Practice Test Geeks(SAW) Submerged Arc Welding Certification Practice Test
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Flux Types & Wire Selection Flashcards

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

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  1. What are the three main manufacturing categories of SAW flux based on production method?

    Answer: Fused, bonded, and agglomerated

    SAW fluxes are classified by manufacturing method as fused (melted and re-solidified), bonded (mixed with a binder and dried), and agglomerated (bonded at low temperature, allowing alloying additions).

  2. What is the primary advantage of agglomerated (bonded) SAW flux compared to fused flux?

    Answer: Alloying elements and deoxidizers can be incorporated into the flux

    Agglomerated flux is manufactured at low temperatures that preserve reactive alloying additions, allowing weld deposit chemistry to be adjusted through the flux itself.

  3. According to AWS A5.17, what does the 'K' suffix in the wire classification 'EM12K' indicate?

    Answer: Killed steel (fine-grain, aluminum-deoxidized)

    In AWS A5.17, the 'K' suffix designates a killed steel electrode, meaning it is fine-grain, aluminum-deoxidized, which improves toughness and consistency of the weld deposit.

  4. What is the recommended practice for storing opened bags of SAW flux to prevent moisture-related weld defects?

    Answer: Store in heated ovens at 250–300°F (120–150°C) until use

    Opened SAW flux must be kept in heated storage ovens at 250–300°F to drive off moisture; absorbed moisture causes porosity and can introduce hydrogen leading to underbead cracking.

  5. A 'neutral flux' in SAW welding is best defined as one that:

    Answer: Does not significantly change weld metal Mn or Si content as arc voltage varies

    A neutral flux maintains consistent weld metal manganese and silicon chemistry regardless of voltage changes, making weld chemistry predictable and stable across a range of parameters.

  6. For single-wire SAW on plate thicknesses of 1/2" to 1" (12–25 mm), which wire diameter range is most commonly specified?

    Answer: 3/32" to 5/32" (2.4–4.0 mm)

    Wire diameters of 3/32" to 5/32" are standard for medium plate thicknesses, providing adequate deposition rates while remaining controllable at the required current levels.

  7. The 'flux consumption ratio' used in SAW welding job planning is defined as:

    Answer: The weight of flux consumed per weight of wire electrode consumed

    Flux consumption ratio (typically 1:1 to 1.5:1 lb flux per lb wire) compares flux consumed to wire consumed by weight, allowing accurate flux quantity estimation for a job.