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Dictionnaire des termes et définitions du soudage

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  • A

  • Alternating Current (AC)
    An electric current which periodically reverses direction. It is the form in which electric power is delivered to businesses and residences.

  • Across the arc wire feeders
    Also referred to as voltage-sensing wire feeders. The wire feeder is powered by the welding cable instead of a control cable. This configuration provides the benefit of fewer cables running back to the power source. Voltage control at the point of use is not possible without the addition of a control cable however, technologies such as ArcReach and CrossLinc now provided remote control capability via the welding cable.

  • Actual throat
    The shortest distance from the root of a fillet weld to its face.

  • All-weld-metal test specimen
    A test specimen with the reduced section composed wholly of weld metal.

  • Alloy
    A mixture of metallic elements combined to provide specific properties such as greater resistance to corrosion or improved strength. For example, brass is an alloy of copper and zinc; steel is an alloy of iron and carbon.

  • Amperage
    The measurement of the amount of electricity flowing past a given point in a conductor per second. Current is another name for amperage.

  • Arc
    The physical gap between the end of the electrode and the base metal. The physical gap causes heat due to resistance of current flow and arc rays.

  • Arc blow
    The deflection of an electric arc from its normal path because of magnetic forces.

  • Arc force
    Arc force prevents the electrode from sticking during welding. Arc force is a temporary increase of the output current during welding when the arc is too short. This feature supports production with consistently excellent arc performance. It also enhances simple position welding making the job easier. In order to produce an outstanding weld performance on a variety of electrodes (rutile, basic or cellulose), the arc force can be finely adjusted with a simple knob. To have a smooth arc with less spatter, set the knob to minimum (rutile, basic). For a more crisp arc, with more penetration, set it to maximum.

  • Arc seam weld
    A seam weld made by an arc welding process.

  • Arc spot weld
    A spot weld made by an arc welding process.

  • Arc spot weld
    A spot weld made by an arc welding process.

  • Arc time
    The time during which an arc is maintained in making an arc weld.

  • Arc voltage
    The voltage across the welding arc.

  • Arc Welding
    Welding processes which use heat from the resistance of current flow and arc rays to produce coalescence of metals. Can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, consumable or non-consumable electrodes, with or without the application of pressure.

  • Arc welding electrode
    A component of the welding circuit through which current is conducted between the electrode holder and the arc.

  • Arc welding gun
    In semi-automatic, machine and automatic welding, a manipulating device to transfer current and guide the electrode into the arc. It may include provisions for shielding and arc initiation.

  • As-welded
    The condition of weld metal, welded joints, and weldments after welding but prior to any subsequent thermal, mechanical, or chemical treatments.

  • Asynchronous welder generator
    An asynchronous generator is an alternator that utilizes an air-gap rotating magnetic-field between a stator and a rotor to interact with an induced current in a rotor winding. An asynchronous generator requires no maintenance since there is no collector ring, brush, or rotor excitation winding. It is sometimes called an induction generator. General efficiency is higher than that of a synchronous generator with the same capacity and the same speed. Red-D-Arc's GX200 DC CC gas engine welder employs an asynchronous generator to produce welding current.

  • Autogenous weld
    A fusion weld made without the addition of filler metal.

  • Automatic welding
    Welding with equipment which performs the welding operation without adjustment of the controls by a welding operator. The equipment may of may not perform the loading and unloading of the work. See machine welding

  • Axis of a weld
    A line through the length of a weld, perpendicular to and at the geometric center of its cross section.

  • B

  • Back gouging
    The removal of weld metal and base metal from the other side of a partially welded joint to assure complete penetration upon subsequent welding from that side.

  • Backhand welding
    A welding technique in which the welding torch or gun is directed opposite to the progress of welding. Sometimes referred to as the “pull gun technique” in GMAW and FCAW.

  • Backing
    A material (base metal, weld metal, carbon, or granular material) placed at the root of a weld joint for the purpose of supporting molten weld metal.

  • Backing pass
    A pass made to deposit a baking weld.

  • Backing ring
    Backing in the form of a ring, generally used in the welding of piping.

  • Backing strip
    Backing in the form of a strip.

  • Backstep sequence
    A longitudinal sequence in which the weld bead increments are deposited in the direction opposite to the progress of welding the joint. See block sequence, cascade sequence,continuous sequence, joint building sequence, and longitudinal sequence.

  • Bare electrode
    A filler metal electrode consisting of a single metal or alloy that has been produced into a wire, strip, or bar form and that has had no coating or covering applied to it other than that which was incidental to its manufacture or preservation.

  • Bare metal arc welding (BMAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an electric arc between a bare or lightly coated metal electrode and the work. Neither shielding nor pressure is used and filler metal is obtained from the electrode. (This process is now obsolete in industrial applications).

  • Base metal (material)
    The metal (material) to be welded, brazed, soldered, or cut.

  • Base metal test specimen
    A test specimen composed wholly of base-metal.

  • Bend Test
    A destructive testing method where the weld specimen is bent to a specified bend radius to evaluate the ductility and soundness of the weld. See Weld Quality Assurance

  • Bevel
    An angular type of edge preparation.

  • Bevel angle
    The angle formed between the prepared edge of a member and a plane perpendicular to the surface of the member.

  • Blind joint
    A joint, no portion of which is visible.

  • Block sequence
    A combined longitudinal and buildup sequence for a continuous multiple pass weld in which separated lengths are completely or partially built up in cross section before intervening lengths are deposited.

  • Boxing
    The continuation of a fillet weld around a corner of a member as an extension of the principal weld.

  • Break test
    A destructive testing method where a fillet weld sample is broken and the broken surfaces examined for discontinuities. See Weld Quality Assurance

  • Burn-thru
    A term erroneously used to denote excessive melt-thru or a hole.

  • Burn-thru weld
    A term erroneously used to denote a seam weld or spot weld.

  • Butt joint
    A joint between two members aligned approximately in the same plane.

  • Butt weld
    An erroneous term for a weld in a butt joint.

  • Buttering
    A form of surfacing in which one or more layers of weld metal are deposited on the groove face of one member (for example, a high alloy weld deposit on steel base metal which is to be welded to a dissimilar base metal). The buttering provides a suitable transition weld deposit for subsequent completion of the butt weld.

  • Button
    That part of a weld, including all or part of the nugget, which tears out in the destructive testing of spot, seam, or projection welded specimens.

  • C

  • Carbon arc cutting (CAC)
    An arc cutting process in which metals are severed by melting them with the heat of an arc between a carbon electrode and the base metal.

  • Carbon arc welding (CAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a carbon electrode and the work. No shielding is used. Pressure and filler metal may or may not be used.

  • Carbon electrode
    A non-filler material electrode used in arc welding or cutting, consisting of a carbon or graphite rod, which may be coated with copper or other coatings.

  • Cascade sequence
    A combined longitudinal and buildup sequence during which weld beads are deposited in overlapping layers.

  • Center of gravity (weld positioning)
    The point at which the weldment balances on all axes equally. As the distance increases from the device, more torque is applied to the positioner. The center of gravity changes as the welder adds material and parts to the positioner.

  • Chain intermittent fillet welding
    Two lines of intermittent fillet welds on a joint in which the fillet weld increments on one side are approximately opposite to those on the other side of the joint.

  • CJP
    CJP (complete joint penetration): A condition in a groove weld in which weld metal extends through the entire thickness of the joint

  • Clad metal
    A composite metal containing two or three layers that have been welded together. The welding may have been accomplished by roll welding, arc welding, casting, heavy chemical deposition or heavy electroplating.

  • Cladding
    A relatively thick layer (> 1 mm (0.04 in.)) of material applied by surfacing of the purpose of improved corrosion resistance or other properties. Cladding Systems

  • Coalescence
    The growing together or growth into one body of the materials being welded.

  • Coating
    A relatively thin layer (> 1 mm (0.04 in.)) of material applied by surfacing for the purpose of corrosion prevention, resistance to high temperature scaling, wear resistance, lubrication, or other purposes.

  • Cobot
    An apparatus and method for direct physical interaction between a person and a robotic manipulator controlled by a computer.

  • Coil with support
    A filler metal package type consisting of a continuous length of electrode in coil form wound on an internal support which is a simple cylindrical section without flanges.

  • Coil without support
    A filler metal package type consisting of a continuous length of electrode in coil form without an internal support. It is appropriately bound to maintain its shape.

  • Collaborative Robot
    A robotic system that is designed to work in tandem with a human operator. The BotX Welder is an example of a collaborative welding robot.

  • Complete fusion
    Fusion which has occurred over the entire base material surfaces intended for welding, and between all layers and passes.

  • Complete joint penetration
    Joint penetration in which the weld metal completely fills the groove and is fused to the base metal throughout its total thickness.

  • Composite electrode
    Any of a number of multicomponent filler metal electrodes in various physical forms such as stranded wires, tubes, and covered wire.

  • Composite joint
    A joint produced by welding used in conjunction with a non-welding process.

  • Concave fillet weld
    A fillet weld having a concave face.

  • Concave root surface
    A root surface which is concave.

  • Concavity
    The maximum distance from the face of a concave fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the toes.

  • Concurrent heating
    The application of supplemental heat to a structure during a welding or cutting operation.

  • Constant Current (CC) Welding Machine
    These welding machines have limited maximum short circuit current. They have a negative volt-amp curve and are often referred to as "droopers."

  • Constant speed wire feeders
    A constant speed wire feeder is used only with a constant voltage (CV) power source. This arrangement requires an extra control cord between the wire feeder and the power source but that allows operators to control both voltage and wire feed speed (amperage) at the feeder, a big benefit when working remotely. Further, voltage and amperage values remain constant unless manually adjusted, and both can be adjusted independently of each other. When welding procedures specify wire feed speed and voltage (instead of amps and volts), a constant speed feeder may be your best choice. When you set the controls for a wire feed speed of 250 inches per minute, that's what the system delivers. Wire feed speed does not vary like it does with a voltage sensing system. Both VS and RC feeders have digital meters, typically an option, make setting e xact parameters easier. The meters display wire feed speed or volts (one at a time) or they can be set to display amps or wire feed speed (one at a time).

  • Constant Voltage (CV), Constant Potential (CP) Welding Machine
    This type of welding machine output maintains a relatively stable, consistent voltage regardless of the amperage output. It results in a relatively flat volt-amp curve.

  • Consumable guide electro slag welding
    A method of electroslag welding in which filler metal is supplied by an electrode and its guiding member.

  • Consumable insert
    Preplaced filler metal which is completely fused into the root of the joint and becomes part of the weld.

  • Contact tube
    A device which transfers current to a continuous electrode.

  • Continuous sequence
    A longitudinal sequence in which each pass is made continuously from one end of the joint to the other.

  • Continuous weld
    A weld extends continuously from one end of a joint to the other. Where the joint is essentially circular, it extends completely around the joint.

  • Convex fillet weld
    A fillet weld having a convex face.

  • Convex root surface.
    A root surface which is convex.

  • Convexity
    The maximum distance from the face of a convex fillet weld perpendicular to a line joining the toes.

