Lincoln Electric IM546 manual Welding In The Vertical Position, Vertical-down Welding

	LEARNING TO WELD		B-15
FIGURE B.23		FIGURE B.24

45°

Welding In The Vertical Position

Welding in the vertical position can be done either ver- tical-up or vertical-down. Vertical-up is used whenev- era larger, stronger weld is desired. Vertical-down is used primarily on sheet metal 5/32” (3.9 mm) and under for fast, low penetrating welds.

WARNING

Use of this unit on thicker materials than recom- mended may result in poor welds. The welds may “look” good, but may just be “sitting” on top, of the plate. This is called “Cold Casting” and will result in weld failure.

Vertical-up And Overhead Welding

The problem, when welding vertical-up, is to put the molten metal where it is wanted and make it stay there. If too much molten metal is deposited, gravity will pull it downwards and make it “drip”. Therefore, a certain technique has to be followed.

When welding out-of-position, run stringer beads. Donʼt whip, break the arc, move out of the puddle, or move too fast in any direction. Use Wire Feed Speed (WFS) in the low portion of the range. The general technique and proper gun angle is illustrated in Figure B.24.

Generally, keep the electrode nearly perpendicular to the joint as illustrated. The maximum angle above per- pendicular may be required if porosity becomes a problem.

PROPER GUN ANGLE	PROPER GUN ANGLE
FOR GMAW PROCESS	FOR FCAW PROCESS
WELDING IN THE VERTICAL UP POSITION	WELDING IN THE VERTICAL UP POSITION

Vertical-down Welding

Refer to Figure B.25 Vertical-down welds are applied at a fast pace. These welds are therefore shallow and narrow and, as such, are excellent for sheet metal. Vertical-down welds may be applied to 5/32” (3.9 mm) and lighter material.

Use stringer beads and tip the gun in the direction of travel so the arc force helps hold the molten metal in the joint. Move as fast as possible consistent with desired bead shape.

The important thing is to continue lowering the entire arm as the weld is made so the angle of the gun does not change. Move the electrode wire fast enough that the slag does not catch up with the arc. Vertical-down welding gives thin, shallow welds. It should not be used on heavy material where large welds are required.

FIGURE B.25

WELD-PAK 100