld. The effective size for strength for flat and convex welds is equal to the leg size, but for concave welds it is less than the actual leg length. Incorrect size welds may be determined visually with gages or by comparison with approved workmanship samples.

Incorrect Weld Profile

Incorrect weld profile is a weld that does not meet the requirements for size or contour.

Overlap is the bulging or protruding portion of a weld that extends beyond the toe, face, or root. In both fillet and groove welds, it can reduce the size and strength, and concentrate stresses at the weld toes.

Insufficient throat or underfill is a weld face or root that is depressed or extends below the adjacent base metal surfaces.

Overlap of a weld

Insufficient throat or underfill

Leg and size

Face reinforcement

Weld size

Leg and size

Leg

Size


7

Undercut is a groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the toe or root of a weld, and left unfilled. It is usually found at the side wall or face of a groove, at the edge of a weld or layer, or at the toes of the cover pass, resulting in a reduction of base metal thickness at the point of undercut. In fillet welds, it tends to reduce the size and strength of the weld, as well as promoting stress concentrations at the toes.

Excessive convexity is a highly convex contour formed by excessive reinforcement.

Incorrect Final Weldment Dimensions

Distortion and warpage are caused by the nonuniform expansion and contraction of weld and base metal during the heating and cooling process of welding. If warpage changes the required dimensions of the total weldment, the weldment may not be acceptable.

INTERNAL INCONSISTENCIES OR IRREGULARITIES

Internal inconsistencies are cracks, porosity, slag inclusions, tungsten inclusions, incomplete fusion, and inadequate joint penetration.

Undercut

Excessive convexity

Distortion Warpage

Cracks Porosity

Inclusions Inadequate joint penetration


Cracks are fractures that cause an opening or a split in the weld or base metal. They can be classified as hot cracks, which occur at high temperatures during solidification, or cold cracks, which occur after solidification is complete. Both types can be categorized by physical relationships, which is their location within the weld or weldment.

A longitudinal crack runs along parallel to the axis of the weld.

A transverse crack runs perpendicular to the axis of the weld. It is often located near or in poor restarts or other internal discontinuities.

Crater cracks occur in the depression left at the termination of the weld bead. Crater cracks are serious when located near the end of a weld because they can lead to other cracks. They can be star-shaped or in a single direction, either longitudinal or transverse.

Weld metal cracks are longitudinal in the weld and originate from the face or root.

Cracks are fractures that cause an opening or a split in the weld or base metal.

Longitudinal crack. Transverse crack.

Weld metal crack


9

Toe cracks originate and grow from the toe of the weld where high amounts of stress are most common.

Root cracks are located along the root of the weld.

An arc strike is a heat-affected surface, any localized remelted metal surface, or change in surface profile caused by an arc. Arc strikes are often considered as blemishes but can be serious and lead to cracking of the weld or weldment if not removed by sufficient grinding.

Heat-affected zone cracks or underbead cracks occur during the cooling cycle after solidification of the weld and normally do not extend to the surface of the weldment. They are short but can connect with others to become continuous cracks. They can occur after a part is in service because of the embrittlement of the weld and the heat-affected zone.

Porosity is entrapped gas cavities formed during solidification of the weld. Uniformly scattered porosity is found throughout the weld.

Toe crack

Root crack

Arc strike

Heat affected zone cracks

Uniformly scattered porosity


Clustered porosity is found in groups at specific points.

Linear porosity generally follows a line parallel to the axis of the weld.

Piping porosity, or worm holes or blow holes, appear as a cylindrical cavity.

Slag inclusions are nonmetallic solid material trapped within the weld metal or between the weld and base metal during solidification.

Internal slag entrapment is elongated and generally parallel with the weld axis. It occurs between passes or next to the face of a groove weld. It is sometimes called wagon tracks.

Tungsten or metallic inclusions are electrode particles trapped in the weld deposit. These discontinuities are associated with gas tungsten arc or plasma arc welding processes. They can be either scattered in fine particles or in one large particle when the electrode is broken off in the puddle.

Clustered porosity

Linear porosity

Piping porosity

Tungsten inclusions


Incomplete fusion is the failure of the liquid weld metal to flow into and fuse the total face area of the joint.

Inadequate joint penetration is penetration which is less than specified. It is located at the root of the weld.

WELD AND BASE METAL MECHANICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Sometimes specific mechanical, chemical, or physical properties are required in welds. These requirements depend upon the type of material being welded and service requirements of the weldment.

