SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
(OP)
Greetings, engineering colleagues:
I have made a woeful attempt at uncovering the answer to my question via “keyword search” in this forum and by looking through my very few personal references that describe welding metallurgy; as such, please extend me your pardon if this question has already been answered (and especially, God forbid, answered more than once…).
A welder assigned to one of my employer’s fabrication areas mentioned to me that he has noticed that when welding ASTM A36 plate using a SMAW root pass with a 7018 electrode, and then building the weld joint up using an FCAW process that he obtains acceptable results; however, when attempting to cover FCAW passes with the SMAW process (same parent metals, etc.), he reports that the weld filler metal does not sufficiently deposit in way of the joint…that it does not seem to penetrate the FCAW –deposited metal. His question to me was “why is this so?” I, obviously, did not have any answer for him…
Even if I should investigate his FCAW process, I do not even know where to begin in this area (*embarrassing*). Any guidance that you good folks can provide me will be genuinely appreciated.
I have made a woeful attempt at uncovering the answer to my question via “keyword search” in this forum and by looking through my very few personal references that describe welding metallurgy; as such, please extend me your pardon if this question has already been answered (and especially, God forbid, answered more than once…).
A welder assigned to one of my employer’s fabrication areas mentioned to me that he has noticed that when welding ASTM A36 plate using a SMAW root pass with a 7018 electrode, and then building the weld joint up using an FCAW process that he obtains acceptable results; however, when attempting to cover FCAW passes with the SMAW process (same parent metals, etc.), he reports that the weld filler metal does not sufficiently deposit in way of the joint…that it does not seem to penetrate the FCAW –deposited metal. His question to me was “why is this so?” I, obviously, did not have any answer for him…
Even if I should investigate his FCAW process, I do not even know where to begin in this area (*embarrassing*). Any guidance that you good folks can provide me will be genuinely appreciated.





RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
You should consult with your filler metal representative to see which FCAW/SMAW combinations are compatable.
If you look at the manufacture's product sheet, you will note that each manufacturer makes several different E7018 low hydrogen electrodes. Each of the electrodes meet the requirements of an E7018, but each has a slightly different flux formulation. Your job and that of the manufacturer's rep. is to find the combination of FCAW and SMAW electrodes that works together.
Best regards - Al
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
http://www.welding-advisers.com/
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
When welding over FCAW with SMAW or welding over SMAW with FCAW, the resulting weld and slag do not always look like they would when welding on base metal. Sometimes the slag is very difficult to remove. The slag adheres to the surface of the weld bead. This is what I understood the question to be, I should have read the question more carefully.
Best regards - Al
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
Thank you for your welcomed message.
You have written:
"Is it self-shielded or gas-shielded FCAW?"
The subject process would be self-shielded FCAW; I apologize for my earlier lack of clarity in this regard.
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
It may have been on a Filler metal website when I was looking for a Dual Shield II Ultra 70 wire.
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
Thank you for your welcomed message.
I understand EXACTLY what you mean...boy, talk about having an itch that you can't scratch!
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts.
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
D1.1 & D1.8 seem to have equal heartburn either way.
Hg
Eng-Tips policies: FAQ731-376
RE: SMAW vs. FCAW weld filler metal deposition...
Thank you for your second welcomed message to this post.
Were it not for you I would not have thought to look in D1.5; thank you for your continued kind consderation and comments.