8/13/13 Handbook - Weld Defects

Variations-
Metal
Transfer

Equipment
POROSITY
Porosity is gas pores found in the solidified weld bead. As seen in Figure 10-4, these pores may vary in size
and are generally distributed in a random manner. However, it is possible that porosity can only be found at
Power
Supply the weld center. Pores can occur either under or on the weld surface.

The most common causes of porosity are atmosphere contamination, excessively oxidized work piece
surfaces, inadequate deoxidizing alloys in the wire and the presence of foreign matter. Atmospheric
Shielding
Gases contamination can be caused by:

1) Inadequate shielding gas flow.

Wire 2) Excessive shielding gas flow. This can cause aspiration of air into the gas stream.
Electrodes
3) Severely clogged gas nozzle or damaged gas supply system (leaking hoses, fittings, etc.)

4) An excessive wind in the welding area. This can blow away the gas shield.
Safety

Figure 10-4 – Examples of Porosity

Welding
Techniques

Welding
Conditions

Introduction
Economics
Incomplete
Penetration
Lack of
Weld Fusion
Defects Undercutting

Porosity Continued on next page...

Mig Spot
Welding Longitudinal
Cracking

7
Tables

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