Stick Welding Process and What Stick Welding Is

Stick
Welding is a type of Welding that is used very often. Learn about Stick
Welding.
Stick welding is a process that
uses a covered electrode that is also called a stick. The full name for stick
welding is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and is more widely used than many
other methods of welding.

This works by melting the flux that
covers the electrode as the welder welds a work-piece. As this process
continues it forms gas and slag and these two things shield the arc and the
weld pool of molten metal. After the work-piece is welded the welder must chip
off the slag. The flux also adds scavengers, deoxidizers and other types of
alloy elements to the metal during the weld.

There are many advantages of using
this method. First of all this is one of the most inexpensive ways to weld
because the equipment is easy to use, portable and inexpensive. You don't have
to worry about regulating the flux because the electrode does the regulating of
the flux. This method is also less susceptible to wind and drafts than other
methods, especially the welding processes that are gas shielded. You can also
use this method in any position.

The Stick welding process overview
shows that this process is used more than any other form of arc welding. It is
also versatile, flexible and used by a wider variety of individual. As an
example, you can use this method to make small repairs around your home, you
can repair equipment and it is used in the erection of still and other
commercial types of joining metal.

Sometimes there can be problems
with stick melding but they are relatively easy to fix. Some of the most common
problems you may run into include:

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Spatter -- this basically makes the metal look
messy and it is expensive to clean. There are many things you can do to fix
this and we will talk more about this in the tips article.

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Undercutting -- this also changes the appearance
of the metal and can weaken the weld especially when it has tension or fatigue.

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Wet Electrodes -- if you see that your arc is
erratic or it is acting rough, then the electrodes can be wet.

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Cracking -- there are different types of cracks
can happen in different spaces in the weld, and it can be caused by high carbon
or high alloy content.

When you are looking for flux coated electrodes you can find
them in many different sizes and lengths. The best way to tell which ones you
need is to match the base metal with the properties of the electrodes. You can
usually find them in bronze, aluminum bronze, nickel and stainless steel.


Article Tags:
Stick Welding Process, Stick Welding, Welding Process