AWS Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) 5

Question 1

What type of current is required for an E6010 electrode to operate correctly?

Accepted Answer

DCEP (DC electrode positive) only

Answer

E6010 electrodes require DCEP (DC electrode positive, also called reverse polarity) to maintain a stable arc and achieve proper penetration.

Question 2

A welder is experiencing excessive spatter while using E7018 electrodes. Which adjustment would most likely resolve this issue?

Accepted Answer

Decrease amperage slightly

Answer

Excessive spatter with E7018 is often caused by amperage that is too high; decreasing amperage slightly typically reduces spatter to acceptable levels.

Question 3

What is 'porosity' in a weld, and what is its most common cause in SMAW?

Accepted Answer

Gas pockets trapped in the solidified weld metal; often caused by contamination or moisture

Answer

Porosity consists of gas pockets (voids) trapped in the solidified weld metal, most commonly caused by contamination, moisture on the electrode or base metal, or too-long arc length.

Question 4

According to AWS standards, what does the 'E' in an electrode classification such as E7018 stand for?

Accepted Answer

Electric arc welding electrode

Answer

The 'E' in AWS electrode classifications stands for 'Electric arc welding electrode,' distinguishing it from other welding rods.

Question 5

When should preheat be applied to base metal before SMAW?

Accepted Answer

When welding high-carbon or alloy steels to reduce the risk of hydrogen cracking

Answer

Preheat slows the cooling rate, allowing hydrogen to escape and reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking, particularly in high-carbon and alloy steels.

AWS Practice Test

AWS Practice Test

AWS Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) 5