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Shielded Metal Arc Welding Process- Advantages and Disadvantages
Shielded Metal Arc Welding: (SMAW)
It is also known as Manual metal arc welding; stick welding or electric arc welding. It is a fusion welding process. Welding is performed with the heat of an electric arc that is maintained between the ends of a coated metal electrode and the work piece.
The electric energy from the arc thus formed produces temperatures of 10000 degree Fahrenheit or higher. A pool of molten metal consisting of base metal and filler metal is formed near the tip of the electrode.
Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals and alloys can be welded by arc welding processes with proper electrodes. The arc and the weld metal pool are protected by the arc flame and slag produced and controlled by the electrode coating. The arc and the weld metal pool are protected by the arc flame and slag produced and controlled by the electrode coating.
Arc time = (time arc is on)/ (Hours Worked)
Arc welding equipment:
1. Arc welding equipment (AC or DC)
2. Welding cables
3. Electrode holder
4. Ground clamp
5. Welding electrodes
6. Welding helmet and hand shield
7. Protective clothing including hand gloves
8.Chipping hammer, wire brush etc
Electrode Coatings:
Electrode coatings are generally electrical insulators and hence permit welding in narrow grooves and limited spaces without short circuiting. Electrode coatings provide an excellent means of introducing alloying elements in the weld metal.
Advantages of the SMAW process:
· The shielded metal arc welding process is simple, versatile and requires a smaller variety of electrodes.
. The equipment cost is low and it can be easily maintained. Welds by this process can be made in any position.
Limitation of the SMAW process:
· The process is slow
· Lot of electrode material is wasted in the form of unused ends, slag, arc gases
· If the slag is not removed properly, it remains in the bead leading to poor quality-welds.
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