AWS Troubleshooting & Diagnostics 2

Question 1

A welder notices excessive spatter during GMAW. Which parameter adjustment is most likely to reduce spatter?

Accepted Answer

Decrease voltage to match wire feed speed

Answer

Excessive spatter in GMAW is often caused by voltage being too low or too high relative to wire feed speed; matching voltage to wire feed speed stabilizes the arc.

Question 2

During SMAW, the electrode sticks to the base metal repeatedly. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Amperage set too low

Answer

Electrode sticking in SMAW is most commonly caused by amperage set too low, which cannot sustain a stable arc.

Question 3

A welder observes undercut along the toes of a fillet weld. Which corrective action is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Reduce amperage or slow travel speed

Answer

Undercut is caused by excessive heat or travel speed that melts the base metal faster than filler can fill; reducing amperage or slowing travel speed corrects this.

Question 4

During FCAW, the weld bead has a rough, convex profile with poor tie-in to the base metal. What is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Voltage too low

Answer

Low voltage in FCAW produces a convex, ropy bead with poor fusion because the arc is not wide enough to wet out properly.

Question 5

A GTAW welder notices tungsten inclusions in the weld. What is the most probable cause?

Accepted Answer

Tungsten contacted the weld pool

Answer

Tungsten inclusions occur when the tungsten electrode touches the molten weld pool, causing pieces to break off and become embedded.

AWS Practice Test

AWS Practice Test

AWS Troubleshooting & Diagnostics 2