M2 - U3 - Manual Metal Arc Welding PDF
M2 - U3 - Manual Metal Arc Welding PDF
M2 - U3 - Manual Metal Arc Welding PDF
Pipefitting
PHASE 2
Module 2
Thermal Processes
UNIT: 3
Produced by
SOLAS 2014
Module 2 Unit 3
Table of Contents
Unit Objective ........................................................................................................... 1
Learning Outcome .................................................................................................... 2
1.0
MMA Welding for Pipefitting .................................................................. 3
1.2 Manual Metal Arc Welding Process ........................................................ 3
2.0
Equipment Used in MMA Welding ........................................................ 5
2.1 MMA Welding Power Supplies ................................................................ 5
2.2 Types of Power Supply for Arc Welding ............................................... 6
2.3 Polarity Settings for Welding Electrodes ................................................ 6
2.4 The Advantages and Disadvantages MMA Welding ............................ 7
2.5 The Advantages and Disadvantages of AC and DC Welding Plants . 7
2.6 MMA Welding Cables ............................................................................... 8
2.7 Setting Up a MMA Welding Plant ........................................................... 9
3.0
Hazards and Safety Precautions Associated With MMA Welding ..... 10
3.1 Protection for the Operator ..................................................................... 10
3.2 Protection for Others ................................................................................ 11
3.3 General Safety Precautions ....................................................................... 11
3.4 Safety Precautions While MMA Welding ............................................... 11
4.0
Welding Techniques .................................................................................. 13
4.1 Current Too Low ....................................................................................... 13
4.2 Current Too High ...................................................................................... 13
4.3 Correct Current .......................................................................................... 14
4.4 Arc Length .................................................................................................. 14
4.5 Speed of Travel........................................................................................... 15
5.0
MMA Welding Electrodes ........................................................................ 16
5.1 Welding Electrodes .................................................................................... 16
5.2 Functions of the Electrode Coating ........................................................ 16
5.3 Classification System for Welding Electrodes ....................................... 17
5.4 Care of Electrodes ..................................................................................... 18
6.0
Identify Weld Defects and Their Causes ................................................ 19
6.1 Weld Defects and their Causes ................................................................ 19
6.2 Control of Distortion ................................................................................ 22
7.0
Weld Symbols and Terminology Used On Drawings .......................... 24
7.1 Weld Symbols on Drawings ..................................................................... 24
7.2 Welding Standards Drawing Notation .................................................... 25
7.3 Explanation for Standard Weld Symbols ............................................... 26
7.4 Intermittent Welds ..................................................................................... 29
Exercises ..................................................................................................................... 30
Additional Resources ................................................................................................ 30
Module 2 Unit 3
Unit Objective
There are seven Units in Module 2. Unit 1 focuses on Introduction to Thermal
Process and safety, Unit 2; Introduction to Oxy-acetylene welding, Unit 3;
Manual Metal Arc welding, Unit 4; Metal Active Gas welding, Unit 5; Tungsten
Active Gas welding, Unit 6; Oxy-fuel cutting and Unit 7 Plasma arc cutting.
In this unit you will be introduced to Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding and
the safety precautions required when using MMA equipment.
Module 2
Thermal Processes
Unit 1
Introduction to
Thermal Processes
and Safety
Unit 2
Introduction to
Oxy-Acetylene
Welding
Unit 3
Manual Metal Arc
Welding
Unit 4
Metal Active Gas
Welding
Unit 6
Oxy-Fuel Cutting
Unit 5
Tungsten Active
Gas Shielded
Welding
Unit 7
Plasma Arc
Cutting
Module 2 Unit 3
Learning Outcome
By the end of this unit each apprentice will be able to:
State the risks and hazards associated with the MMA welding process
Module 2 Unit 3
1.2
Arc welding processes uses an electrical power supply to create and maintain
an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt metals at the
welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and
consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is protected by
some type of inert or semi-inert gas, known as a shielding gas.
