Getting Penetration right

[Drav]

Hi, just musing. What do you guys look at/listen to judge penetration whilst welding?

Personally I like to look at the weld pool, but usually decide I'm punching through properly when i hear a distinctive crackling sound, and can often see the front edge of the puddle ripping deep into the metal. The next indicator to look for, for me, is that the weld pool is looking a bit flat and its time to speed up a bit. This indicator is frequently followed by another, which is a hole in the metal and lots of cursing

How do you guys do it and what do you look for? I heard really good welders can tell when to speed up and slow down by looking at the puddle (easy on fillets but on butts?), I can only do this on a fairly basic level. Are there any other signs between the feeling you've got proper penetration and the weld flattening to keep you on the straight and narrow?


Oh and another completely unrelated question. I have only done thinish stuff before (i.e under 3mm) and have a weld test tomorrow, probably on 6mm+ plate. Is there much different, and is there a way of roughly calculating settings? (Hoping rather than asking here, as I dont even know what welders they'll be using!!)

Cheers guys

 

[runnach]

Oh and another completely unrelated question. I have only done thinish stuff before (i.e under 3mm) and have a weld test tomorrow, probably on 6mm+ plate. Is there much different, and is there a way of roughly calculating settings? (Hoping rather than asking here, as I dont even know what welders they'll be using!!)

Cheers guys

Very big difference welding 6mm+ compared to 3mm or less. If test is on 6mm 60 degree inclusive angle for prep, 2>3mm max root face, 2>2.5mm gap and tack together (good root tack tho and feather back) Stick within dip transfer mode for root run and cap. As for machine parameters, difficult to state with so many types of industrial machines out there.

You state this info is for a weld test, what position ie; 1G 2G 3G ect? I would imagine you will/should be welding in conformance of a WPS, this will give you a guide regarding amps and volts.

Good luck with your test.........

 

[Drav]

Ok great all that noted. So I shouldnt head into spray transfer territory then. Not sure if there will be a WPS or not, but yes will be nice if there is. Do most places give you a machine manual for the amps>settings or are you expected to know?

Test I expect to be only horizonal and vertical. Thanks for the advice

 

[runnach]

Ok great all that noted. So I shouldnt head into spray transfer territory then. Not sure if there will be a WPS or not, but yes will be nice if there is. Do most places give you a machine manual for the amps>settings or are you expected to know?

Test I expect to be only horizonal and vertical. Thanks for the advice

If no WPS you will be expected to know you are welding very close to a good welding condition, you should be allowed to check condition on offcuts prior to firing up on the hori/vert.

 

[Drav]

Bah, didnt even have to do a test in the end. Instead had to fill in lots of multiple choice maths forms and go back in a month for the test. Oh well more practice time! Cheers for the advice anyway Runnach. I shall try and jump on a big set now ive got more time....