AWS Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

Question 1

In Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), the arc is shielded by which of the following?

Accepted Answer

A blanket of granular flux

Answer

SAW uses a continuously fed granular flux that completely submerges and shields the arc from the atmosphere, giving the process its name.

Question 2

Which AWS specification covers electrodes and fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding of carbon and low-alloy steel?

Accepted Answer

AWS A5.17

Answer

AWS A5.17 covers carbon steel electrodes and fluxes for Submerged Arc Welding, while A5.23 covers low-alloy steel SAW electrodes and fluxes.

Question 3

What is the primary advantage of Submerged Arc Welding compared to Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)?

Accepted Answer

Higher deposition rates and travel speeds

Answer

SAW achieves significantly higher deposition rates and travel speeds than SMAW because it uses a continuously fed wire electrode and operates at higher current levels.

Question 4

In SAW, unused granular flux that is not fused during welding is typically:

Accepted Answer

Recovered and reused after screening

Answer

Unfused flux is recovered by vacuum recovery systems, screened to remove fines and slag contaminants, and reused, making SAW a cost-effective process.

Question 5

Which welding position is SAW most commonly performed in?

Accepted Answer

Flat (1G) and horizontal fillet (2F)

Answer

SAW is primarily limited to the flat and horizontal fillet positions because the granular flux cannot be retained on vertical or overhead surfaces without special fixtures.

AWS Practice Test

AWS Practice Test

AWS Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)