The manual metal arc process occurs when two wires which form part of an
electrical circuit are brought together and then pulled slowly apart, an electric
spark is produced across their ends. This spark, or arc as it is called, has a
temperature of up to 3,600C. As the arc is confined to a very small area it can
melt metal almost instantly. If one of these wires is connected to the job and
the other to a wire rod or electrode, as it is usually called, the heat of the arc
melts both the metal of the job and the point of the electrode. The molten
metal from the electrode mixes with that from the job and forms the weld. It is
important to realize that tiny globules of the molten metal from the electrode
are forced through the arc (they do not fall by gravity). If this were not so it
would be impossible to use this process for overhead welding.
To create the arc for welding, a voltage between 60 and 100 Volts is required
to create the arc, but once it has been established, 2040 Volts is required to
maintain it. The following stages occur when creating an arc:
1. With the welding plant switched on, and before welding commences,
no current passes through the leads and the ammeter reads zero. A
voltage has been applied to the circuit, however, and the voltmeter
will read the open-circuit or no-load voltage (i.e. between 60 and 100
V).
2. When the electrode is brought into contact with the job a large
current, called The Short-circuit Current, passes through the leads,
and the ammeter will deflect a large amount. While this is happening,
however, the voltage drops almost to nothing. The tip of the
electrode becomes hot because of the resistance created between it
and the job.
Industrial Insulation Phase 2
Module 2 Unit 3
Module 2 Unit 3
Cables
Electrode holder
Earth clamp.
2.1
There are two types of welding power source used to supply current for metalarc welding.
DC generator
Transformer-rectifier.
Module 2 Unit 3
2.2
To supply the electrical energy necessary for arc welding processes, a number
of different power supplies can be used. The most common classification is
constant current power supplies and constant voltage power supplies. In arc
welding, the voltage is directly related to the length of the arc, and the current
is related to the amount of heat input. Constant current power supplies are
most often used for manual welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding
and shielded metal arc welding, because they maintain a relatively constant
current even as the voltage varies. This is important because in manual
welding, it can be difficult to hold the electrode perfectly steady, and as a result,
the arc length and thus voltage tend to fluctuate. Constant voltage power
supplies hold the voltage constant and vary the current, and as a result, are
most often used for automated welding processes such as gas metal arc
welding, flux cored arc welding, and submerged arc welding. In these
processes, arc length is kept constant, since any fluctuation in the distance
between the wire and the base material is quickly rectified by a large change in
current. For example, if the wire and the base material get too close, the
current will rapidly increase, which in turn causes the heat to increase and the
tip of the wire to melt, returning it to its original separation distance.
2.3
The type of current used in arc welding also plays an important role in welding.
Consumable electrode processes such as shielded metal arc welding and gas
metal arc welding generally use direct current, but the electrode can be charged
either positively or negatively. In welding, the positively charged anode will
have a greater heat concentration, and as a result, changing the polarity of the
electrode has an impact on weld properties. If the electrode is positively
charged, it will melt more quickly, increasing weld penetration and welding
speed. Alternatively, a negatively charged electrode results in more shallow
welds. Non-consumable electrode processes, such as gas tungsten arc welding,
can use either type of direct current, as well as alternating current. However,
with direct current, because the electrode only creates the arc and does not
provide filler material, a positively charged electrode causes shallow welds,
while a negatively charged electrode makes deeper welds. Alternating current
rapidly moves between these two, resulting in medium-penetration welds. One
disadvantage of AC, the fact that the arc must be re-ignited after every zero
crossing, has been addressed with the invention of special power units that
produce a square wave pattern instead of the normal sine wave, making rapid
zero crossings possible and minimising the effects of the problem.
Module 2 Unit 3
2.4
Welding can be carried out in any position with highest weld quality.
The process can be very well employed for hard facing and metal
deposition to reclaim parts or to develop other characteristics like wear
resistance etc.
2.5
The electric shock hazard is more pronounced with A.C. than with
D.C.
Module 2 Unit 3
Arc Blow
Arc Blow is encountered with D.C welding equipment. The arc is forced
away from the weld point notably when welding in corners. The conductors
carrying the current namely the welding lead from the set, and the return lead
from the work piece are carrying current in opposite direction so that a
repulsive magnetic force is set up which effects the D.C. Welding Arc.
This conditions occurs most when using currents above 200 or below 40 amps.
The best method of connections are:
Wrap the welding cable a few turns around the work, if possible on
girders etc.
