On some of the welds I have done, there is like a slight "crack" or ditch where the weld bead meets the base metal. it looks like the metal is slightly thinner here than the original thickness and could cause a stress riser. What causes such cracks and how can one avoid? I have tried playing with the power and wire feed but cannot seem to figure the cause.
- Thread starter LeeW
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Sounds like it is undercutting on the edges of the weld bead where there has been insufficient filler wire/power too high/travel speed too fast. It is just a case of playing around with each until you get a smooth bead with no undercut.
Under load, stresses would be concentrated at this thinner point and would eventually lead to a break.
Under load, stresses would be concentrated at this thinner point and would eventually lead to a break.
