Technology

Vocational Livelihood 11
Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Quarter 1
Self-Learning Module 10
TITLE: STRIKING AN ARC
Writer: Antonio F. Quines
Reviewer: Orlando A. Joven Jr (Validator)
Emmanuel B. Penetrante (Technical)
Cerina Galoy (Grammarian)
 EXPECTATIONS

This unit deals with the skills and knowledge involved in striking an arc in preparation
for welding operations.

At the end of the lesson you are expected to:

1. enumerate the methods of striking an arc;
2. discuss the procedures in striking an arc; and
3. identify the factors to consider selecting an electrode.

PRETEST

Directions: Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What method in striking an arc is recommended for the beginners?

a. Tapping method c. Any of these
b. Scratching method d. None of the above
2. In the symbol E-6013; letter “E” stands for:
a. Electric c. Electrode
b. Energy d. None of the above
3. Eyes can be protected during welding operations by using:
a. Gloves c. Goggles
b. Leggings d. Apron
4. It is done by touching the electrode to the base metal like scratching a match.
a. Tapping Method c. All of these
b. Scratching Method d. None of there
5. It is done by moving the electrode downward until it steps to the base metal
then bringing the electrode up slightly to form an arc.
a. Taping Method c. All of these
b. Scratching Method d. None of these

RECAP

Do you still recall our previous lesson? What is the meaning of root gap and root face?

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 LESSON

STRIKE AN ARC

METHODS OF STRIKING AN ARC:

1. Scratching Method. It is done by scratching the electrode to the base metal

like scratching a match. As the electrode scratches the base metal, an arc
will be formed. It is the simplest method for most beginners.

Figure 1. Scratching Method

2. Tapping Method. It is done by moving the electrode downward until it just

taps the base metal, then bringing the electrode up slightly to form an arc
with the same distances to the diameter of electrode.

Figure 2. Tapping Method

Maintain a proper arc length which is about the electrode diameter to produce a
stable arc.

Effect of a shortened arc length.

The molten metal transferring across the gap may short out electrode causing it to
stick to the plate.

Effect of a long arc length

It produces more spatter

The arc stops

 WELDING PROCEDURE IN STRIKING AN ARC

1. Prepare the tools, equipment and materials

needed.

2. Set up the welding machine and set the

current to 100 amps.

3. Wear protective clothing and equipment.

4. Clamp the bare end of the electrode in the

holder.

5. Position your body in such a way that your

head will be cleared of the column of fumes
arising from the arc (Fig. 28)

6. Strike the arc by either of the two methods.

6.1 SCRATCHING
6.1.1Point the electrode downwards at an
angle of approximately 75 and the striking
end about 30 mm above the start position
on the plate surface

6.1.2 Strike the end of the electrode on the

plate surface similar to striking a match.

6.1.3 When a spark appears, withdraw the electrode

quickly and draw an arc of approximately 6 mm.

6.1.4 Move the electrode to the start position and then reduce the arc length to a
distance equal to the diameter of the electrode.
 6.2 TAPPING
6.2.1 Point the electrode downwards
at an angle of approximately 75 and the
striking end to about 15 mm above the
start position on the plate surface.

6.2.2 Lower the electrode on the

plate surface.

6.2.3 When a spark appears, withdraw

the electrode quickly to an arc
length equal to its diameter.

NOTE: If the electrode welds to the plate, quickly snap the

electrode to one side.

If the electrode does not release, switch off the

welding machine and detached the electrode with a
cold chisel.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Shielded metal arc welding is defined as arc welding with covered electrodes
manually controlled by the welder, without automatic or semi- automatic
replacement of electrode. This process uses a length of flux coated electrode which
provided filler metal and atmospheric shielding.
 The electrode is held by the welder in an electrode holder with an insulated
handle. The holder grips the bare end of the electrode for good current transfer.

The welder strikes and draws an arc which melts the base metal forming a
weld pool at the same time. The tip of the electrode melts and metal droplets are
projected into the weld pool.

The chemicals and minerals in coating, melt and decompose to serve as an

alloying element and to form a protecting gas shield around the arc and weld pool.
Furthermore, a slag is formed to cover the deposited weld.

STRIKE AN ARC

SELECTING ELECTRODE

Objectives: The student will select the type of arc welding electrodes

Selecting an electrode

The choice of the right electrode depends on the following factors:

1. Kinds of Base Metal. Electrodes are classified according to the kind of the
base metal for which they are recommended into mild steel, low hydrogen, low
energy, cast iron, stainless steel, and various non-ferrous electrodes.