2.6
The purpose of the cables is to carry the current required for the arc. One
cable ends at the earth clamp. The other goes to the electrode holder. It is
important that the cables are not too small in diameter. Small cables may have
too high a resistance and may overheat during the welding operation. Most
cables contain many strands of fine copper wire. This enables them to carry the
electric current and it makes them very flexible.
The Electrode Holder
The electrode holder is an electrically insulated clamping device which holds
the electrode. It is connected to one of the cables coming from the welding
plant. The current passes from the cable through the electrode holder to the
electrode.
The Earth Clamp
This is connected to the other cable coming from the power plant. It is secured
to the work by means of a screw clamp or a strong spring-operated clip.
Industrial Insulation Phase 2
Module 2 Unit 3
2.7
The work is connected to the source of electrical supply (welding set). The
electrode holder, held by the operator, is connected to the same source. The
Module 2 Unit 3
3.1
When welding the operator should observe all the general safe working
procedures required for thermal processes, some specific to MMA welding are
as follows:
Ensure that there are no areas of exposed skin as ultra-violet rays from
the weld arc will burn the skin.
Face masks are designed to deflect fumes and should therefore be held
close to the face.
Ensure that the correct shade 11 EW filters are fitted in the face mask
for manual metal arc welding
Gas welding goggles do not afford protection for the face against the
light intensity or the radiation and must not be used.
Check your surroundings, when you are welding behind a dark face
mask you will be unaware of what is happening around you. Clear the
surroundings of flammable material and ensure there is a fire
extinguisher available.
Check all welding cables for any loose connections that would cause
arching thereby creating a hazard. Ensure your surroundings are dry
and where possible stand on a timber duck-board.
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3.2
Before welding, ensure others are protected from the arc rays by
erecting screens. Ultra-violet rays cause the condition known as arceye which is really conjunctivitis. If affected, the eyes should be
thoroughly washed with an eye bath. If the condition persists, medical
advice should be sought.
3.3
Ensure a suitable Fire Extinguisher and fire blanket are readily available
and easily accessible in the event of a small fire. Fire blankets may be
used to protect small surrounding areas from sparks when completing
tie-in or local welds.
Ensure work area is tidy and all combustible/ flammable materials are
removed from the work area to ensure that they are not ignited by
excessive heat or stray sparks.
Ensure adequate clear access is available to the work area in the event
of accident or injury. Exits must be kept be free of obstacles.
3.4
Hold the torch/gun with just sufficient grip at the point of balance to
give control. Otherwise it will cause muscle fatigue. Position yourself to
avoid over-balancing.
Keep the welding screen in front of the eyes until the arc is broken.
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Module 2 Unit 3
Follow closing down procedure at the end of the work period or when
there is a long interruption.
Please refer to your instructor for site specific safety requirements before
carrying out any welding procedures.
Safety Precautions
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4.1
If the current value is too low the resulting weld has poor penetration, due to
the lack of heating to create complete fusion. The weld filler metal tends to
heap up on the surface of the plate without fusing to it and the arc has an
unsteady sputtering sound.
4.2
When the current value used is too high the electrode becomes red hot and a
large amount of spatter takes place. This can result in blowholes being formed
in the plate, excessive penetration resulting in weld metal beads on the
underside of the plate, undercut along the edge of the weld and excessive
oxidation and slag which is hard to remove. The arc has a fierce crackling
sound.
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Module 2 Unit 3
4.3
Correct Current
With the correct current the arc has a steady crackling sound. The weld formed
has good penetration and is easily controlled.
Correct current
4.4
Arc Length
The arc length is the distance between the tip of the electrode and the surface
of the weld pool. It should be approximately equal to the diameter of the wire
core of the electrode being used. When this distance is correct the electrode
metal is deposited in a steady stream of metal particles into the weld pool. If
the arc length is reduced it becomes difficult to maintain the arc, due to the
increase in welding current that takes place, and it can result in the electrode
becoming welded to the weld pool. Also, if the arc length is increased the
welding current is reduced, resulting in a poor weld being produced, and the
protective gas shield produced from the electrode surrounding the weld pool
cannot efficiently prohibit the formation of oxides, etc., in the weld.
Arc length
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Module 2 Unit 3
4.5
Speed of Travel
Too Fast
A fast rate of travel results in a thin deposit of the filler metal and can result in
insufficient fusion of the filler metal with the base metal. The surface of the
weld has elongated ripples and a porous crater.
