What is a Blowhole in Welding?
A blowhole is a defect in metal caused by hot metal cooling too rapidly when excessive gaseous content is present. Specifically, in welding, a gas pocket in the weld metal resulting from the hot metal solidifying without all of the gases having escaped to the surface.
This can happen when welding in an environment with high levels of contaminants, such as:
- rust,
- dirt,
- or scale.
Blowholes can also be caused by using welding consumables that are not properly cleaned or stored. Improperly prepared surfaces can also cause blowholes.
Blowholes can weaken the weld joint and make it more susceptible to corrosion. In some cases, blowholes can cause the weld to fail completely.
What is the possible cause of the blowhole welding defect? What is inclusion in welding?
There are many possible causes of blowhole welding defects. Some of the most common include:
- Using welding consumables that are not properly cleaned or stored.
- Welding in an environment with high levels of contaminants, such as rust, dirt, or scale.
- Improperly prepared surfaces.
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