  • Corner joint
    A joint between two members located approximately at right angles to each other.

  • Corner-flange weld
    A flange weld with only one member flanged at the location of welding.

  • Coupling hub
    A coupling hub that is the connecting part to be attached either to the driver shaft end or to the driven equipment shaft end of a rotating drive.

  • Cover lens (eye protection)
    A round cover plate.

  • Cover plate (eye protection)
    A removable pane or colorless glass, plastic-coated glass, or plastic that covers the filter plate and protects it from weld spatter, pitting, or scratching when used in a helmet, hood or goggle.

  • Covered electrode
    A composite filler metal electrode consisting of a core of a bare electrode or metal cored electrode to which a covering sufficient to provide a slag layer on the weld metal has been applied. The covering may contain materials providing such functions as shielding from the atmosphere, deoxidation, and arc stabilization and can serve as a source of metallic additions to the weld.

  • Crack
    A fracture-type discontinuity characterized by a sharp tip and high ratio to length and width to opening displacement.

  • Crater
    In arc welding, a depression at the termination of a weld bead or in the molten weld pool.

  • Crater crack
    A crack in the crater of a weld bead.

  • Current
    Another name for amperage. The amount of electricity flowing past a point in a conductor every second.

  • CV
    Conventional mode for MIG welding. This general purpose MIG welding mode uses constant voltage for short arc, globular and spray transfer.

  • Cylinder
    A portable container used for transportation and storage of a compressed gas.

  • D

  • Defect
    A discontinuity or discontinuities which by nature or accumulated effect (for example, total crack length) render a part or product unable to meet minimum applicable acceptance standards or specifications. This terms designates reject ability.

  • Defective weld
    A weld containing one or more defects.

  • Deposited metal
    Filler metal that has been added during a welding operation.

  • Deposition efficiency (arc welding)
    The ratio of the weight of deposited metal to the net weight of filler metal consumed, exclusive of stubs.

  • Depth of fusion
    The distance that fusion extends into the base metal or previous pass from the surface melted during welding.

  • Destructive Testing (DT)
    A method of testing a constructed or welded piece where the piece is destroyed while being tested to the point of failure. See Weld Quality Assurance

  • Dig
    Also called Arc Control. Gives a power source variable additional amperage during low voltage (short arc length) conditions while welding. Helps avoid “sticking” stick electrodes when a short arc length is used.

  • Dilution
    The change in chemical composition of a welding filler material caused by the admixture of the base material or previously deposited weld material in the deposited weld bead. It is normally measured by the percentage or base material or previously deposited weld material in the weld bead.

  • Direct current electrode negative
    The arrangement of direct current arc welding leads in which the work is the positive pole and the electrode is the negative pole of the welding arc.

  • Direct current electrode positive
    The arrangement of direct current arc welding leads in which the work is the negative pole and the electrode is the positive pole of the welding arc.

  • Discontinuity
    An interruption of the typical structure of a weldment, such as a lack of homogeneity in the mechanical, metallurgical, or physical characteristics of the material or weldment. A discontinuity is not necessarily a defect.

  • Double-welded joint
    In arc and oxyfuel gas welding, any joint welded from both sides.

  • Drag angle
    The travel angle when the electrode is pointing backward. This angle can be used to define the position of welding guns, welding torches, high energy beams, welding rods, thermal cutting and thermal spraying guns.

  • Drop-thru
    An undesirable sagging or surface irregularity, usually encountered when brazing or welding near the solidus of the base metal caused by overheating with rapid diffusion or alloying between the filler metal and the base metal.

  • Drum
    A filler metal package type consisting of a continuous length of electrode wound or coiled within an enclosed cylindrical container.

  • Dual Fuel Generators
    Power generators which can run on 2 different fuels such as diesel or natural gas. Dual Fuel Generators can be more fuel efficient than other models and offer flexibility.

  • Dustless Blasting
    Dustless wet media blasting is an excellent alternative to sandblasting. Sandblasting can create a lot of dust which requires specialized containment measures. Dustless blasting refers to blast cleaning methods like wet media blasting which don't produce any dust cloud. Any time a surface is cleaned with any blast cleaning method, there will always be some residual material (paint, rust, dirt etc) which is stripped away. The dust referred to in dustless blasting is that which comes from the blasting media itself ie. sand. The Clearblast 150 is a good example of a dustless blasting machine.

  • Duty cycle
    The percentage of time during an arbitrary test period, usually 10 min. during which a power supply can be operated at its rated output without overloading.

  • Dye Penetrant Testing
    Using dye to detect surface defects in a weld. See Weld Quality Assurance

  • E

  • Eccentricity (weld positioning)
    The distance from the weldment center of gravity to its rotation axis in the case of an unbalanced load.

  • Edge flange weld
    A flange weld with two members flanged at the location of welding.

  • Edge joint
    A joint between the edges of two or more parallel or nearly parallel members.

  • Edge preparation
    The surface prepared on the edge of a member for welding.

  • Edge weld
    A weld in an edge point.

  • Effective length of weld
    The length of weld throughout which the correctly proportioned cross section exists. In a curved weld, it shall be measured along the axis of the weld.

  • Effective throat
    The minimum distance from the root of a weld to its face less any reinforcement. The minimum distance minus any reinforcement from the root of a weld to its face.

  • Electrode extension (GMAW, FCAW, SAW)
    The length of unmelted electrode extending beyond the end of the contact tube during welding.

  • Electrode holder
    A device used for mechanically holding the electrode while conducting current to it.

  • Electrode lead
    The electrical conductor between the source of arc welding current and the electrode holder.

  • Electroslag welding (ESW)
    A welding process producing coalescence of metals with molten slag which melts the filler metal and the surfaces of the work to be welded. The molten weld pool is shielded by this slag which moves along the full cross-section of the joint as welding progresses. The process is initiated by an arc which heats the slag. The arc is then extinguished and the conductive slag is maintained in a molten condition by its resistance to electric current passing between the electrode and the work.

  • Electroslag welding electrode
    A filler metal component of the welding circuit through which current is conducted between the electrode guiding member and the molten slag. Note: Bare electrodes and composite electrodes as defined under “arc welding electrode” are used for electroslag welding. A consumable guide may also be used as part of the electroslag welding electrode system.

  • Emissive electrode
    A filler metal electrode consisting of a core of a bare electrode or a composite electrode to which a very light coating has been applied to produce a stable arc.

  • Exhaust booth
    A mechanically ventilated, semi-enclosed area in which an air flow across the work area is used to remove fumes, gases, and material particles.

  • F

  • Face of weld
    The exposed surface of a weld on the side from which welding was done.

  • Face reinforcement
    Reinforcement of weld at the side of the joint from which welding was done.

  • Face shield (eye protection)
    A device positioned in front of the eyes and a portion of, or all of, the face, whose predominant function is protection of the eyes and face.

  • Faying surface
    That mating surface of a member which is in contact or in close proximity with another member to which it is to be joined.

  • Feed rate
    The rate at which material passes through a gun in a unit of times.

  • Ferrite number
    An arbitrary, standardized value designating the ferrite content of an austenitic stainless steel weld metal. It should be used in place of percent ferrite or volume percent ferrite on a direct one to one replacement basis.

  • Filled weld
    The position in which welding is performed on the upper side of an approximately horizontal plane and the face of the weld lies in an approximately vertical plane.

  • Filler metal
    The metal (material) to be added in making a welded, brazed, or soldered joint.

  • Fillet weld
    A weld of approximately triangular cross section joining two surfaces approximately at right angles to each other in a lap joint, T-joint or corner joint.

  • Fillet weld (size of weld)
    For equal leg fillet welds, the leg lengths of the largest isoceles right triangle which can be inscribed within the fillet weld cross section. For unequal leg fillet welds, the leg lengths of the largest right triangle which can be inscribed within the fillet weld cross section. Note: When one member makes an angle with the other member, greater that 105 degrees, the leg length (size) is of less significance than the effective throat which is the controlling factor for the strength of a weld.

  • Filter lens (eye protection)
    A round filter plate.

  • Filter plate (eye protection)
    An optical material which protects the eyes against excessive ultraviolet, infrared, and visible radiation.

  • Fines
    Any or all material finer than a particular mesh under consideration.

  • Fissure
    A small crack-like discontinuity with only slight separation (opening displacement) of the fracture surfaces. The prefixes macro or micro indicate relative size.

  • Fixed Automation
    Automated, electronically controlled welding system for simple, straight or circular welds.

  • Fixture
    A device designed to hold parts to be joined in proper relation to each other

  • Flange weld
    A weld made on the edges of two or more members to be joined, at least one of which is flanged.

  • Flange weld (size of weld)
    The weld metal thickness measured at the root of the weld.

  • Flat position
    The welding position used to weld from the upper side of the joint: the face of the weld is approximately horizontal.

  • Flaw
    A near synonym for discontinuity but with an undesirable connotation.

  • Flexible Automation
    Automated, robotically controlled welding system for complex shapes and applications where welding paths require torch-angle manipulation.

  • Flowability
    The ability of molten filler metal to flow or spread over a metal surface.

  • Flux
    Material used to prevent, dissolve, or facilitate removal of oxides and other undesirable surface substances.

  • Flux cored arc welding-electrogas
    A variation of the flux cored arc welding process in which molding shoes are used to confine the molten weld metal for vertical position welding. Additional shielding may or may not be obtained from an externally supplied gas or gas mixture.

  • Flux cored electrode
    A composition filler metal electrode consisting of a metal tube or other hollow configuration containing ingredients to provide such functions as shielding atmosphere, deoxidation, arc stabilization and slag formation. Alloying materials may be included in the core. External shielding may or may not be used.

  • Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
    Arc welding process which uses a spooled, tubular filler metal electrode consumable enveloping flux. Shielding is obtained from the flux contained within the electrode core. Additional externally supplied shielding gas can also be used. Can work as well as stick on dirty or rusty material. Out-of-position welding, Deep penetration for welding thick sections, Increased metal deposition rate

  • Forehand welding
    A welding technique in which the welding torch or gun is directed toward the progress of welding.

  • Full fillet weld
    A filler weld whose size is equal to the thickness of the thinner member joined.

  • Fusion
    The melting together of filler metal and base metal (substrate), or of base metal only, which results in coalescence.

  • Fusion face
    A surface of the base metal which will be melted during welding.

  • Fusion welding
    Any welding process or method which uses fusion to complete the weld.

  • Fusion zone
    The area of base metal melted as determined on the cross section of a weld.

  • G

  • Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a continuous filler metal (consumable) electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained entirely from an externally supplied gas or gas mixture. Some methods of this process are called MIG or CO2 welding (nonpreferred terms).

  • Gas metal arc welding short circuiting arc (GMAW-S)
    A variation of the gas metal arc welding process in which the consumable electrode is deposited during repeated short circuits.

  • Gas metal arc welding-electrogas (GMAW-EG)
    A variation of the gas metal arc welding process using molding shoes to confine the molten weld metal for vertical position welding.

  • Gas metal arc welding-pulsed arc (GMAW-P)
    A variation of the gas metal arc welding process in which the current is pulsed. See also pulsed power welding.