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Module 2 Unit 3
5.1
Welding Electrodes
When a piece of metal is heated in the atmosphere it combines with the oxygen
and nitrogen to form oxides and nitrides which combine with the metal. If
these were allowed to form in the weld it would result in a poor quality, weak
and brittle weld. It is therefore necessary to protect the weld area from the air.
This can be done either by surrounding the weld area by an inert gas or by the
use of suitable fluxes. It is usual, with manual metal arc welding, to use coated
electrodes. These electrodes consist of a metal core surrounded by a layer of
suitable flux coating.
5.2
16
Module 2 Unit 3
5.3
60
17
Module 2 Unit 3
5.4
Care of Electrodes
Electrodes for welding mild steel should be kept dry to avoid the possibility of
porosity. They should be kept in the packet in which they came to ensure
correct identification and to avoid damage to the coating.
They should not be bent to avoid breaking of the coating and subsequent
contamination of the weld.
18
Module 2 Unit 3
6.1
Lack of Penetration
Lack of penetration is the failure of the filler metal to penetrate into the joint.
It is caused by:
Inadequate de-slagging.
Lack of penetration
Lack of Fusion
Lack of fusion is the failure of the filler metal to fuse with the parent metal. It
is caused by:
Insufficient heat.
Lack of fusion
Industrial Insulation Phase 2
19
Module 2 Unit 3
Porosity
Porosity is a group of small holes throughout the weld metal. It is caused by
the trapping of gas during the welding process, due to chemicals in the metal,
dampness, or too rapid cooling of the weld.
Porosity
Slag Inclusion
Slag inclusion is the entrapment of slag or other impurities in the weld. It is
caused by the slag from previous runs not being cleaned away, or insufficient
cleaning and preparation of the base metal before welding commences.
Slag inclusion
Undercut
Undercuts are grooves or slots along the edges of the weld caused by:
Undercut
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Module 2 Unit 3
Overlays
Overlays consist of metal that has flowed on to the parent metal without fusing
with it. The defect is caused by:
Insufficient heat.
Overlay
Crackling
Cracking is the formation of cracks either in the weld metal or the parent
metal. It is caused by:
Crackling
Blowholes
Blowholes are large holes in the weld caused by:
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Module 2 Unit 3
Burn Through
Burn through is the collapse of the weld pool due to:
Burn Through
Excessive Penetration
Excessive penetration is where the weld metal protrudes through the root of
the weld. It is caused by:
Excessive Penetration
6.2
Control of Distortion
22
Module 2 Unit 3
Presetting
This entails setting the joint out of alignment prior to welding so that after
contraction has taken place the joint is aligned.
Backstepping or Stepwelding
This entails welding the joint in short steps, ensuring that expansion and
contraction zones are placed next to one another.
Jigging
This entails holding the metal being welded in a jig, restraining the distortion
mechanically.
Preheating
This entails heating the metal to be welded prior to welding, and has the effect
of allowing equal contraction to take place in both the weld and parent metal.
23
Module 2 Unit 3
7.1
24
Module 2 Unit 3
7.2
25
Module 2 Unit 3
7.3
26
Module 2 Unit 3
27
Module 2 Unit 3
28
Module 2 Unit 3
A diagram is not required here because the size of the members indicates the
weld orientation.
7.4
Intermittent Welds
Information other than weld size may be written to the right of the symbol.
The figure in brackets is the space length. 50 before (100) indicates that the
weld is at the beginning. (100) 50 would indicate a space first then a weld
although such an arrangement would not represent good practice.
Intermittent welds
29
Module 2 Unit 3
Exercises
Weld lap, tee and butt joints on mild steel plate as shown on Exercise
Nos. 2.2.3a and 2.2.3b
Describe the procedure for preparing mild steel pipe for butt welding
and slip-on flange joints
Additional Resources
Author
Title
The Induction Book, Code of
Behaviour & Health & Safety SOLAS
Guidelines
Basic Welding and Fabrication
W Kenyon
Ref. Code
ISBN 0-582-00536L
ISBN 0-582-09799-1
ISBN-13:
9780750660730
ISBN 086 1674480
Videos:
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