Mechanical properties that must be checked against prescribed requirements include: tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, and impact strength.

Tensile strength is the resistance to breaking offered by metals when subjected to pulling stress.

Yield strength is the maximum load per unit area that a material can withstand without being permanently deformed.

Ductility is the ability of metals to be drawn, stretched, or twisted without breaking.

Incomplete fusion

Inadequate joint penetration

Seams and laps


Impact strength is the ability of a material to resist sudden or shock loading.

Chemical properties must be checked against prescribed requirements. The base and weld metal must be chemically compatible. Other chemical elements in the environment surrounding the welding process, such as nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, as well as flux and shielding gases must also be considered.

Any incorrect match of mechanical or chemical properties between the weld and base metal may lead to weld failure.

Base metal property requirements may be defined by applicable specifications or codes. Departure from these requirements may be cause for rejection.

Other conditions of the base metal which may impair the ability of a material to perform as expected can include laminations, delaminations, seams, laps, and lamellar tears.

Laminations are flat, elongated, sandwich discontinuities normally found near the center of structural metals. They run parallel to the manufactured surface of the plate. Metals containing laminations cannot reliably carry stress in the through-thickness direction.

Impact strength

Comparison of metals

Lamination


13

Delaminations are laminations that have separated due to stresses.

Seams and laps are longitudinal base metal discontinuities. These are most critical when located perpendicular to the principle stress. When they are perpendicular to the applied stress they can become a crack. Welding over them may result in additional cracking. Cracking is less likely to occur when the stress is located parallel to the seam or lap.

Lamellar tears are discontinuities that occur during or after welding. They usually appear as a stair step defect caused by contraction forces during solidification. They may extend over long distances and are deeper than heat-affected zone cracks.

SUMMARY

The weld inspector should have a working knowledge of the service requirements of the weldment, as well as the codes and standards that apply to any particular job. The inspector’s goal should be to insure the closest possible accuracy to the details of the weldment specifications.

Delamination

Seams and laps

Lamellar tears


TOPIC 2

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What are the three groups of discontinuities?

2. Excessive reinforcement can be described as:

3. What is undercut?

4. What are two factors contributing to dimensional defects?

5. What are the types of cracks? (Give a brief explanation of each.)

6. What are the four types of porosity?

7. What are slag inclusions, and tungsten inclusions, and what is the difference between them?

8. Name and define the four mechanical properties that must be checked against prescribed requirements.

9. What is the difference between lamination and delamination?

10. What usually happens when you weld over a seam or a lap?


TOPIC 3

THE COMMON CAUSES OF DISCONTINUITIES RELATED TO SHAPE, SIZE AND CONTOUROBJECTIVE

To be able to identify and determine the common causes of weld discontinuities.

In order for welding inspectors to perform their duties effectively, the causes of weld or weldment discontinuities must be clearly understood. Knowledge of the causes permits quality control personnel to determine where further or earlier inspection should be performed and to be sure that procedures are being properly followed. One of the jobs of a welding inspector is to inspect the weldment and assure that it meets the requirements of the design. The inspector must be familiar with the standards which spell out acceptable limits and must also be familiar with the weld procedure that pertains to the particular weldment.

Excessive reinforcement refers to extra weld metal that is deposited in the joint either at the root or face, forming a highly convex contour. The most common causes of excessive reinforcement are: poor joint fit-up; incorrect welding technique; incorrect welding current settings; and improper selection of filler metals or electrodes. Excessive reinforcement adds unnecessary cost and weight to a weldment.

A fit-up or root opening which is too wide or a root face which is too small will contribute to excessive root reinforcements.

Excessive root reinforcement

15

Root opening

Different sizes


16

Poor welding technique such as incorrect work or travel angles and/or slow travel speed may result in excessive reinforcement. Traveling too slowly adds more weld metal to the puddle than is necessary. Incorrect electrode angles improperly direct the filler metal which may cause the weld to pile up or droop. Improper sequencing of weld beads or depositing too many layers of beads is another poor welding technique that causes excessive reinforcement.

If the current settings are set too high, excessive weld metal will be deposited.

Using an electrode or filler metal that is too large for the joint design or base metal thickness will deposit more weld metal than is necessary.