  • Gas shielding arc welding
    A general term used to describe gas metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, and flux cored arc welding when gas shielding is employed.

  • Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a tungsten (non-consumable) electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from a gas or gas mixture. Pressure may or may not be used and filler metal may or may not be used. (This process has sometimes been called TIG welding, a nonpreferred term.)

  • Gas tungsten arc welding-pulsed arc (GTAW-P)
    A variation of the gas tungsten arc welding process in which the current is pulsed.

  • Globular transfer (arc welding)
    A type of metal transfer in which molten filler metal is transferred across the arc in large droplets.

  • Goat
    Nickname for Lincoln Electric's LT7 submerged arc tractor

  • Gouging
    The forming of a bevel or groove by material removal.

  • Groove
    An opening or channel in the surface of a part or between two components which provides space to contain a weld.

  • Groove angle
    The total included angle of the groove between parts to be joined by a groove weld.

  • Groove face
    That surface of a member included in the groove.

  • Groove radius
    The radius used to form the shape of a J- or U-groove weld joint.

  • Groove type
    The geometric configuration of a groove.

  • Groove weld
    A weld made in the groove between two members to be joined. The standard types of groove welds are double-bevel-groove weld, double-flare-bevel-groove weld, double-flare-V-groove weld, double-J-groove weld, double-U-groove weld, double-V-groove weld single-bevel-groove weld, single-flare-bevel-groove weld, single-flare-V-groove weld single-J-groove weld, single-U-groove weld, single-V-groove weld, square-groove weld.

  • Groove weld (size of weld)
    The joint penetration (depth of bevel plus the root penetration when specified). The size of a groove weld and its effective throat are one and the same.

  • Ground Connection
    A safety connection from a welding machine frame to the earth. See Workpiece Connection for the difference between work connection and ground connection.

  • Ground Lead
    When referring to the connection from the welding machine to the work, see preferred term Workpiece Lead.

  • H

  • Hand shield
    A protective device, used in arc welding, for shielding the eyes, face and neck. A hand shield is equipped with a suitable filter plate and is designed to be held by the hand.

  • Hard facing
    A particular form of surfacing in which a coating or cladding is applied to a substrate for the main purpose of reducing wear or loss of material by abrasion, impact, erosion, galling, and cavitation.

  • Heat-affected zone (HAZ)
    That portion of the base metal which has not been melted, but whose mechanical properties or microstructure have been already altered by the heat of welding, brazing, soldering, or cutting.

  • Helmet (eye protection)
    A protection device, used in arc welding, for shielding the eyes, face, and neck. A helmet is equipped with a suitable filter plate and is designed to be worn on the head

  • Hertz
    Hertz is often referred to as "cycles per second." In the United States, the frequency or directional change of alternating current is usually 60 hertz.

  • High Frequency
    Covers the entire frequency spectrum above 50,000 Hz. Used in TIG welding for arc ignition and stabilization.

  • Horizontal fixed position (pipe welding)
    In pipe welding the position of a pipe joint in which the axis of the pipe is approximately horizontal and the pipe is not rotated during welding.

  • Horizontal rolled position (pipe welding)
    The position of a pipe joint in which the axis of the pipe is approximately horizontal, and welding is performed in the flat position by rotating the pipe.

  • Hot-wire TIG (Tip TIG)
    A TIG (GTAW) welding process were the welding wire receives a mechanically applied vibratory effect and electrical current before entering the weld pool. See TIG Pipe Cladding Systems

  • Hydrogen Induced Cracking (HIC)
    HIC results from the permeation of materials by high levels of ambient hydrogen during welding. See Post Weld Heat Treatment

  • Hypertherm SYNC Cartridge Torch Adapters
    Converting compatible systems to the cartridge platform is a simple process with the torch adapter. It's durable for multi-use, does not require upgrading to a new torch platform and is designed to support multiple cartridge change-outs. When using the cartridge on a Duramax or Duramax Lock torch with the adapter, no data is transferred from the cartridge to the system for automated setup or to provide cartridge usage data. That functionality is available for Viper and Python SYNC systems with SmartSYNC torch technology.
    SYNC Torch Adapter Systems
    Duramax Lock Torch: Viper 45XP
    Duramax Torch: Viper 65 , Python 85 and Python 105

  • Hypertherm SYNC Cartridges
    Hypertherm’s innovative SYNC cartridges allow for the consolidation of consumable parts into a single-piece cartridge, allowing not only the proper alignment of components, but also eliminating the potential mixing of new parts with used parts. The cartridges have RFID tags that enable automated process set-up for SYNC systems using SmartSYNC torches. The tag records valuable usage data for tracking consumable utilization and performance. They are also color coded by process and feature easy-to-read laser marking. The compatible Red-D-Arc systems include: Viper 65 SYNC, Python 85 SYNC and Python 105 SYNC.

  • I

  • Inadequate joint penetration
    Joint penetration which is less than that specified.

  • Incomplete fusion
    Fusion which is less than complete.

  • Indentation
    In a spot, seam, or projection weld, the depression on the exterior surface or surfaces of the base metal.

  • Induction heating
    Induction heating is the process of heating an electrically conducting object (usually a metal) by electromagnetic induction, through heat generated in the object by eddy currents. See induction heating systems

  • Inert gas
    A gas which does not normally combine chemically with the base metal or filler metal. See also protective atmosphere.

  • Infrared radiation
    Electromagnetic energy with wavelengths from 770 to 12000 nanometers.

  • Intergranular penetration
    The penetration of a filler metal along the grain boundaries of a base metal.

  • Intermittent weld
    A weld in which the continuity is broken by recurring unwelded spaces.

  • Interpass temperature
    In a multiple-pass weld, the temperature (minimum or maximum as specified) of the deposited weld metal before the next pass is started.

  • Inverter Welding Power Source
    Power source that increases the frequency of the incoming primary power, thus providing for a smaller size machine and improved electrical characteristics for welding, such as faster response time and more control. Inverters are more portable and lighter weight than traditional transformer-rectifiers, making them easier to maneuver around the job site. In addition, inverters offer high-quality, multi-process welding capabilities so that one machine can handle Stick, MIG, TIG, FCAW, arc gouging and even pulsing. Inverters can also save money in energy costs over traditional-type power sources since: Greater transformer efficiencies are realized through the use of ferrite cores in the inverter's power transformer. This reduces the current losses resulting in lower idle currents in the supply conductors. The inverter transformer coils are physically smaller than common transformers. A smaller coil translates to less wire wrapping around the core - less wire means fewer losses and greater efficiency. The inverter's power electronic components have been carefully designed to reduce losses and extend operating life. Many inverters use a copper conductor. Copper has higher thermal and electrical conductivity compared to aluminum, which will minimize losses and maximize efficiency. Operating at higher frequencies than conventional welders, inverters require less output inductance for smooth operation. The energy needed for stick welding or for globular transfer welding processes is stored in capacitors allowing for smaller output chokes. The compact design and relatively small physical size of an inverter welder means shorter leads and cables (or even direct connections) between power components. Shorter current paths translate to lower resistances and better efficiencies. Because the inverter is designed to inherently have low losses, smaller cooling fans are required. This means less power is needed for moving cooling air and, again, greater efficiency. The smaller size of the components inside the inverter machine translate into less heat to dissipate and again, greater efficiency

  • J

  • Jimmy Jammer
    Semi-Automatic Welding System composed of a manipulator, weld oscillator (oscillating welding torch), cross slide, positioner and turning rolls. The semi-automatic weld oscillator controls the positioners and turning rolls.

  • Joined buildup sequence
    The order in which the weld beads of a multiple-pass weld are deposited with respect to the cross section of the joint.

  • Joint
    The junction of members or the edges of members which are to be joined or have been joined.

  • Joint clearance
    The distance between the faying surfaces of a joint. In brazing this distance is referred to as that which is present either before brazing, at the brazing temperature, or after brazing is completed.

  • Joint design
    The joint geometry together with the required dimensions of the welded joint.

  • Joint efficiency
    The ratio of the strength of a joint to the strength of the base metal (expressed in percent).

  • Joint geometry
    The shape and dimensions of a joint in cross section prior to welding.

  • Joint penetration
    The minimum depth a groove or flange weld extends from its face into a joint, exclusive of reinforcement. Joint penetration may include root penetration.

  • Joint welding procedure
    The materials, detailed methods and practices employed in the welding of a particular joint.

  • K

  • Kerf
    The width of the cut produced during a cutting process.

  • Keyhole TIG
    A high speed, full penetration GTAW welding technology that offers enormous productivity, cost and quality advantages over existing processes in stainless steels and other corrosion resistant materials. It requires no edge beveling, uses as little as 10 percent of the gas normally required, and produces highly repeatable, X-ray quality welds with superb cap and root aesthetics.

  • Kilogram (kg)
    The kilogram or kilogramme (SI unit symbol: kg) is the base unit of mass in the International System of Units (SI). 1 Kilogram = 2.2 pounds | 1 pound = 0.453592 Kilograms.

  • kVA (1,000 volt-amps)
    A kVA is 1,000 volt-amps. It's what you get when you multiply the voltage (the force that moves electrons around a circuit) by the amps (electrical current). Kilovolt-amps measure what's called the 'apparent power' of a generator. This is different from kilowatts (kW), which measure the 'true power'. kW is the amount of 'actual power' an electrical system has. This shows you how much power is being converted into useful, working output. kVA, on the other hand is the measure of 'apparent' power. If kW is how much power you can work with, kVA tells you how much is being used in the system overall.

  • kW (Kilowatts)
    A kilowatt is simply 1,000 watts, which is a measure of power. Primary kW is the actual power used by a power source when it is producing its rated output. Secondary kW is the actual power output of a welding power source. Kilowatts are found by taking volts times amps divided by 1,000 and taking into account any power factor.

  • L

  • Lap joint
    A joint between two overlapping members.

  • Layer
    A stratum of weld metal or surfacing material. The layer may consist of one or more weld beads laid side by side.

  • Leg of a fillet weld
    The distance from the root of the joint to the toe of the fillet weld.

  • Lightly coated electrode
    A filler metal electrode consisting of a metal wire with a light coating applied subsequent to the drawing operation, primarily for stabilizing the arc.

  • Lincoln 4C® Lens Technology
    4C® lens technology broadens the color range and hues which can be seen in both light and dark states. This eliminates imperfections and color saturation to create the clearest view of the base material, arc and puddle.

  • Lincoln AC Aluminum Pulse
    With the help of the Lincoln Electric Power Wave® Advanced Module, GMAW aluminum welding results can be improved over traditional DC positive aluminum MIG welding. By switching the polarity of the arc, heat input is reduced and deposition rates are enhanced.

  • Lincoln AC Auto-Balance®
    AC Auto Balance® automatically provides for the optimal mix of cleaning and penetration for welding on aluminum. When welding thicker material requiring increased penetration, or when requiring increased cleaning action to break through heavy oxide layers, bypass AC Auto Balance and adjust manually for full control.

