SMAW Technique and Parameters
Travel angle, arc blow, amperage settings, arc length, travel speed, and electrode manipulation.
- Set correct travel angle and work angle for various positions
- Identify arc blow causes and correction methods
- Adjust amperage, arc length, and travel speed for optimal results
- Apply vertical and overhead welding techniques
Lesson 1
Travel Angle and Arc Blow
Travel Angle
Travel angle is the angle between the electrode and the direction of travel along the joint. Correct travel angle ensures proper shielding, penetration, and bead shape.
Work Angle
Work angle is the angle between the electrode and the workpiece surface perpendicular to the weld axis:
- Flat fillet weld - 45 degrees between the two plates
- Horizontal fillet - 45 degrees, slightly favoring the vertical plate
- V-groove - split the groove angle equally
Arc Blow
Arc blow is the deflection of the welding arc by magnetic fields, causing the arc to wander and producing poor weld quality. It occurs most frequently with DC welding near the ends of joints or when welding magnetized material.
Causes of Arc Blow
Magnetic fields from DC current in workpiece
Ground clamp position creating unbalanced fields
Magnetized base metal
Welding near edges of plates
Corrective Actions
Switch to AC (alternating current)
Move ground clamp to the other end
Change travel angle to compensate
Wrap cable around workpiece to demagnetize
Quick Fix for Arc Blow
The fastest correction for arc blow is to switch from DC to AC. If AC is not an option, move the ground clamp to the opposite end of the joint from where the blow is occurring.
Standard drag travel angle is 5-15 degrees. Work angle for fillet welds is 45 degrees. Arc blow is caused by magnetic fields in DC welding - the quickest fix is switching to AC or repositioning the ground clamp.