Practice Test GeeksAWS Practice Test
← All AWS Flashcard Decks

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) Flashcards

7 cards from real AWS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) flashcards as text

  1. In GMAW, what is the primary purpose of using a push angle (forehand) technique compared to a drag angle (backhand) technique?

    Answer: Produces shallower penetration and wider, flatter bead

    A push (forehand) angle directs heat forward, resulting in shallower penetration and a wider, flatter bead profile.

  2. Which GMAW transfer mode is characterized by the wire tip never actually touching the base metal, with metal crossing the arc as fine droplets?

    Answer: Spray transfer

    Spray transfer occurs above a critical current threshold where metal transfers as a fine axial spray across the arc without contact with the base metal.

  3. What condition causes 'cold lapping' (lack of fusion) at the toes of a GMAW weld?

    Answer: Excessive travel speed with insufficient heat input

    Cold lapping occurs when travel speed is too fast or heat input is too low, preventing the weld metal from properly fusing with the base material at the toes.

  4. When welding aluminum with GMAW, which polarity and shielding gas combination is standard practice?

    Answer: DCEP with 100% argon

    DCEP (electrode positive) with 100% argon is standard for GMAW on aluminum because DCEP provides cathodic cleaning action that removes the oxide layer.

  5. A welder notices the weld bead has excessive spatter and an irregular, convex profile. Which parameter adjustment is most likely needed?

    Answer: Increase voltage

    Excessive spatter and a convex bead profile typically indicate voltage is too low; increasing voltage widens and flattens the bead while reducing spatter.

  6. What is the recommended contact tip-to-work distance (CTWD) for most standard GMAW applications?

    Answer: 5/8 to 7/8 inch (16–22 mm)

    A CTWD of approximately 5/8 to 7/8 inch (16–22 mm) is typical for standard GMAW, balancing electrical stick-out resistance heating and arc stability.

  7. Which type of weld discontinuity is most associated with excessive moisture in GMAW shielding gas or on the base metal surface?

    Answer: Porosity

    Moisture dissociates in the arc and releases hydrogen, which becomes trapped in the solidifying weld metal and causes porosity.