  • Lincoln AC-STT®
    Based off Lincoln Electric’s patented STT® process, AC-STT® combines the proven spatter reducing technology of the STT® waveform with the balanced heat-input characteristics of AC GMAW, producing an advanced short circuit process optimized specifically for thin-gauge materials.

  • Lincoln ArcFX™ GUI Technology
    Lincoln Electric's patented ArcFX™ technology provides instant graphical feedback on the user interface, illustrating how Wire Feed Speed and Voltage affect the weld outcome. The memory capability enables users to load and save weld settings, while its adjustable features allow for a customized welding session.

  • Lincoln Cable View™ Technology
    Powered by patented Cable View™ Technology, Lincoln's PIPEFAB™ welding system continually monitors cable inductance and adjusts the waveform to maintain consistent arc performance with long or coiled cable runs up to 65ft (or inductance levels up to 45 µH). Consistent arc performance with no sense lead, even in long or coiled cable runs. Warning notification if inductance is outside of performance threshold

  • Lincoln CheckPoint™
    Lincoln Electric's CheckPoint is a full production cloud-based monitoring solution that delivers precise information for maximizing welding productivity and performance. CheckPoint provides full visibility of your welding operations faster, cleaner and more efficiently. From real-time dashboard snapshots to in-depth weld analytics, CheckPoint's framework is built to provide essential welding data the way you need it for whatever your role may have.

  • Lincoln Chopper Technology
    Lincoln Electric’s Chopper Technology is the simplest form of high frequency power conversion. A chopper is composed of a transistor switch and a diode. DC input power is “chopped” to a lower output voltage, and a choke is placed in the path of the output to smooth current variation. Choppers were developed for engine driven welders to offer the same control over the welding arc as the inverter machines. This allows more consistent arc performance across product lines. Choppers are ideal for the customer searching for an inexpensive option for low cost, high quality arc performance.

  • Lincoln CrossLinc
    A technology developed by Lincoln Electric that provides the ability for the operator to adjust voltage at the wirefeeder without the need for an additional control cable or wireless remote. Voltage changes are communicated from the wire feeder to the power source using existing welding cables.

  • Lincoln CrossLinc Technology Enabled Equipment
    Lincoln Flextec 350X Construction, Flextec 350X Standard, Flextec 500X, Flextec 650X, CrossLinc Remote, LN25X wire feeder, Activ8A wire feeder, Ranger 330MPX, Red-D-Arc FX360XL, FX500XL, FX650XL, GX330XL, LN25X wire feeder

  • Lincoln Inverter Technology
    Lincoln inverter-based welding power sources operate at frequencies above 20 kHz, whereas traditional power sources operate at a line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. Some of the advantages an inverter has are smaller magnetic components (chokes and transformers), higher efficiency, and a fast response to the welding arc. Inverter power sources were first introduced into the welding industry in the early 1980s. The initial attraction of the inverter was its small size and easy portability. For example, a rectifier-based machine, could weigh as much as four times that of an inverter-based machine. Less space is needed and the inverter unit is easily moved around the job site. As the popularity and reliability of the inverter increased, the capabilities were expanded. Inverters are now designed for many different processes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, and are capable of operating in extreme environments. Over the last decade, Lincoln Electric has invested heavily in developing inverter technology, producing highly reliable inverter machines.

  • Lincoln Low Fume Pulse™
    Technology developed by Lincoln Electric which simplifies the balancing act between weld-fume control and weld floor productivity. This advanced pulsed welding process maximizes arc performance while effectively controlling heat-input.

  • Lincoln Micro-Start Technology™
    Micro-Start TIG technology employs an independent power supply capable of welding without SCR assistance at low amperages – SCRs only fire to raise the current and supplement the 2 amp welding supply. This gives Micro-Start TIG very stable low current welding and provides it with the ability to eliminate erratic high frequency and weld thin materials in a consistent, high quality manner. Lincoln is the first manufacturer to offer a background circuit from which an operator can weld and smoothly transition to, or from, higher outputs. Micro-Start TIG is capable of independently welding off of its electronic power supply when the amperage is down to the minimum rated 2 amps. As the operator depresses the foot Amptrol™ to increase the current, the main welding circuit (i.e. transformer and SCR bridge) turns on and provides amperage. The technology assists the transformer SCR choke circuit with its special electronic welding circuit instead of completely relying on chokes to smooth the arc as do conventional machines. The result is a very stable and smooth output at low amperage levels. With Micro-Start TIG, operators don’t have to buy more expensive machines to get low end welding capabilities – Micro-Start technology is able to provide inverter-like performance using a lower cost, conventional machine. With Lincoln’s Micro-Start TIG technology, an operator at virtually any TIG skill level will be able to make repeatable, high-quality starts, welds and finishes. This is because the new technology makes it easy to overcome the most common TIG welding issues with machines that overcome the most common performance limitations.

  • Lincoln Micro-Start™ II Technology
    Micro-Start II provides the operator with the ability to weld at lower DC amperages and “feather out” to as low as 2-5 amps at the end of the weld. Also, once the high frequency initiates the DC arc, the control circuit prevents the high frequency from coming on again during crater fill. In effect, the high frequency is no longer needed because Micro-Start technology provides tremendous low amperage stability for the machine. With Micro-Start II technology (found on Lincoln Precision TIG welders), Lincoln Electric has devised a way to get the arc established more quickly, more smoothly and with greater stability. It does this using an electronic low amp welding power supply to supplement the main power supply. The starting circuit offers just enough energy to heat the tungsten and establish a more stable plasma flow to the work piece. This starting sequence is short and provides precise control over starting conditions. In effect, Micro-Start II technology is so effective that most operators cannot detect that the high frequency was used during starting. In many traditional, low amperage TIG applications, operators have trouble maintaining a smooth, stable arc. This is because the machine's choke cannot store enough energy between SCR firings to stabilize the arc. The resultant ‘ripple effect’ creates arc instability, which may result in arc outages followed by high-frequency arc re-initiations. These erratic outages can lead to inconsistencies in the weld. Micro-Start TIG utilizes a separate electronic power supply to establish an arc and weld at the Precision TIG minimum rated amps. When the operator first depresses the foot pedal, this separate power supply starts and welds independently of the Precision TIG main welding circuit (i.e. transformer and SCR bridge). As the operator further depresses the foot pedal to increase the current, the main welding circuit turns on and provides additional amperage. Unlike conventional machines, which rely completely on the SCR choke, Micro-Start technology’s special electronic welding circuit assists the transformer SCR choke circuit by delivering smooth power to the arc. This gives the Precision TIG very stable low-current welding capability and provides the customer with the ability to weld thin materials in a consistent, high-quality manner.

  • LIncoln Power Mode®
    Enhanced MIG mode developed by Lincoln Electric which can deliver excellent arc stability with reduced spatter at high travels speeds, resulting from an extended short arc range at higher wire feed speed procedures. It also yields a tight and stable arc in spray transfer.

  • Lincoln PowerConnect® Technology
    A technology developed by Lincoln Electric that allows for automatic connecting to any incoming voltage 200-575VAC, single or three-phase, 50 or 60Hz

  • Lincoln Precision Pulse™
    Enhanced MIG pulse mode by Lincoln Electric featuring a tight, focused arc for fast vertical up welding and outstanding out-of-position puddle control.

  • Lincoln Pulse-on-Pulse®
    Arc modulation MIG pulse mode by Lincoln Electric that can deliver a TIG (GTAW)-like bead appearance.

  • Lincoln Rapid X™
    Premium MIG pulse mode developed by Lincoln Electric, designed to deliver higher travels speeds and extremely low spatter levels.

  • Lincoln Rapid Z™
    Lincoln Electric process designed to increase stability and travel speeds, while reducing spatter and internal porosity on Zinc coated materials.

  • Lincoln RapidArc®
    Accelerated MIG pulse mode with a short arc length compared to pulse and CV-spray for high travel speed applications. Developed by Lincoln Electric.

  • Lincoln Ready-To-Run™
    Lincoln's Ready-to-Run™ feature (on the PIPEFAB™ welding system) keeps all process outputs electrically isolated and ready to weld when needed – eliminating the need to swap cables to change welding processes.

  • Lincoln Ready.Set.Weld® Push and Turn Digital Controls
    Intuitive push-and-turn digital controls and seven-inch, full color display guides users through the process to make setup and operation intuitive and simple. Advanced options and settings are simple to access.

  • Lincoln Smart Pulse™
    Smart Pulse™ delivers an innovative solution for pulse welding simplicity and performance. Utilizing Waveform Control Technology®, Smart Pulse™ monitors your machine settings and automatically tailors the pulse to deliver the ideal arc for your pipe welding needs. Set a low WFS for out-of-position pipe welding – Smart Pulse™ auto-adjusts for a narrow, focused arc. Set a high WFS for 1G pipe welding – Smart Pulse™ auto-adjusts for a wide, soft arc. Less time adjusting means more time welding.

  • Lincoln Square Wave®
    The AC output of a power source that has the ability to rapidly switch between the positive and negative half cycles of alternating current.

  • Lincoln Surface Tension Transfer (STT)
    An advanced waveform MIG welding process developed by Lincoln Electric. STT uses high frequency inverter technology with advanced waveform control to produce a high-quality weld with less spatter and smoke. Easy to operate and can achieve good weld penetration with low heat input.

  • Lincoln Synchronized Tandem MIG®
    Lincoln Electric technology which overcomes deposition rate limitations of a single wire by using two wires and specific waveforms. The result is nearly double deposition rates and faster travel speeds.

  • Lincoln TVT™ True Voltage Technology™ voltage drop compensation
    In many outdoor welding applications the operator can be located hundreds of feet away from the power source. All that cable can create a difference in voltage, or voltage drop, between the power source and the weld. For example, if 24 volts is set on the welding power source, as a result of electrical resistance through the cables, only 20 volts may actually be available at the wire feeder. This would result in a cold weld. True Voltage Technology (TVT) calculates this drop and gives the true voltage set at the wire feeder by adjusting the power source to compensate for the voltage drop. In this example, 24 volts is preset at the wire feeder. TVT senses there is a 4 volt drop due to long weld cables and compensates by increasing the welder power source output to 28 volts. The result is that the desired 24 volt is available at the welding arc.

  • Lincoln VRD™ (Voltage Reduction Device™)
    VRD™ (Voltage Reduction Device™) provides an additional measure of safety, especially when working in an environment with a higher risk of electrical shock such as wet areas and hot, humid, sweaty conditions. The VRD™ reduces the OCV (open circuit voltage) at the welding output terminals while not welding to less than 2 volts DC. Indicator lights will also signal when output voltage during welding is above or below 30 volts DC.

  • Liquidus
    The lowest temperature at which a metal or an alloy is completely liquid.

  • Local preheating
    Preheating a specific portion of a structure.

  • Local stress relief heat treatment
    Stress relief heat treatment of a specific portion of a structure.

  • Longitudinal sequence
    The order in which the increments of a continuous weld are deposited with respect to its length.

  • M

  • Machine welding
    Welding with equipment which performs the welding operation under the constant observation and control of a welding operator. The equipment may or may not perform the loading and unloading of the work.