When excessive reinforcement is found, determine the cause by reviewing the requirements of the welding procedure. It is possible that the welding procedure isn’t suitable for the weld required, or the welder may not have the ability to weld the requirements of the procedure.

Excessive face reinforcement

Electrode too large for the joint design.

Excessive root reinforcement


17

When working to codes and standards, tolerances can be very precise. The amount of precision is based on the code and the design of the particular weldment. Complete information should be on the engineering drawings through the use of welding symbols.

Welds that aren’t of the correct size may be detected visually, with the use of gages designed for this purposes, or by comparison with approved workmanship samples.

Too small a weld may not support the weldment. However welds which are too large can also cause failure. The larger the weld, the stronger it is expected to be, but only within sound engineering principles. If a weld is too large for the joint design, more heat and residual stresses are present, which can lead to failure of the weldment.

A lack of communication to the welder is a common cause of incorrect size. Incomplete or missing information on engineering drawings or joint details result in welds of various sizes. The weld itself may be sound and have good appearance but can be rejected because of its size.

A contributing cause of incorrect size is the use of an incorrect welding process or the wrong electrodes. The key to preventing incorrect weld size is to make sure that the welder or operator is informed of all requirements pertaining to the weld.

Codes and standards

Incorrect weld size

Missing information on joint detail


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These types of discontinuities are undercut, overlap, and underfill. These discontinuities can alter the strength and appearance of a weld.

Undercut is an unfilled groove that is melted into the base metal adjacent to the toe or root of the weld. It damages a weld because it reduces the cross sectional area of a weld, and may introduce stress concentrations in the joint.

Undercutting may be caused by poor torch, gun, or electrode control, using the wrong work or travel angles, applying to much welding heat or current, or by using the wrong travel speeds.

Many welding processes require the arc and filler metal to be manipulated during welding. If manipulations aren’t consistent and controlled, undercutting is possible.

If the work and travel angles are held incorrectly the filler metal will be deposited too high or low in the joint, creating undercut along one of the toes.

When the welding current is set too high, the puddle can be too large and wash away the sides. While welding in the horizontal position, a slow travel speed will cause the weld metal to drop down from the upper toe to the center of the puddle, leaving undercut along the upper toe.

Too fast a travel speed may not allow the weld metal to flow out into the base metal before it freezes. When undercut is present the variables of the welding procedure should be checked to determine requirements are being followed. These include welding current, voltage, bead sequence and travel speed.

Incorrect weld profile

Undercut

Undercut


19

Overlap is the bulging or protruding portion of a weld that extends beyond the toe, face or root.

Overlap on a fillet weld reduces the actual size of the weld and creates stress concentrations along the toes, reducing strength. On groove welds, overlap produces stress concentrations at the toes.

Overlap can be produced when a weld puddle is too large and becomes difficult to control, flowing ahead of the arc.

Improper cleaning of the base metal can also lead to overlap, especially when oxides cover the surface preventing weld metal fusion. Failure to remove mill scale or other surface coatings such as paint and oil will also prevent fusion.

Underfill is the lack of sufficient weld metal at the face or root of a weld.

On a multipass weld, the joint may not fill properly if improper sequencing occurs.

On a fillet weld, the face will be concave resulting in a reduction of the throat area of the weld. This creates weak points and possible failure.

On groove welds, underfill can be on the face or root side.

On pipe welds, underfill is most common at the root side. It is refereed to as internal concavity or suck-back.

Overlap

Underfill

Concavity


20

When welding in the overhead position, the puddle will sag in and become concave after solidification if the root opening is too wide or if the joint gets too hot.

The face of a weld can become concave when too wide an oscillation is used. It occurs when a large puddle is created in an attempt to deposit a relatively large or wide weld.

INCORRECT FINAL WELDMENT DIMENSION

Incorrect final weldment dimension is directly related to distortion and warpage. Welding processes involve heat and it is high temperature that is largely responsible for welding distortion, warpage and internal stresses.

When metal heats, it expands in all directions. When it cools, it contracts in all directions. Distortion and warpage are caused by the nonuniform heating and cooling of a weldment and by the partial restraint resulting from the parts.

Shrinkage of the weld during cooling can cause various types of distortion and dimensional changes.

Internal underfill causing concavity

Excessive face concavity

Distortion and warpage


21

To overcome the effects of the heating and cooling cycle, keep the shrinkage forces as low as possible by depositing only the amount of weld metal that is required by the procedure and the drawing.

