- Manual arc welding
–Heat for welding generated by electric arc established between flux-covered consumable metal rod (electrode) and work
- Called stick electrode welding
- Combustion and decomposition of electrode creases gaseous shield
–Protects electrode tip, weld puddle, arc, and highly heated work from atmospheric contamination
- Additional shielding provided by covering of molten slag (flux)
SMAW advantages
- Equipment less complex, more portable and less costly
- Can be done indoors or outdoors, in any location and any position
- Electrodes available to match properties and strength of most base metals
–Not used for welding softer metals
–Not as efficient in deposition
SMAW operating principles
- Sets up electric circuit
–Includes welding machine, work, electric cables, electrode holder and electrodes, and a work clamp
- Heat of electric arc brings work to be welded
and consumable electrode to molten state
–Heat intense: as high at 9,000ºF at center
Welding process:
- Electric arc started by striking work with electrode
- Heat of arc melts electrode and surface of base metal
- Tiny globules of molten metal form on tip of electrode and transferred by arc into molten pool on work surface
- After weld started, arc moved along work