  • Macro Testing
    A destructive testing method where the sections of a weld are polished, etched and examined under a microscope for defects.

  • Manual welding
    A welding operation performed and controlled completely by hand.

  • Melt-thru
    Complete joint penetration for a joint welded from one side. Visible root reinforcement is produced.

  • Melting range
    The temperature range between solidus and liquidus.

  • Melting rate
    The weight or length of electrode melted in a unit of time

  • Metal cored electrode
    Composite filler metal electrode consisting of a metal tube or other hollow configuration containing alloying ingredients. Minor amounts of ingredients providing such functions as arc stabilization and fluxing of oxides may be included. External shielding gas may or may not be used.

  • Metal electrode
    A fillet or non-filler metal electrode, used in arc welding or cutting consisting of a metal wire or rod that has been manufactured by any method and that is either bare or covered with a suitable covering or coating.

  • Metallic bond
    The principal bond which holds metals together and which is formed between base metals and filler metals in all welding processes. This is a primary bond arising from the increased spatial extension of the valence electron wave functions when an aggregate of metal atoms is brought close together.

  • Method
    An orderly arrangement or set form of procedure to be used in the application of welding or allied processes.

  • Microprocessor
    One or more integrated circuits that can be programmed with stored instructions to perform a variety of functions.

  • MIG (GMAW) Welding
    MIG is an acronym for Metal-Inert-Gas, also known as GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding. This arc welding process uses a spooled, continuously fed filler metal (consumable) electrode. Shielding is provided by externally supplied gas or gas mixtures. Easiest process to learn, High welding speeds possible, Provides better control on thinner metals, Cleaner welds possible with no slag, Same equipment can be used for flux-cored welding. For welding steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, aluminium, copper/brass. Learn More about: Aluminum MIG Welding, MIG Packages, MIG Wirefeeder Welders, Miller MIG Welders Lincoln MIG Welder

  • MIG/MAG GMAW Welding
    MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas. Only inert gases or gas mixtures are used for the shielding gas when MIG welding. Typical inert gases used for MIG welding are argon and helium. These gases are usually used for MIG welding of aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. MAG stands for Metal Active Gas. Active gas mixtures have been developed primarily for welding steels. Typical shielding gases are mixtures of argon, carbon dioxide and oxygen e.g. CO2 , Ar + 2 to 5% O2 , Ar + 5 to 25% CO2 and Ar + 10% CO2 + 5% O 2 . The composition of the shielding gas has a substantial effect on the stability of the arc, metal transfer and the amount of spatter. The shielding gas also affects the behaviour of the weld pool, particularly its penetration and the mechanical properties of the welded joint. In the US, both MIG and MAG welding are described by the term GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding).

  • Miller Accu-Pulse®
    MIG process that delivers precise control of the arc even over tack welds and in tight corners. Provides optimum and precise molten puddle control. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Accu-Rated™ Power
    The standard for measuring engine-driven generator power. Guarantees delivery of all power promised. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Active Arc Stabilizer™
    A Miller Technology Exclusive - Active Arc Stabilizer enhances arc starts and provides a softer arc throughout all ranges, with less puddle turbulence and less spatter.

  • Miller Adaptive Hot Start™
    Automatically increases the output amperage at the start of a stick weld, should the start require it. Helps eliminate sticking of the electrode at arc start. A Miller Technology Exclusive. Available on these machines: 12VX Extreme Duty, EXtreme 360 MAP , Miller Syncrowave 250 DX , Miller Syncrowave 350 LX , Miller XMT 350 MPa

  • Miller Advanced Active Field Control Technology™
    A simple and reliable patented way of accurately controlling an engine drive's generator weld output. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Aluminum Pulse Hot Start™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive automatically provides more arc power to the Millermatic® 350P to eliminate a "cold start" that is inherent with aluminum starts.

  • Miller Arc-Drive
    Automatically enhances Stick welding, especially on pipe, by focusing the arc and preventing the electrode from going out. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller ArcConnect™
    Next generation communication that utilizes high-speed signals to improve weld performance and allow point-of-use controls to be located at the feeder. Found on the Deltaweld 350 System.

  • Miller ArcReach™
    Technology developed by Miller Electric that provides the ability for a welding operator to make parameter adjustments at the wire feeder without the need for control cords or specialized wireless remotes. Voltage changes are communicated from the wire feeder to the power source using existing welding cables. Multiprocess (Dimension 650 ArcReach, XMT 350 FieldPro models, XMT 450 CC/CV ArcReach), Engine Drives (Trailblazer 325 with ArcReach, Big Blue ArcReach models)

  • Miller AugmentedArc® Welding Simulator
    Highly realistic multiprocess welding simulation solution. For beginner to advanced-level weld students, this system simulates multiple welding processes, blending real-world and computer-generated images into an unique, augmented reality environment. Features classroom connectivity, student history and reporting, Miller OpenBook™, and the ability to customize your very own assignments

  • Miller Auto Remote Sense™
    Automatically switches machine from panel to remote control with remote connected. Available on Dimension™ NT 450, XMT® 350, Trailblazer® Series, and PRO 300. Eliminates confusion and need for panel/remote. A Miller Technology Exclusive

  • Miller Auto-Crater™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows a TIG arc on the Trailblazer® Series to crater-out, allowing time for the addition of filler, without the loss of shielding gas. Eliminates the need for a remote control at arc end.

  • Miller Auto-Line™ Technology
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows for any primary input voltage within a range, single- or three-phase, 50 or 60 hertz with no manual linking. Also adjusts for voltage spikes within the entire range. Provides convenience in any job setting and is ideal for dirty or unreliable power. Available on MIG (Millermatic 255, AlumaPower 350, Invision 352, Continuum, Auto-Continuum), Multiprocess (Multimatic 255, Dynasty, XMT 350), Stick (Maxstar), TIG (Maxstar, Syncrowave 210, Dynasty, Plasma cutters (Spectrum)

  • Miller Auto-Link®
    Internal inverter power source circuit that automatically links the power source to the primary voltage being applied (230 V or 460 V), without the need for manually linking primary voltage terminals. A Miller Technology Exclusive

  • Miller Auto-Refire™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive automatically controls the pilot arc when cutting expanded metal or multiple pieces of metal, without manual re-triggering.

  • Miller Auto-Set™
    Provides speed, convenience and confidence of preset controls and eliminates guesswork when setting weld parameters. Variations of this technology include Advanced Auto-Set and Auto-Set Elite. MIG (Millermatic 141/211/212 Auto-Set/255), Multiprocess (Multimatic)

  • Miller Auto-Speed™
    Automatically adjusts engine speed to a corresponding rpm level so the engine never works harder than necessary. Reduces fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels on the Trailblazer 325 engine drive.

  • Miller Auto-Stop™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows a TIG arc to be stopped without the loss of shielding gas on the Trailblazer® Series.

  • Miller Automatic Start at Idle
    This Miller Technology Exclusive idles engine immediately when started, extending engine life and reducing fuel consumption and noise.

  • Miller Axcess™ File Management
    Software that turns a standard Palm handheld into a data card and a remote pendant for all Axcess systems. Allows emailing, storage and transfer of welding programs. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller ClearLight™ Lens Technology
    Optimizes contrast and clarity in welding and light states. 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating allows a lighter light state while not welding, providing versatility for varied applications. Found on T94, Digital Infinity, Digital Elite and Digital Performance welding helmets.

  • Miller Cool-On-Demand™
    Integrated cooler runs only when needed on Syncrowave® 250 DX and 350 LX. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Dual Power Option™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive gives the option on the PipePro® 304 engine drive to use 230 volt single- or three-phase electric input power, eliminating engine wear, noise and emissions, as well as fuel costs.

  • Miller Dynamic DIG™
    Automatically adjusts the amount of current required to clear a short. Delivers a smoother, more consistent arc that can be tailored to match the application, material, fit-up and welder technique. Found on Trailblazer 325 and Big Blue engine drives

  • Miller Engine Save Start™
    Idles engine three - four seconds after starting on Trailblazer® 275 DC and 302. Extends engine life and reduces fuel consumption.A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Excel™ Power
    Provides 2,400 watts (20 A) of 120-volt power at all engine speeds, including idle. Reduces fuel consumption, exhaust emissions and noise levels on select models of the Trailblazer.

  • Miller Fan-On-Demand™
    Fan only operates when needed to reduce noise, energy use and amount of contaminants pulled through the machine. Found on various MIG, multiprocess, stick, TIG and plasma cutter products.

  • Miller FasTip™ Contact Tip
    Patented, single-turn for quick change — no tools needed. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Gun-On-Demand™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows you to use either a standard gun or a Spoolmatic® gun on Millermatic® 210, 251 and 350 without flipping a switch. The machine senses which gun you are using when you pull the trigger.

  • Miller Hot Start™
    Used on some stick (SMAW) machines to make it easier to start difficult-to-start electrodes. Used for arc starting only. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller InfoTrack™
    Data monitoring technology tracks arc time and features a clock. Version 2.0 adds arc count. Found on T94 and Digital Infinity welding helmets

  • Miller Insight ArcAgent™
    Insight ArcAgent™ is a set of premium data acquisition tools that enable both Insight Core and Insight Centerpoint solutions to integrate with any brand of welding power source.

  • Miller Insight Centerpoint™
    Insight Centerpoint™ is an advanced PC-based operator feedback solution designed to detect missed welds, verify proper weld sequence and provide weld defect detection — all in real time. Insight ArcAgent

  • Miller Insight Core™
    Insight Core™ is a simplified, internet-based welding information solution that reports operator productivity and deposition, as well as weld parameter verification.

  • Miller Insight Welding Intelligence™
    Includes Insight Core™, Centerpoint™, and ArcAgent™ applications for digital communications and data storage that integrate with Miller and other manufacturers' welding equipment.

  • Miller Lift-Arc™
    This feature allows TIG arc starting without high frequency. Starts the arc at any amperage without contaminating the weld with tungsten. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller LiveArc™
    Reality-based recruiting, screening and training solution. Ideal for lab training, the Miller LiveArc welding performance management system provides both a simulation/pre-weld setup mode as well as a live-arc training mode, allowing the user to gain experience and build techniques in pre-weld exercises before seamlessly transitioning into real welding on GMAW, FCAW and SMAW processes.

  • Miller Low OCV Stick Mode
    A built-in, selectable feature, that reduces the Stick mode open-circuit voltage (OCV) to nearly 15 volts when the welding power source is not in use. Eliminates the need for add-on voltage reducers.

  • Miller Low OCV Stick™
    Reduces OCV on several Maxstar® and Dynasty® models when power source is not in use, eliminating need for add-on voltage reducers. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller LVC™ (Line Voltage Compensation)
    Keeps the output of a power source constant, regardless of minor fluctuations in input power. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller MobileArc™ Welding Simulator
    An affordable, easy-to-use welding simulation tool designed to attract, engage and introduce students to welding through a hands-on augmented reality experience. This portable weld simulator delivers a highly-realistic, intuitive solution that's easy enough for students to learn independently - so instructors can maximize efficiency.