The total heat input must be balanced to produce the desired weld. It is estimated that the temperature of the molten steel in the puddle is 3500º F. Extra heat is required over and above the amount needed to melt the filler metal and the surface of the base metal to compensate for the heat conducted away from the weld. Heat input can be calculated by multiplying volts times amps times sixty, then dividing by the travel speed, which will give you a measurement of joules per inch of weld.

Proper edge preparation and fitup can also minimize the required amount of weld metal. By making shrinkage forces work in a desired way such as presetting the parts, the parts will be pulled back into proper alignment by the same forces. You can control distortion by the use of clamps and fixtures that hold and lock the parts in place during and after welding.

Alternating sides or sequencing welds at given intervals balances heat on both sides of the weldment thereby controlling distortion. The use of intermittent welding can accomplish the same effect where design permits. Use of a back-stepping technique, in which segments of the weld are deposited in the opposite direction of the progress along the joint is another way of balancing the heat input.

It is important that all conditions leading to welding defects are understood, with reference to the welding procedure. This includes conditions before, during and after welding. Many weld or weldment failures can be eliminated if conditions are carefully controlled during all phases of fabrication.

Balanced heat input

Use of clamps and fixtures


1. Name four causes of excessive weld reinforcement.

2. If a weld is too large for the joint design, what may be the result?

3. On fillet welds, what happens when overlap occurs?

4. Explain what occurs when undercut forms from: A. Current too high?

B. Travel speed too fast?

5. What are two causes of underfill?

6. Warpage and distortion result from:

7. Name two common methods of reducing and controlling warpage and distortion.


TOPIC 4

COMMON CAUSES OF DISCONTINUITIES RELATED TO INTERNAL INCONSISTENCIES AND WELD METAL IRREGULARITIESOBJECTIVE

To be able to identify the common causes of structural weld discontinuities.

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Quality control personnel must have a working knowledge of the acceptance standards that spell out the acceptable limits for weld discontinuities. The welding inspector’s job is to insure that welding fabrication is performed as specified in the weld procedure. Defects such as cracks, porosity, slag inclusions, tungsten inclusions, incomplete fusion and inadequate joint penetration can be prevented during fabrication through careful consideration to the procedure variables.

Cracks are usually devastating to the strength of a weld or weldment. The two main types of cracks are hot and cold cracks. Both can occur with most welding processes if procedures are not carefully followed.

Hot cracks occur at temperatures above 400º F. Typically, they appear in the throat, root or crater of a weld.

Hot cracking is often caused by the use of incorrect material that is not recommended for welding; improper selection of filler metal; poor weld shape; incorrect weld size; and incorrect methods of breaking the arc.

Hot cracks can also be caused by excessive amounts of sulphur, phosphorous and lead content in the base metal. These elements are commonly found in free-machining steels and some stainless steels.

Hot cracks can also develop when low melting point contaminants from improperly cleaned joint edges gather at the throat of a solidifying weld.

Hot cracks can also occur through the use of improper filler metal.

Hot cracking can occur if procedures are not followed.

Inspecting the weld


24

Hot cracking sometimes occurs in the root pass of deep penetration welds due to contraction forces caused by solidification.

Welds that are too small for the plate thickness or excessive joint restraint can also led to hot cracking due to contraction forces during solidification.

Hot cracks also occur because of improper methods of arc breaking.

Crater cracks can be minimized through the use of a run-off tab at the completion of the joint. Crater cracks can also be controlled by decreasing the current and adding filler metal while the arc is being broken, filling the crater to bead height.

Cold cracks occur after the weld metal solidification is complete. They may be toe, throat, or underbead cracks and can occur up to several days after welding is complete.

Cold cracking is caused by rapid cooling of the weld and the heat-affected zone in higher carbon and alloy steels. Excessive joint restraint and inclusions of hydrogen can also cause cold cracking.

Weld too small

Root cracking

Run-off tab

Cold cracking


25

The higher the carbon and alloy content of steel, the higher the hardenability. Hardenability is the ability of a material to become hardened. High carbon and high alloy steels produce high degrees of hardness in the weld and heat affected zone when the weld is cooled rapidly. The weldment is then more crack-sensitive and prone to failure in many loading applications.

