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9-11. Troubleshooting − Lack Of Penetration
| Lack Of Penetration − shallow |
| fusion between weld metal and |
| base metal. |
Lack of Penetration | Good Penetration |
| |
Possible Causes | Corrective Actions |
Improper joint preparation. | Material too thick. Joint preparation and design must provide access to bottom of groove while |
| maintaining proper welding wire extension and arc characteristics. |
Improper weld technique.
Maintain normal gun angle of 0 to 15 degrees to achieve maximum penetration.
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Be sure welding wire extends not more than 1/2 in (13 mm) beyond nozzle.
Insufficient heat input.
Select higher wire feed speed and/or select higher voltage range.
Reduce travel speed.
Incorrect polarity.
Check polarity required by welding wire, and change to correct polarity at welding power source.
9-12. Troubleshooting − Incomplete Fusion
| Incomplete Fusion − failure of weld metal to fuse completely with |
| base metal or a preceeding weld bead. |
| |
Possible Causes | Corrective Actions |
Workpiece dirty. | Remove all grease, oil, moisture, rust, paint, undercoating, and dirt from work surface before |
| welding. |
Insufficient heat input.
Select higher voltage range and/or adjust wire feed speed.
Improper welding technique.
Place stringer bead in proper location(s) at joint during welding.
Adjust work angle or widen groove to access bottom during welding.
Momentarily hold arc on groove side walls when using weaving technique.
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Use correct gun angle of 0 to 15 degrees.
9-13. Troubleshooting − Burn-Through
Possible Causes
Corrective Actions
Excessive heat input.
Select lower voltage range and reduce wire feed speed.
Increase and/or maintain steady travel speed.