  • Miller MVP™ (Multi-Voltage Plugs and Adapters)
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows connection of Millermatic® DVI™ or Passport™ to 115- or 230-volt receptacles without tools — just choose the plug that fits the receptacle. MIG (Millermatic 211), Multiprocess (Multimatic 200/215/220 AC/DC), Stick (Thunderbolt 160), TIG (Diversion, Syncrowave 210), Engine Drives (Fusion), Plasma Cutters (Spectrum 375/625)

  • Miller Palm™ OS Compatibility
    Replaces the need for data cards and remote control pendants on Miller Axcess models.

  • Miller Power Shift
    Provides single-phase stick weld capability with the engine shut off by plugging into 120- or 240-volt wall power. Ideal for indoor or noise-sensitive environments. Found on the Miller Fusion engine drive.

  • Miller Pro-Set™
    Provides speed, convenience and confidence of preset controls and eliminates guesswork when setting TIG weld parameters. Multiprocess (Multimatic 220 AC/DC, Dynasty), TIG (Syncrowave 210, Dynasty, Maxstar)

  • Miller QuickTech™
    Provides easy setup and process changing on the Multimatic 220 AC/DC multiprocess welder. Automatically determines polarity. Work is always connected to the bottom right receptacle. MIG gun and TIG torch can stay connected at the same time. Automatically switches to the right process. Just hit trigger or foot control and the machine automatically changes, eliminating the need to manually change processes. Automatically recalls settings from the last process used.

  • Miller Regulated Metal Deposition (RMD)
    An advanced welding process developed by Miller Electric. Also known as modified short-circuit MIG, it is a precisely controlled short-circuit transfer technology that improves welding quality and productivity on stainless steel pipe. The RMD process is easy to learn and addresses the welder shortage by providing an easier process that gets more work done faster and at a higher quality.See the Miller Pipeworx 400.

  • Miller Sun Vision™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows easy reading of digital meters in direct sunlight or shade on Trailblazer® 275 DC and 302.

  • Miller SureStart™
    Provides consistent Axcess® arc starts by precisely controlling power levels for specific wire and gas combinations. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Syncro Start™
    This Miller Technology Exclusive allows selectable customized arc starts on Syncrowave® 200, 250 DX and 350 LX.

  • Miller Tip Saver Short Circuit Protection™
    Shuts down output when the MIG contact tip is shorted to the work, on the Millermatic® 135 and 175. Extends contact tip life and protects machine. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Torch Detection™
    Syncrowave® 250 DX and 350 LX detect if TIG torch is water- or air-cooled. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Tri-Cor™ Technology
    Stabilizer design on the Bobcat™ 250 that delivers smoother welds and decreased spatter with E7018 electrodes, without sacrificing performance with E6010 electrodes. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller Versa-Pulse™
    Versa-Pulse™ is a fast, low-heat, low-spatter process designed for materials up to 1/4 inch and is great for gap filling.

  • Miller WaveWriter™ File Management
    This Miller Technology Exclusive includes all Axcess™ file management functions, plus a simple, graphical wave-shaping program for the most demanding pulsed MIG applications.

  • Miller Weld at Idle™
    Allows PipePro™ 304 to automatically weld at a quieter, lower RPM, using less fuel. When more output is required, the machine goes to high speed without a change in arc

  • Miller Wind Tunnel Technology™
    Internal airflow on many Miller inverters, that protects electrical components and PC boards from contamination, significantly improving reliability. A Miller Technology Exclusive.

  • Miller X-Mode™
    Electromagnetically senses the weld to eliminate sunlight interference and continuously detects the arc even if sensors are blocked. Found on T94, Digital Infinity, Digital Elite and Classic VSi welding helmets

  • Molten weld pool
    The liquid state of a weld prior to solidification as weld metal.

  • N

  • Non-Destructive Testing
    NDT involves the testing of welds without destroying the welds or parts. See Weld Quality Assurance

  • Nozzle
    A device which directs shielding media.

  • O

  • Open-Circuit Voltage (OCV)
    The difference of electrical potential between two terminals when no current is flowing in the welding circuit. Also known as no-load voltage, arc welding involves open circuit (when not welding) voltages from 20 volts to 100 volts. A welding machine that is turned on but not being used for welding at the moment will have an open-circuit voltage applied to the cables attached to the output terminals of the welding machine.

  • Overlap
    The protrusion of weld metal beyond the toe, face, or root of the weld.

  • Overspray
    Overspray occurs during the spray application of paint, stain, or varnish, when the sprayed material goes beyond the intended target and paint is applied to other surfaces which were not intended to receive the paint. See the ArticlePaint Booth Renewal with Dry Ice Blasting

  • P

  • Paralleling
    Running multiple power generators to form a large capacity power source with redundancy. Often used for mission critical operations such as oilfield and emergency backup power. More about paralleling generators.

  • Partial joint penetration
    Joint penetration which is less than complete.

  • Pass
    A single progression of a welding or surfacing operation along a joint, weld deposit, or substrate. The result of a pass is a weld bead, layer, or spray deposit.

  • Peel test
    A destructive method of inspection which mechanically separates a lap joint by peeling.

  • Peening
    The mechanical working of metals using impact blows.

  • Plano lens (eye protection)
    A lens which does not incorporate correction.

  • Plasma
    A gas that has been heated to an at least partially ionized condition, enabling it to conduct an electric current.

  • Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with a constricted arc between an electrode and the workpiece (transferred arc) or the electrode and the constricting nozzle (non transferred arc). Shielding is obtained from the hot, ionized gas issuing from the orifice which may be supplemented by an auxiliary source of shielding gas. Shielding gas may be an inert gas or a mixture of gases. Pressure may or may not be used, and filler metal may or may not be supplied.

  • Plug weld
    A circular weld made through a hole in one member of a lap or T-joint fusing that member to the other. The walls of the hole may or may not be parallel and the hole may be partially or completely filled with weld metal. (A fillet welded hole or a spot weld should not be construed as conforming to this definition.)

  • Polarity
    Electrode welding polarity affects the penetration level of the weld. With most arc welding processes, DC+ (direct current electrode positive) polarity produces more weld penetration, because more arc energy is focused into the base plate. Conversely, DC- (direct current electrode negative) polarity produces less weld penetration, because more arc energy is focused into the electrode and not into the base plate. This is the case with the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and SAW processes. The exception is the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, in which the effect of polarity on penetration is opposite. With GTAW, DC- polarity results in more weld penetration (with DC+ polarity generally not used).

  • Porosity
    Cavity type discontinuities formed by gas entrapment during solidification.

  • Positioned weld
    A weld made in a joint which has been so placed as to facilitate making the weld. See: welding positioners.

  • Postheating
    The application of heat to an assembly after a welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying or cutting operation.

  • Postweld heat treatment
    Any heat treatment subsequent to welding.

  • Pounds Per Square Inch (psi)
    A measurement equal to a mass or weight applied to one square inch of surface area.

  • Power Efficiency
    How well an electrical machine uses the incoming electrical power.

  • Power Factor Correction
    Normally used on single-phase, constant current power sources to reduce the amount of primary amperage demanded from the power company while welding.

  • Preheat temperature
    A specified temperature that the base metal must attain in the welding, brazing soldering, thermal spraying, or cutting area immediately before these operations are performed.

  • Preheating
    The application of heat to the base metal immediately before welding, brazing, soldering, thermal spraying, or cutting.

  • Primary Power
    Often referred to as the input line voltage and amperage available to the welding machine from the shop's main power line. Often expressed in watts or kilowatts (kW), primary input power is AC and may be single-phase or three-phase

  • Prime power generator rating
    Prime power ratings can be defined as having an “unlimited run time”, or essentially a generator that will be used as a primary power source and not just for standby or backup power.

  • Procedure
    The detailed elements (with prescribed values or ranges of values) of a process or method used to produce a specific result.

  • Procedure qualification
    The demonstration that welds made by a specific procedure can meet prescribed standards.

  • Progressive block sequence
    A block sequence during which successive blocks are completed progressively along the joint, either from one end to the other or from the center of the joint toward either end.

  • Protective atmosphere
    A gas envelope surrounding the part to be brazed, welded or thermal sprayed, with the gas composition controlled with respect to chemical composition, dew point, pressure, flow rate, etc. Example are inert gases, combusted fuel gases, hydrogen and vacuum.

  • Pulse
    A current of controlled duration through a welding circuit.

  • Pulse time
    The duration of a pulse.

  • Pulsed MIG (GMAW-P)
    A modified spray transfer process that produces no spatter, because the wire does not touch the weld puddle. Applications best suited for pulsed MIG are those currently using the short circuit transfer method for welding steel, 14 gauge (1.8 mm) and up. Flexibility and productivity—nearly all metals can be welded in all positions, Larger diameter electrode wires for higher deposition rates, Virtually no spatter, Welds thin to thick metals

  • Pulsed power welding
    Any arc welding method in which the power is cyclically programmed to pulse so that effective but short duration values of a parameter can be utilized. Such short duration values are significantly different from the average value of the parameter. Equivalent terms are pulsed voltage or pulsed current welding: see also pulsed spray welding.

  • Pulsed spray welding
    An arc welding method in which the current in pulsed to utilize the advantages of the spray mode of metal transfer at average currents equal to or less than the globular to spray transition current.

  • Pulsing
    Sequencing and controlling the amount of current, the frequency and the duration of the welding arc.

  • Push Angle
    The travel angle when the electrode is pointing in the direction of travel. Defines the position of welding guns, welding torches, high energy beams, welding rods, thermal cutting and thermal spraying torches, and thermal spraying guns in a forward direction.

  • Q

  • Quality Assurance (QA)
    The practice of using a set of defined processes for systematic monitoring and evaluation to assure product quality. See Welding Quality Assurance & Quality Control Processes

  • Quality Control (QC)
    The process of confirming that a product meets an established set of specifications. See Welding Quality Assurance & Quality Control Processes

  • R

  • Rated Load
    The amperage and voltage the power source is designed to produce for a given specific duty cycle period. For example, 300 amps, 32 load volts, at 60 percent duty cycle.

  • Reaction stress
    The residual stress which could not otherwise exist if the members or parts being welded were isolated as free bodies without connection to other parts of the structure.

  • Reactor (arc welding)
    A device used in arc welding circuits for the purpose of minimizing irregularities in the flow of welding current.

  • Reinforcement of weld
    Weld metal in excess of the quantity required to fill a joint.

  • Residual stress
    Stress remaining in a structure or member as a result of thermal or mechanical treatment or both. Stress arises in fusion welding primarily because the melted material contracts on cooling from the solidus to room temperature.

  • Resistance Spot Welding (RSW)
    A process in which two pieces of metal are joined by passing current between electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the pieces to be welded. There is no arc with this process. For more information on Resistance Spot Welding, please see Resistance Spot Welding Tech Tips.

  • Reverse polarity
    The arrangement of direct current arc welding leads with the work as the negative pole and the electrode as the positive pole of the welding arc. A synonym for direct current electrode positive.

