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Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) Fundamentals 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 Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG) Fundamentals flashcards as text

  1. In GTAW, what is the primary function of the foot pedal or fingertip amperage control?

    Answer: To vary the welding current in real time, allowing control of heat input

    Amperage controls let the welder reduce heat input at the end of a weld or on thin sections, preventing burn-through and crater cracking.

  2. What type of joint preparation is generally preferred for GTAW butt welds on base metal thicker than 3/16 inch (4.8 mm)?

    Answer: Single-V or double-V groove to allow full penetration

    Groove preparations like the V-groove open the joint so the narrow GTAW arc can achieve complete joint penetration in thicker materials.

  3. Which shielding gas mixture is often used in GTAW of carbon and low-alloy steels to improve arc stability and increase travel speed?

    Answer: Argon with 2–5% hydrogen

    Small hydrogen additions increase arc voltage and heat input, improving travel speed and penetration on austenitic stainless and some steel applications.

  4. What welding defect is most likely caused by insufficient post-weld gas coverage (post-flow) in GTAW?

    Answer: Oxidation and discoloration of the weld and heat-affected zone

    Without adequate post-flow, the hot tungsten and weld metal are exposed to atmosphere, causing oxidation that appears as discoloration and can compromise corrosion resistance.

  5. In AWS GTAW qualification testing, what is the significance of a 'guided bend test'?

    Answer: It evaluates weld ductility and soundness by bending a coupon around a mandrel of specified diameter

    Guided bend tests reveal internal discontinuities and assess ductility; coupons must not crack beyond the allowable limits to pass AWS qualification.

  6. What is 'arc length' in GTAW and how does it affect the weld?

    Answer: The distance from tungsten tip to the weld puddle; shorter arcs increase penetration and reduce arc voltage

    A shorter arc length concentrates heat, increases penetration, and reduces the tendency for atmospheric contamination of the puddle.

  7. Which AWS standard governs the qualification of welding procedures and welders for structural steel, including GTAW processes?

    Answer: AWS D1.1 Structural Welding Code — Steel

    AWS D1.1 is the primary structural welding code for steel and includes prequalified joint details and welder qualification requirements for GTAW.