2. Types of Welding Equipment . Determine what current is available, as

not all electrodes can be used for both AC or DC current and others are more
economical to use with one type of current than the other. It may also be
necessary to check the open circuit voltage of the welding machine to be used
for source electrodes (e.g basic low hydrogen type) It requires higher open
circuit voltage than other for best performance.

3. Dimension and Design of Parts.Heavy materials of complicated design

require electrodes of high ductility thin plates require low penetration electrodes
with stable arcs at low current values.

4. Joint Preparation and Set up. Deep penetration electrodes are required
when edge is not levelled and fit-up is tight. Mild penetration, thin-coated
electrodes are best when gaps are open.

5. Welding Position. Some electrodes are preferable to others for off-position

welding

6. Specification and Service Condition. Job specifications may indicate

class of electrodes to be used: Otherwise the service requirements (e.g. desired
tensile strength, ductility, corrosion or abrasion resistance, etc.) should be
considered
 7. Practicability of Heat Treatment. If shop facilities preclude the
employment of pre-heating or post-heating for critical job, the use of low heat
input electrodes is the only recourse.

8. Cost Limits. The choice of expensive electrodes whose qualities or

properties exceed those normally demanded by the job is economically unwise
when less expensive electrodes, just as suitable quality electrodes and win the
risk of the weldment failing in service or having the job redone at additional cost
when dependable brands are in the market

ELECTRODES

Common ways of classifying electrode (by the covering on the electrode).

1. Bare-Electrode
2. Dusted Electrode
3. Flux-Dipped Electrode
4. Extended Electrodes and Covering
5.
The common electrode width sizes are:

3/32ӯ

1/8ӯ

5/32ӯ

3/16ӯ

7/32ӯ

1/4 ӯ

The common lengths of electrodes are:

14-inches

18-inches
 ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY NO 1. Directions: There are 2 methods of striking an arc, using vein

diagram give its similarities and differences.

ACTIVITY NO 2.

Directions: Rearrange the following steps/procedures in striking an arc in proper

order or sequence by writing the number on the space provided on the table below.

SEQUENSE PROCEDURES
A. Strike the arc by either of the two methods.
B. Clamp the bare end of the electrode in the holder.
C. Set up the welding machine and set the current to 100 amps.
D. Prepare the tools, equipment and materials needed.
E. Wear protective clothing and equipment.
F. Position your body in such a way that your head will be
cleared of the column of fumes arising from the arc

ACTIVITY NO 3.

Directions: Identify if the given phrase is a factor in selecting electrode or not by

putting  if it is a factor and  if it is not. Put your answer on the space provided
before the number.

Answer Factors
1. Cost Limits.
2. Location of the working area
3. Practicability of Heat Treatment.
4 Distance of source
5. Welding Position.
6. Types of Welding Equipment
7. Kinds of Base Metal.
8. Manipulation technique
9. Joint Preparation and Set up.
10. Specification and Service Condition.
 WRAP-UP

Today you have learned many things about striking an arc, now in paragraph form
summarize what you have learned.
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VALUING

Now that you’ve learned the different methods of striking an arc. Write your
thoughts on the diagram below:

1. What is the importance of knowing the different of striking an arc?

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POSTTEST

Directions: Identify the following information by writing “ALWAYS” and “NEVER”

before each number.

_________ 1. Perform regular check on the connections of the welding

machines.
_________ 2. Wear protective clothing and equipment.

_________ 3. The materials and equipment must be properly prepared

and checked.
_________ 4. Use damaged welding, tools and equipment.
_________ 5. Use electrical tools and equipment in damp a wet
condition.
_________ 6. Consider the factors in the choice of the right electrode.
_________ 7. Choose expensive electrodes whose qualities exceeded
the requirement.
_________ 8. Use a common size of electrode in every welding works.
_________ 9. Clamp the bare end of the electrode properly in the holder.
________ 10. Set the welding machine to the recommended current setting
 KEY TO CORRECTION

5.A 10. ALWAYS

4.B 9. ALWAYS
3.C 8. NEVER
2.C 7. NEVER
1.B 6. ALWAYS
PRETEST 5. NEVER
4. NEVER
5 F. 3. ALAWAYS
3 E. 2. ALWAYS
1 D. ACTIVITY 1 1. ALWAYS
2 C. POSTTEST
4 B.
6 A.

ACTIVITY 2

R E F E R E N CE S
Department of Education (2018). Technology & Livelihood Module 1 Learner’s
Material, IA- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) First Edition,

Department of Education (2008). Competency-based Learning Material (2nd Year),

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) NC-1, Module 2 Preparing Welding Materials.