  • RMS (Root Mean Square)
    The "effective" values of measured AC voltage or amperage. RMS equals 0.707 times the maximum or peak value.

  • Robotic Welder
    A fully or partially automated machine equipped with a welding head and connected to a welding power source. The movable portion of a robotic welder is normally a robotic arm

  • Root crack
    A crack in the weld or heat-affected zone occurring at the root of a weld.

  • Root face
    That portion of the groove face adjacent to the root of the joint.

  • Root of joint
    That portion of a joint to be welded where the members approach closest to each other. In cross section the root of the joint may be either a point, a line or an area.

  • Root of weld
    The points, as shown in cross section, at which the back of the weld intersects the base metal surfaces.

  • Root opening
    The separation between the members to be joined at the root of the joint.

  • Root penetration
    The depth that a weld extends into the root of a joint measured on the centerline of the root cross section.

  • Root reinforcement
    Reinforcement of weld at the side other than that from which welding was done.

  • Root surface
    The exposed surface of a weld on the side other than that from which welding was done.

  • S

  • Scarf joint
    A form of butt joint.

  • Scratch Start TIG
    A common method of striking an arc in the TIG welding process which involves dragging the tungsten electrode across the surface of the metal. Not the cleanest method of starting a TIG weld. Stick welders can be converted to use for scratch TIG with the addition of an air cooled TIG torch and argon gas.

  • Seal weld
    Any weld designed primarily to provide a specific degree of tightness against leakage.

  • Seam weld
    A continuous weld made between or upon overlapping members, in which coalescence may start and occur on the faying surfaces, or may have proceeded from the surface of one member. The continuous weld may consist of a single weld bead or a series of overlapping spot welds.

  • Seam welding
    The making of seam welds

  • Secondary circuit
    That portion of a welding machine which conducts the secondary current between the secondary terminals of the welding transformer and the electrodes, or electrode and work.

  • Selective block sequence
    A block sequence in which successive blocks are completed in a certain order selected to create a predetermined stress pattern.

  • Semi-automatic arc welding
    Arc welding with equipment which controls only the filler metal feed. The advance of the welding is manually controlled.

  • Semi-blind joint
    A joint in which one extremity of the joint is not visible.

  • Series submerged arc welding (SAW-S)
    A submerged arc welding process variation in which electric current is established between two (consumable) electrodes which meet just above the surface of the work. The work is not in the electrical circuit.

  • Shielded carbon arc welding (SCAW)
    A carbon arc welding process variation which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an electric arc between a carbon electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from the combustion of a solid material fed into the arc or from a blanket of flux on the work or both. Pressure may or may not be used and filler metal may or may not be used.

  • Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc between a covered metal electrode and the work. Shielding is obtained from decomposition of the electrode covering. Pressure is not used and filler metal is obtained from the electrode. SMAW is also referred to as MMA, MMAW (Manual Metal Arc Welding) and commonly as Stick Welding.

  • Shielding gas
    Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination.

  • Short circuiting transfer (gas metal arc welding)
    A type of metal transfer in which melted material from a consumable electrode is deposited during repeated short circuits.

  • Shrinkage void
    A cavity-type discontinuity normally formed by shrinkage during solidification.

  • Sieve analysis
    A method of determining particle size distribution, usually expressed as the weight percentage retained upon each of a series of standard screens of decreasing mesh size.

  • Single-phase circuit
    An electrical circuit producing only one alternating cycle within a 360-degree time span.

  • Single-welded joint
    In arc and gas welding, any joint welded from one side only.

  • Skull
    The unmelted residue from a liquated filler metal.

  • Slag inclusion
    Nonmetallic solid material entrapped in weld metal or between weld metal and base metal.

  • Slot weld
    A weld made in an elongated hole in one member of a lap or T-joint joining that member to that portion of the surface of the other member which is exposed through the hole. the hole may be open at one end and may be partially or completely filled with weld metal. (A fillet welded slot should not be construed as conforming to this definition).

  • Slugging
    The act of adding a separate piece or pieces of material in a joint before or during welding that results in a welded joint not complying with design, drawing, or specification requirements.

  • Smart Fuel Tank
    Tank's design minimizes chance of fuel backflow.

  • Solidus
    The highest temperature at which a metal or alloy is completely solid.

  • Spacer strip
    A metal strip or bar prepared for a groove weld, and inserted in the root of a joint to serve as a backing and to maintain root opening during welding. It can also bridge an exceptionally wide gap due to poor fitup.

  • Spatter
    In arc and gas welding, the metal particles expelled during welding and which do not form a part of the weld.

  • Spatter loss
    Metal lost due to spatter.

  • Spool
    A type of filler metal package consisting of a continuous length of electrode wound on a cylinder (called the barrel) which is flanged at both ends. The flange extends below the inside diameter of the barrel and contains a spindle hole.

  • Spool Gun
    Spool guns, consisting of a gun with a pistol grip and a 4-inch diameter wire spool mounted on the back end, provide mobility. Though most commonly used for welding aluminum because they solve the feeding problems encountered by push-only systems, some contractors and fabricators also use them for running a second type of wire (e.g., stainless steel or a smaller diameter solid wire). With 15- or 30-foot cable options, spool guns also provide mobility when working around large weldments. There are two classes of spool guns, ones that work with both CC or CV power sources and those that work with only CV power sources.

  • Spot weld
    A weld made between or upon overlapping members in which coalescence may start and occur on the faying surfaces or may proceed from the surface of one member. The weld cross section (plan view) is approximately circular

  • Spot welding
    The making of spot welds.

  • Spray transfer (arc welding)
    A type of metal transfer in which molten filler metal is propelled axially across the arc in small droplets.

  • Square-groove weld
    A type of groove weld.

  • Staggered intermittent fillet welding
    Two lines of intermittent fillet welding on a joint in which the fillet weld increments is one line are staggered with respect to those in the other line.

  • Standby power generator rating
    Standby power generators are most often used in emergency situations, such as during a power outage. It is ideal for applications that have another reliable continuous power source like utility power.

  • Stick Welding SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)
    In this welding process, an electric arc is created between a coated consumable electrode and the work piece to be welded, causing the parent material to be fused together and the electrode to melt. The electrode is of a similar material to the parent material and by melting both together it provides the weld (or joint) with a reinforcing filler material. The electrode has a flux coating of either a basic, rutile or cellulose type, as the coating burns it protects the arc and weld pool from the surrounding atmosphere with a gaseous shroud. The slag which solidifies over the newly deposited weld also protects it from the atmosphere while cooling. Stick welding equipment

  • Stitch welding
    The use of intermittent welds to join two or more parts.

  • Straight polarity
    The arrangement of direct current arc welding leads in which the work is the positive pole and the electrode is the negative pole of the welding arc. A synonym for direct current electrode negative.

  • Stranded electrode
    Composite filler metal electrode consisting of stranded wires which may mechanically enclose materials to improve properties, stabilize the arc or provide shielding.

  • Stress corrosion cracking
    Failure of metals by cracking under combined action of corrosion and stress, residual or applied. In brazing, the term applies to the cracking of stressed base metal due to the presence of a liquid filler metal.

  • Stress relief cracking
    Intergranular cracking in the heat-affected zone of weld metal that occurs during the exposure of weldments to elevated temperatures during postweld heat treatment or high temperature service

  • Stress relief heat treatment
    Uniform heating of a structure or a portion thereof to a sufficient temperature to relieve the major portion of the residual stresses, followed by uniform cooling.

  • Stringer bead
    A type of weld bead made without appreciable weaving motion.

  • Stud Welding
    A process for attaching a fastener, bolt or nut to a metal base. Fasteners attached during the stud welding process are usually threaded, unthreaded or tapped variety. Learn more about the uses of Stud Welding Machines.

  • Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
    An arc welding process which produces coalescence of metals by heating them with an arc or arcs between a bare metal electrode or electrodes and the work. The arc is shielded by a blanket of granular, fusible material on the work. Pressure is not used and filler metal is obtained from the electrode and sometimes from a supplementary welding rod. View Submerged Arc Welding

  • Substrate
    Any base material to which a thermal sprayed coating or surfacing weld is applied.

  • Surface preparation
    The operations necessary to produce a desired or specified surface condition.

  • Surfacing
    The deposition of filler metal (material) on a base metal (substrate) to obtain desired properties or dimensions.

  • Surfacing weld
    A type of weld composed of one or more stringer or weave beads deposited on an unbroken surface to obtain desired properties or dimensions.

  • Synergic
    In the context of welding, the term synergic refers to the automatic synchronization of welding parameters based on the adjustment of a single parameter.

  • T

  • T-joint
    A joint between two members located approximately at right angles to each other in the form of a T.

  • Tack weld
    A weld made to hold parts of a weldment in proper alignment until the final welds are made.

  • Taps
    Connections to a transformer winding which are used to vary the transformer turns ratio, thereby controlling welding voltage and current.

  • Temporary weld
    A weld made to attach a piece or pieces to a weldment for temporary use in handling, shipping, or working on the weldment.

  • Tension test
    A destructive testing method where a tensile test is carried out on the welded specimen to the point of failure.See Weld Quality Assurance

  • Theoretical throat
    The distance from the beginning of the root of the joint perpendicular to the hypotenuse of the largest right triangle that can be inscribed within the fillet weld cross section.

  • Thermal stresses
    Stresses in metal resulting from non-uniform temperature distribution.

  • Thermocouple
    A thermoelectric device for measuring temperature which consists of two wires of two differing metals which are connected at two points, a voltage being developed between the two junctions in proportion to the temperature difference provides the capacity for measuring difference in temperature.

  • Three-phase circuit
    An electrical circuit delivering three cycles within a 360-degree time span, and the cycles are 120 electrical degrees apart.

  • TIG - Pulsed TIG (TIG-P)
    A modified TIG process appropriate for welding thinner materials.

  • TIG Arc Starting Techniques
    Lift TIG - Developed as alternative to scratch starts or high-frequency (HF) arc starts, Lift TIG provides consistent, positive arc starts for welding with a DC output. There were two primary reasons to develop Lift TIG. First, HF current can interfere with electronics, including laptop computers and CNC machinery. Second, the scratch start technique, where the operator scratched the tip of the tungsten on a work-piece with a motion similar to that of striking a match, could contaminate the weld with tungsten particles. In a critical application, arc starts would need to be ground out and rewelded. Lift TIG completely eliminates issue associated with HF and, when executed properly, almost entirely eliminates the risk of tungsten inclusions. When people get frustrated with a Lift TIG unit, most of the time it’s because they are trying to use a scratch start technique. It’s critical that you just lightly touch, not scratch, the tungsten to the work piece, as well as hold it there for a second before lifting the TIG torch.High Frequency (HF) Capabilities - Note that Lift TIG is not acceptable for welding procedures that specify a non-contact arc starting method, as is often the case with pressure vessels and process piping. Here, you need a welding system that provides HF arc starts, which typically results in people asking, How come unit X, Y or Z doesn’t have HF capabilities? The simple answer is that ESAB and the other manufacturers do have units specifically designed to provide HF TIG arc starts. Going beyond that, it might help to understand that HF is a High-Voltage, Low Current, high RF frequency that is induced onto the welding lead. Incorporating HF components adds hundreds of dollars in cost to a power source, and not every customer wants to pay for functionality they don’t plan to use. That’s why equipment manufacturers offer Lift TIG-only power sources only and power sources with both Lift TIG and HF TIG arc starts.

