Whether you are a beginner or a professional welder, there are several little things that you will have to take into consideration in order to create a weld of good quality. The equipment you use, the electrodes that you procure from Welding Electrodes Suppliers in India as well as the environmental factors will all determine the quality of your weld.
Factors to Consider when creating a Good Weld
It is evident that several factors should be considered to create a weld of great quality. And nobody likes working on the same project twice. However, a damaged weld might force you to redo the entire thing. Especially, if the weld is porous. Moreover, a good weld also lasts longer and is important for the overall strength of the structure. One of the first things you can do to ensure a good quality weld is to make sure that the electrodes you receive from your Welding Electrodes Suppliers are of top-notch quality. The following are some other tips that you can make use of to create a good weld:
Power Source
First and foremost, remember to check the machine’s nameplate so that it is getting the power it needs. For example, a 150-volt machine should be kept on a 25 amp breaker. Extension cords should be avoided. You can use gauge cords that are heavy so that the drop in the voltage can be minimized.
Thickness of the material
Make sure that the size of the electrode that you get from your Welding Electrodes Manufacturers and the process that you use are compatible. If a welding material is thinner than 16 gauge then gas shielded welding can be used. However, 120-volt machines don’t really produce adequate welds on steel that is too thick unless FCAW is involved. If your material is thick then using a flux-cored welding machine is advisable.
Smaller Electrodes
When it comes to thinner materials, smaller electrodes should be used. It is imperative to ensure that the electrode melts but is also capable of carrying the current towards the weld. Needless to say, electrodes that are thin will melt easily at the settings that will be used for thinner materials. Using a heavy electrode might end up being disastrous - by the time the wire melts the base material might already be warped. However, using too light of an electrode might also not be a good idea as it is highly likely that the electrode will burn away. It is advisable to procure an electrode from Welding Electrodes Manufacturers in India that is perfect for your procedure.
Prepping Gas
This tip is relevant only for GMAW. Make sure that your gas tank valve is open only halfway. You don’t have to worry too much about this as the valve is designed in a way that it closes if opened all the way. Check the label of the bottle to make sure that you have the right gas type. Argon and carbon dioxide are usually the gasses that are used for GMAW. Using any other type of gas can cause an issue.
Contact Tip
Check for the end of the lead regularly. The tip needs to be of the right size. It is important to screw it tightly in the receiver. Since these contact tips endure a lot of damage, they need to be replaced regularly. Tips need to be cleaned and inspected. Several welding issues occur simply because damaged tips were not changed regularly.
Conclusion
Apart from these, make sure to check your ground clamps and replace the cover plates of your helmets. Also, ensure that you are wearing the right safety gear. Lastly, don’t forget to adjust the machine you use as per the requirements of your projects. Make sure to use the right angles and turns.