Shielded Metal Arc Welding SMAW Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Technical Terms AC Chipping Hammer CC CV DC DCEN DCEP DCRP DCSP Electrode holder SMAW

SMAW Is a welding process in which the base metals are heated to fusion or melting temperature by an electric arc. Arc is created between a covered metal electrode and the base metals Base metals, arc, electrode, and weld are shielded from the atmosphere while welding. Shielding Gas: used to protect the weld area from the atmosphere. Not pressurized. As flux melts, creates the shielding gas.

SMAW

DC vs. AC DC Flows in one direction DCEP creates deeper penetration then DCEN DCEN caused electrode to melt faster and deposit filler metal at a faster rate. DCEN heats the base more slowly then DCEP More versatile because polarity can be changed AC 60 cycles per second Cycle= repeating events One direction 1/120 of a sec then reverses for 1/120 of a sec Medium depth of penetration. Meet most welding requirements, easy to use, cost less, used in industry, farm, and in home shop

SMAW Machines Produce either CC or CV SMAW require a CC

Chipping Hammer/ Wire Brush Slag must be removed after each arc weld bead or pass is completed. Slag is the hard, brittle material that covers a finished SMAW. Use a Chipping hammer to chip slag away. Then further clean with a wire brush.

Electrode Identification First two (sometimes three) numbers from the left = minimum tensile strength. Last numeral = polarity Second number from the right = recommended welding position/ type of weld. 1- all positions. 2- flat welding and horizontal fillet welds 3- flat position only 4- flat, horizontal, overhead, or vertical down welding