Many engineers use a carbon equivalent equation to determine the hardenability of steel. The equation is the sum of the carbon percentage plus reduced amounts of other existing alloys present in thematerial which affect the hardenability. The amount of preheat increases with higher carbon equivalents and the thickness of the base metal. Thickness becomes important since greater thickness produces greater heat sinks, thereby increasing the cooling rates that contribute to cold cracking.

High joint restraint, which promotes high residual stresses in the weld and heat affected zone causes cold cracking. It is caused by nonuniform thermal expansion and contraction forces caused by the heating of welding. It can be caused by rigid clamping, thick sections, and the geometry of the joint and weldment.

Preheating is often used to reduce the nonuniform heating and cooling of the weld during solidification. Preheating reduces residual stresses in the weld and the heat affected zone that can result in cold cracking when the part is placed in service.

Toe cracking

Residual stress


26

Hydrogen entrapment in the weld and the heat-affected zone can also promote cold cracks. Hydrogen tends to form small cracks in areas under the weld bead, called underbead cracks. Hydrogen is produced from the breakdown of moisture in the weld joint, or from materials such as filler metals, fluxes, and shielding gases which are damp. Hydrogen can be reduced in the weld deposit through the use of low hydrogen processes, proper joint cleaning, and the use of preheat.

Low hydrogen electrodes are used to reduce hydrogen content in the weld. All low hydrogen materials must be properly stored to prevent moisture pickup. Also welding grade shielding gases which contain no significant moisture content should be used.

Preheating can be used to reduce the amount of hydrogen in the weld and heat affected zone.

POROSITY

Porosity is caused by the exposure of molten metal to oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen in the atmosphere. It can be contained within the weld or it can be exposed to the surface.

Porosity may also result from the presence of foreign matter, water, humidity, oil, grease or other contaminants in the weld puddle

Porosity can be classified as uniformly scattered, clustered, linear, or piping.

Uniformly scattered porosity can be caused by moist or dirty base or filler metal. It can be caused by improper welding technique.

Ovens prevent moisture in electrodes


27

Clustered porosity is likely to result form improper arc starting or breaking, or periodic loss of shielding gas coverage.

Linear porosity aligns along the boundary of a joint and is directly related to contamination in the base metal, weld metal or both.

Piping porosity results from breaking the arc too suddenly which allows the puddle to cool too quickly.

Conditions leading to porosity can be eliminated with the use of proper shielding of the molten weld metal, proper preparation of surfaces, and removal of moisture from filler and base materials.

Slag inclusions are nonmetallic solid materials trapped within a weld or between weld layers. They occur during solidification of the puddle.

Linear porosity

Piping porosity


28

Tungsten inclusion with torch


29

INCOMPLETE FUSION

Poor joint design and poor edge preparation are the most common causes of incomplete fusion.

If the heat input is too low during welding, the molten puddle may not fuse into the base material. Lack of fusion can also be caused by incorrect work and travel angles.

Incomplete fusion cannot be detected without the use of a nondestructive testing method other than visual. Welding procedures are qualified through the use of destructive testing to insure that the procedure variables do not produce this defect.

INADEQUATE JOINT PENETRATION

Inadequate joint penetration is commonly located at the root of a weld and is caused by an insufficient heat input while welding.

Incomplete fusion

Inadequate joint penetration


30

SUMMARY

Incomplete fusion

Results of arc strike


TOPIC 4

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What methods are used to avoid crater cracking?

2. What causes cold cracks?

3. The lack of shielding gas in the weld puddle can cause

4. Slag inclusions between weld layers result from

5. What are the two types of tungsten inclusions? State the causes for each type.

6. Name three causes of incomplete fusion.

7. How can inadequate joint penetration be prevented?


32

TOPIC 5

COMMON CAUSES OF DISCONTINUITIES RELATED TO WELD AND BASE METAL PROPERTIES OBJECTIVETo be able to identify the common causes of weld and base metal discontinuities related to their properties.

INTRODUCTION

Weld quality depends on understanding and insuring that the materials specified for a job are used. The weldability of metals depends on many factors including physical properties, alloy content, welder appeal, and the ability to meet the specified service requirements. It is important to be able to identify the types of metals before they are used in fabrication.

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Mechanical properties determine the behavior of metals under applied loads. They are tensile strength, yield strength, ductility, and impact strength. These properties are critical to the overall quality of a weldment. If any are not in conformance to the design requirements, then failure can occur. It is important for the engineer to verify the type of base metal and then select a suitable match of filler material. The quality control department then assures the specified materials are used.