  • TIG Welding (GTAW)
    Also known as GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding) this welding process welds using the heat of a non-consumable tungsten electrode. Filler metal can be used and argon inert gas or inert gas mixtures are used for shielding. Learn more about TIG Welding ApplicationsRelated Rental Products: Miller TIG Welders, Orbital TIG Welders

  • Toe crack
    A crack in the base metal occurring at the toe of a weld.

  • Toe of weld
    The junction between the face of a weld and the base metal.

  • Ton
    A ton is a unit of weight that is equal to 2000 pounds in the United States (short ton) and 2240 pounds in Britain (long ton or imperial ton or displacement ton).

  • Tonne
    A tonne is called a metric ton in the United States to help differentiate between metric and imperial. 1 tonne = 1,000 kilograms = 2,200 pounds

  • Torch
    A device used in the TIG (GTAW) process to control the position of the electrode, to transfer current to the arc and to direct the flow of the shielding gas.

  • Torch standoff distance
    The distance between a nozzle and a workpiece.

  • Touch start
    A procedure to initiate an arc for TIG (GTAW). The tungsten is touched against the work piece and then lifted, establishing an arc.

  • Travel angle (electrode)
    The angle that the electrode makes with a reference line perpendicular to the axis of the weld in the plane of the weld axis.

  • Travel angle (pipe)
    The angle that the electrode makes with a reference line extending from the center of the pipe through the puddle in the plane of the weld axis.

  • Travel angle of welding electrode
    The degree of the travel angle, whether a push or drag travel angle, affects how much of the arc force is directed down into the base plate. A travel angle of 0° to 10° (e.g.the electrode perpendicular or almost perpendicular to the plate) will result in more weld penetration. As the travel angle is increased, the level of weld penetration decreases.

  • Trigger reset
    Permits quick reset at gun rather than at machine.

  • Tungsten
    Rare metallic element with extremely high melting point (3410° Celsius). Used in manufacturing TIG electrodes.

  • Tungsten electrode
    A non-filler metal electrode used in arc welding or cutting, made principally of tungsten.

  • U

  • Underbead crack
    A crack in the heat-affected zone generally not extending to the surface of the base metal.

  • Undercut
    A groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the toe or root of a weld and left unfilled by weld metal.

  • Underfill
    A depression on the face of the weld or root surface extending below the surface of the adjacent base metal.

  • Upslope time
    The time during which the welding current continuously increases from the beginning of welding current.

  • V

  • Vertical position
    The position of welding in which the axis of the weld is approximately vertical.

  • Vertical position (pipe welding)
    The position of a pipe joint in which welding is performed in the horizontal position and the pipe may or may not be rotated.

  • Volt-amp curve
    Graph that shows the output characteristics of a welding power source. Shows voltage and amperage capabilities of a specific machine.

  • Voltage
    The potential difference in charge between two points that acts as a force pushing electrons through a conductor. Sometimes termed electromotive force (EMF).

  • Voltage regulator
    An automatic electrical control device for maintaining a constant voltage supply to the primary of a welding transformer.

  • Voltage sensing wire feeders
    Voltage sensing wire feeders (also referred to as across-the-arc wire feeders) operate on arc voltage, eliminating the need for a control cord between the power source and the wire feeder. A voltage sensing wire feeder can be paired with either a constant voltage (CV) or a constant current (CC) power source. These feeders typically have a CC/CV switch inside the case. With a voltage sensing wire feeder and CV power source, voltage is set at the power source while wire feed speed (amperage) is set at the feeder. This can present a headache when working remotely from the power source, such as up on scaffolding and when you need to adjust voltage. Also, because voltage varies directly with distance between the electrode and the work piece (arc length), the feeder attempts to regulate voltage variations (e.g., an unsteady hand) by controlling wire feed speed. This means your parameters can vary slightly. Many engineering firms, construction companies and building codes no longer allow flux cored welding (FCAW) with a CC power source. It does not provide adequate assurance that the weld is being made with the proper voltage because operators must hunt for a voltage because the voltage fluctuates on a volt/amp curve from the CC power source. Instead, experts recommend a CV power source for wire welding, especially for the nickel-alloy and other flux cored wires used for structural welds on buildings and bridges. These wires are very voltage sensitive and generally require the fine-tuning capabilities of a CV machine.

  • W

  • Wandering sequence
    A longitudinal sequence in which the weld bead increments are deposited at random

  • Weave bead
    A type of weld bead made with transverse oscillation.

  • Weld
    A localized coalescence of metals or nonmetals produced either by heating the materials to suitable temperatures, with or without the application or pressure, or by the application of pressure alone, and with or without the use of filler material.

  • Weld bead
    A weld deposit resulting from a pass.

  • Weld crack
    A crack in weld metal.

  • Weld gauge
    Welding gauges are inspection gauges used for checking alignment, checking dimensions before welding, verifying weld dimensions, and checking porosity of welds. Some gauges are multipurpose or single purpose.

  • Weld metal
    That portion of a weld which has been melted during welding.

  • Weld metal area
    The area of the weld metal as measured on the cross section of a weld.

  • Weld Transfer
    Method by which metal is transferred from the wire to the molten puddle.

  • Weldability
    The capacity of a material to be welded under the fabrication conditions imposed into a specific, suitably designed structure and to perform satisfactorily in the intended service.

  • Welder
    One who performs a manual or semiautomatic welding operation. (Sometimes erroneously used to denote as welding machine.)

  • Welder certification
    Certification in writing that a welder has produced welds meeting prescribed standards.

  • Welder performance qualification
    The demonstration of a welder’s ability to produce welds meeting prescribed standards.

  • Welder registration
    The act of registering a welder certification or a photostatic copy thereof.

  • Welding
    A materials joining process used in making welds.

  • Welding aluminum
    The process of joining 2 pieces of aluminum together, or of joining a piece of aluminum to another type of metal using an arc welder. The most common type of aluminum welding is TIG aluminum welding but it is also possible to MIG weld aluminum.

  • Welding current
    The current in the welding circuit during the making of a weld.

  • Welding cycle
    The complete series of events involved in the making of weld.

  • Welding electrode classifications
    The American Welding Society (AWS) welding electrode numbering system provides detailed information on stick electrodes including suitable applications and how the electrode should be used to maximize performance. The prefix "E" designates an arc welding electrode. The first two digits of a 4-digit number and the first three digits of 5-digit number indicate minimum tensile strength. For example, E6010 is a 60,000 psi tensile strength electrode while E10018 designates a 100,000 psi tensile strength electrode. The next to last digit indicates position. The "1" designates an all position electrode, "2" is for flat and horizontal positions only; while "4" indicates an electrode that can be used for flat, horizontal, vertical down and overhead. The last 2 digits taken together indicate the type of coating and the correct polarity or current to use.

  • Welding generator
    A generator used for supplying current for welding.

  • Welding head
    The part of a welding machine or automatic welding equipment in which a welding gun or torch is incorporated.

  • Welding leads
    The work lead and electrode lead of an arc welding circuit.

  • Welding machine
    Equipment used to perform the welding operation. For example, spot welding machine, arc welding machine, seam welding machine, etc.

  • Welding operator
    One who operates machine or automatic welding equipment.

  • Welding procedure
    The detailed methods and practices including all joint welding procedures involved in the production of a weldment.

  • Welding process
    A materials joining process which produces coalescence of materials by heating them to suitable temperatures, with or without the application of pressure or by the application of pressure alone, and with or without the use of filler metal.

  • Welding rectifier
    A device in a welding machine for converting alternating current to direct current.

  • Welding rod
    A form of filler metal used for welding or brazing which does not conduct the electrical current.

  • Welding sequence
    The order of making the welds in a weldment.

  • Welding technique
    The details of a welding procedure which are controlled by the welder or welding operator.

  • Weldment
    An assembly whose component parts are joined by welding.

  • Wet-stacking on diesel engines
    Unburned fuel and engine oil collecting in the exhaust stack of a diesel engine, characterized by the exhaust stack being coated with a black, sticky, oily substance. The condition is caused by the engine being run at too light of a load for extended periods of time. Caught early, this does not cause permanent damage and can be alleviated if additional load is applied. If ignored, permanent damage can occur to the cylinder walls and piston rings. Improved emission standards and higher quality fuel make engines less prone to wet-stacking in recent years.

  • Wetting
    The bonding or spreading of a liquid filler metal or flux on a solid base metal.

  • Voltage reduction device (VRD)
    When VRD is included in the design of a welding machine it reduces the maximum unloaded open circuit voltage (OCV) across the output terminals of a welding machine to a safe voltage. Normally this reduced voltage is about 12 volts. When a load of less than 200 ohms resistance is applied to the output of the welding machine, the VRD will sense this resistance and adjust the welder to full output so that the welding arc can be established and welding commenced. When the resistance across the output rises above 200 ohms, or the electrode is removed from the workpiece, then VRD will adjust the output of the welder back to a reduced output state. Why is this necessary? A lot of new welders, and some older units, have an open circuit voltage in excess of 105 volts DC or 85 volts AC. This voltage may be legal, and in normal (dry) conditions may be quite safe. The problem is that many sites have "abnormal" (e.g. damp, wet, caustic, salty conditions, high or confined space) working conditions, and an electric shock in these situations can be hazardous to the operator including dangers due to ventricular fibrillation, falling from heights, and inability to escape the power source when in confined spaces, not to mention the serious physical injuries sustained as a secondary result of an electric shock. Electric shock from a welder power source can also cause serious internal injuries to the human body which are not always immediately noticeable. On some welders, such as Red-D-Arc's FX500XL, the VRD™ functionality must be set manually via internal switches on the machine, and in the case of the FX500XL, only operates in CC-Stick mode. From the FX500XL IM Manual: "The VRD™ feature provides additional safety in the CC-Stick mode. The VRD™ reduces the OCV (Open Circuit Voltage) at the welding output terminals while not welding to less than 35VDC peak. The VRD™ requires that the welding cable connections be kept in good electrical condition because poor connections will contribute to poor (arc) starting. Having good electrical connections also limits the possibility of other safety issues such as heat-generated damage, burns and fires. The machine is shipped with VRD™ “Disabled”. The VRD™ function can be disabled or enabled via dip switches on the user interface P.C. board. The user interface board and dip switches can be accessed by removing the case top and side as shown in Internal Controls section."

  • Wire feed speed
    The rate of speed in mm/s or in./min at which a filler metal is consumed in arc welding. Note: In Canada this is expressed in mm/min.

  • Wire straightener
    A device used for controlling the cast of coiled wire to enable it to be easily fed in to the gun.

  • Work angle
    The angle that the electrode makes with the referenced plane or surface of the base metal in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the weld.

  • Work connection
    The connection of the work lead to the work.

  • Work lead
    The electric conductor between the source of arc welding current and the work.

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