Porosity in welding happens when a contaminant or gas is absorbed into the weld puddle. These impure welds are commonly referred to as cavities. Basically porosity in welding is a weak, bubble-filled weld that does not meet code and more importantly can in some cases, cause part of a project to become weak and collapse. If you find that your weld has this impurity it must be redone immediately. Here are 5 tips for preventing porosity in welding, and saving yourself the time and money it takes to redo a project.
Preparation of material surfaces prior to welding can prove to be as critical to a clean weld as welding itself. The after effects of fabrication can lead to surface contamination and porosity if proper care is not taken to clean. This in turn can lead to unsound welds with poor mechanical properties, which require rework or replacement at the expense of time and money. To eliminate the worry of contamination around the weld zone and to ensure a high-quality weld, Aquasol has developed EZ Wipes. EZ Wipes’ concentrated cleaning liquid allows for easy removal of cutting fluid lubricants, oils, inks, grease and some adhesives.
Monitor the flow from you gas shield. The more powerful the flow of gas is, the more air is disturbed. This can lead to contaminants mixing with the weld puddle, which in turn causes an impure weld. Although flow rates can vary, it is important to select the correct flow rate for each application. Doing this can improve efficiency and ensure quality weld. If you are not sure what the correct flow rate is, you should seek advice from your gas supplier.
Over time hoses may begin to leak or wiring may become exposed or frayed. Checking all connections before striking an arc will help make sure you get an accurate flow from your gas shield. Check the tip of the weld gun to make sure you have a clean tip, sometimes the tip may become clogged which will eventually cause impurities in the weld. Check the tension to your drive rolls or wire spool hub. Poor tension can cause poor wire feeding performance.
Welding shops can get very hot, however you should think twice before opening a door to get a breeze. You must monitor your workplace for strong air flows or currents that could affect the weld puddle or gas shield. Watch your voltage / arc length. The further away the gun is from the weld site, the more likely air and gas will seep into the weld puddle causing bubbles to form which will in turn make a weak weld.
Preventing porosity in your weld will overall increase the durability and purity of your weld. The durability and purity of the weld is important in making sure it meets the codes and standards that are set by the American Welding Society. Keep these tips in mind the next time you are preparing and conducting a weld.