The minimum tensile strength of a metal is the greatest load per unit area that a material can withstand without failure. This minimum tensile strength is stated in terms of stress. Stress is equal to the force, in pounds, applied to the specimen, divided by the cross-sectional area in square inches.

Tensile strength is measured in thousands of pounds per square inch. If a weld has a tensile strength of 70,000 pounds per square inch, but the base metal’s tensile strength is 110,000 psi then the weld is obviously weaker and prone to failure at loads over 70,000 psi.

Identifying types of metals

Verifying type of base metal and its properties

Tensile testing determines strength.

Tensile strength is measured in pounds per square inch.


Impact testing

Toughness properties


34

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

Chemical property refers to the presence of additional elements such as carbon, silicon, phosphorous, nickel, sulphur, chromium, and so forth. The nature and amount of these can affect the performance of the material. A material with a high content of nickel and chromium, such as stainless steel, has the property of corrosion resistance which hinders oxidizing and rusting.

Therefore, it is important to insure the proper match of base and filler metal. An improper match may create insufficient strength and inadequate corrosion-resistance, such as welding a 500 series stainless steel with a 300 series filler metal. The mechanical and chemical properties of both could differ enough to cause the weld to fail.

OTHER CONDITIONS

It is important to inspect the base metal for any structural flaws. Inspect for laminations, seams and laps. Also inspect for rough surface conditions such as pits, gouges and tears.

Structural flaws are the result of nonmetallic (slag) inclusions that occur during the steel-making process. Porosity is another type of structural flaw. Porosity develops in ingots as they cool. However, modern steel-making techniques involve the formation of large slabs of steel instead of ingots. This has greatly reduced flaws resulting from porosity.

Structural flaws should be repaired prior to use and the material should be replaced if any discontinuities exceed allowable limitations.

The control of materials involves many individuals including the design engineer, the welding engineer, the purchasing department and the welding inspector.

Steel-making process

Materials control involves many individuals.


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The welding inspector is responsible for verifying that the specified materials are being used, providing feedback concerning any discrepancies and reporting discrepancies to the welding engineer.

As a rule, the strength of the deposited weld metal should match or slightly exceed that of the base metal. When the engineer selects a filler metal, the criteria to be considered include the mechanical, physical, and chemical properties of the base metal and the service conditions and specifications.

The American Welding Society has published a series of specifications that govern filler metal mechanical and chemical properties, methods of manufacture, storage and classifications.

A shielded metal arc electrode might be classified as E8018-C2. The E refers to the electrode. The next two or three numbers indicate the tensile strength of the weld deposit in one thousand pound increments. The next digit refers to the electrode’s position capabilities, and the fourth digit indicates the type of flux coating and welding current characteristics of the electrode. The suffix C2 refers to the chemical composition of the weld metal deposit.

American Welding Society filler metal specifications.


The classification system is similar for gas metal arc and gas tungsten arc welding. In the case of an ER-70S-6, the ER indicates that it can be used as an electrode (for GMAW) or a filler metal rod (for GTAW). The next two digits indicate the minimum tensile strength, in thousand pounds per square inch increments of the weld deposit. The letter S designates a solid, bare electrode or filler rod. The suffix indicates a particular classification based on the electrode’s chemical composition as manufactured, its usability, and its shielding gas requirements.

For flux cored arc welding, the classification might be E-70T-1. The E designates an electrode. The first digit indicates the minimum tensile strength of the weld in ten thousand pound increments. For example, a 7 means 70,000 psi. The second digit specifies welding position (0=flat and horizontal; 1=all positions). The letter T designates a tubular composite electrode with a powdered flux core. The suffix indicates a particular classification based on the chemical composition of the weld as deposited, the shielding gas requirements, and the usability of the electrode for single or multipass applications.

The welding procedure should list the proper filler metal by specification and classification. The use of an incorrect filler metal is probably the most common cause of weld related defects.

Weld quality control doesn’t stop with the verification of materials. Failure of the weld and base metal may also result from the fabrication process through such conditions as lamellar tears, excessive weld spatter and arc strikes.


