Welding

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid After Welder Technician Training

June 20, 2018

Errors are an unfortunate reality of any career, but can be particularly costly in welding. Doing a job incorrectly can lead to further repairs or the destruction of base metals, and welders need to consider many different factors before starting a new project in order to minimize the risk of something going wrong.

Fortunately, most common welding errors can be avoided by heeding the right advice. Many problems can be prevented by perfecting the right welding technique and making sure that all equipment is functioning properly. Others simply require a little vigilance and care. Read on to learn how to guard against some common welding mistakes in your future career.

Prepare Base Metals Correctly Before Welding

It’s easy for dirt, grease and other contaminants to build up in a welding workshop, and these can easily appear on base metals. Welding diploma holders will be aware of the importance of ensuring that these metals are clean before starting a welding project.

This can be done by grinding the metal to remove rust and dry paint, or removing liquid contaminants through the use of a suitable solvent. Failure to properly prepare the metals beforehand will result in a weaker weld, which is likely to crack again in the near future.

Damaged Cabling can Weaken Welding Power

Just because welding equipment is functioning doesn’t mean that it’s operating at full capacity. The cabling and connection should be checked regularly, as any damage can result in a drop in voltage and heat production for the weld.

Make sure connections to the welding machine are secure

Problems can occur if connections aren’t properly tightened during the setup stage, while damage is also possible if cabling is exposed to sharp objects or machinery. Check that all equipment is working properly to prevent frustrating damage from occurring.

Use the Right Current or Gas Level When You Become a Production Welder

Comprehensive welder technician training will help you develop the necessary skills for a variety of careers, including electric arc and gas welding. Keep in mind, however, that there are specific pitfalls to avoid with each technique.

Electric arc welders should be careful when choosing between the AC or DC current for their equipment. DC is most commonly used, but it can cause arc blow damage on metals where a magnetic field occurs. Using an AC current can overcome this problem.

In gas welding, keep a close eye on the problems posed by low and high gas levels. Unnecessarily high gas pressure can lead to an unstable welding arc, while low pressure can also cause defects.

Store Electrodes Properly to Avoid Major Welding Problems

Electrodes are used to fuse base metals together, and also contain the filler metal in arc welding techniques. They are a vital piece of equipment that needs to be stored properly in the workplace. Damp electrodes can lead to an ineffective weld, so keep them in a dry container. Dedicated electrode ovens are even available to keep certain rods at an optimum level of warmth and effectiveness.

Store electrodes in a dry location before use

Thick Metals may Require Multiple Welding Passes

Welders encounter metals of varying degrees of thickness, so treat them accordingly. Impatience may make you consider trying to weld thick metals in one pass with increased heat, but this won’t create a strong joint.

Multiple welding passes should be used in these cases to ensure a proper bond between the filler material and base metal. It may take a little bit more time, but it will save you the hassle of further repairs in the near future.

Solve lots of interesting engineering problems when you become a production welder.

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