glossary

An arc-welding process wherein coalescence is produced by heating 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.

Protective gas used to prevent atmospheric contamination.

A gas metal arc welding process variation in which the consumable electrode is deposited during repeated short circuits.

Mode of metal transfer in gas metal arc welding at low voltage and amperage. Transfer takes place each time the electrode touches or short-circuits to the weld puddle, extinguishing the arc. The short-circuiting current causes the electrode to neck down, melt off, and then repeats the cycle.

The brittle mass that forms over the weld bead on welds made with coated electrodes, flux cored electrodes, submerged arc welding and other slag producing welding processes. Welds made with the gas metal arc and the gas tungsten arc welding processes are slag free. Less oxidation generally makes slag more difficult to remove. Reducing speed usually helps.