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Lamellar tears are separations found within or beneath the heat-affected zone. They are most common in heavier weldments. Lamellar tears occur when the through thickness of the plates cannot withstand the pump effect of the shrinking weld during cooling. They are found in the areas of the base metal where inadequate refining is present. Insure careful inspection of materials prior to welding, follow welding procedures, and attempt to design joints so that shrinkage stresses are brought in line with the worked direction of the material

Excessive weld spatter is an appearance problem associated with welding processes. It does not affect the strength of the weld, but does increase cleaning costs. Spatter is caused when metal transfers through the arc, but does not become part of the weld. Instead, it adheres to the surface of the weld and base metal. It can be controlled by keeping the current and voltage within the recommended range, using the correct polarity, maintaining the proper arc length, and reducing arc blow.

Arc strikes are the remelting and changing of the surface profile outside of the intended weld area. They can be caused by the weld arc or by an improperly secured work connection. Arc strikes create small, localized areas of remelting, hardening and undercutting that can lead to the formation of cracks. They can be prevented by ensuring that the work connection is properly secured to the work and by carefully striking and breaking the arc in the intended weld area only.

SUMMARY

Weld discontinuities are not necessarily weld defects, although they do help to pinpoint potential problems. Quality control must locate discontinuities and decide whether they are acceptable or not.

Lamellar tears

Excessive spatter

Arc strikes


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TOPIC 5

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is the minimum tensile strength of a metal?

2. What is the difference between a metal with high ductility and a metal with low ductility?

3. What are base metal discontinuities that originate at the steel mill?

4. What criteria should be considered when an engineer selects a filler metal?

5. Fill in information:A. SMAW

E 8 0 1 8 - C 2

B. FCAW E 7 0 T - 1

6. Why is excessive spatter a problem?

7. How do arc strikes occur and how do you prevent them?


Based on Standard Welding Terms and Definitions, AWS 3.0. American Welding Society.

Preheat – The application of heat to the base metal immediately before welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying, or cutting, immediately before these operations are performed, to attain and maintain preheat temperature.

Procedure – The detailed elements or series of steps of a process or method, followed in a definite order, used to produce a specific result.

Root of a Weld – (See weld root.)

Shielding Gas – Protective gas used to prevent or reduce atmospheric contamination.

Specifications - A detailed precise presentation of rules or information, or of a plan or proposal for composition or construction.

Throat (Actual) – The shortest distance between the weld root and the face of a fillet weld.

Toe of Weld – (See weld toe.)

Travel Angle – The angle less than 90 degrees between the electrode axis and a line perpendicular to the weld axis, in a plane determined by the electrode axis and the weld axis. This angle can also be used to partially define the position of guns, torches, rods, and beams.

Weld Face – The exposed surface of a weld on the side from which welding was done.

Weld Root – The points, shown in cross section, at which the weld metal intersects the base metal and extends furthest into the weld joint.

Weld Toe – The junction of the weld face and the base metal.

Work Angle – The angle less than 90 degrees between a line perpendicular to the major workpiece surface and a plane determined by the electrode axis and the weld axis. In a T-joint or corner joint, the line is perpendicular to the nonbutting member. This angle can also be used to partially define the position of guns, torches, rods, and beams.

Workmanship Samples – Finished quality samples of how a weld or part should visually look when complete.

Base metal – the metal or alloy that is to be welded, brazed, soldered, or cut.

Clamps – A device designed to bind, constrict or press two or more parts together so as to hold them firmly. (See also fixtures.)

Codes – A system of principles or rules.

Contaminants – To make unfit or unclean. Implies intrusion of or contact with dirt or foulness from an outside source.

Concavity – The maximum distance from the face of a concave fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the weld toes.

Convexity – The maximum distance from the face of a convex fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the weld toes.

Electrode – A component of the electrical circuit that terminates at the arc, molten conductive slag, or base metal.

Face of Weld – (See weld face.)

Filler Metal – The metal or alloy to be added in making a brazed, soldered or welded joint.

Fillet Weld – A weld of approximately triangular cross section joining two surfaces approximately at right angles to each other in a lap joint, T-joint, or corner joint.

Fixture – A device designed to hold and maintain parts in proper relation to each other. (See also clamps.)

Groove Weld – A weld made in a weld groove between two members to be joined, on a workpiece surface between workpiece edges, between workpiece surfaces, or between workpiece edges and surfaces.

Holding Ovens - A heated oven used for storage of electrodes.

Interpass Temperature – In a multipass weld, the temperature (minimum or maximum as specified) of the deposited weld metal before the next pass is started.

Postheat – The application of heat to an assembly after a welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying or cutting operation.

GLOSSARY OF WELDING TERMS

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