OM-923 Page 34
Possible Causes Corrective Actions
Improper weld technique. Maintain normal gun angle of 0 to 15 degrees to achieve maximum penetration.
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Be sure welding wire extends not more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) beyond nozzle.
Insufficient heat input. Select higher wire feed speed and/or select higher voltage range.
Reduce travel speed.
9-12. Troubleshooting − Incomplete Fusion
Incomplete Fusion − failure of weld metal to fuse completely with
base metal or a preceeding weld bead.
S-0637
Possible Causes Corrective Actions
Workpiece dirty. Remove all grease, oil, moisture, rust, paint, undercoating, and dirt from work surface before
welding.
Insufficient heat input. Select higher voltage range and/or adjust wire feed speed.
Improper welding technique. Place stringer bead in proper location(s) at joint during welding.
Adjust work angle or widen groove to access bottom during welding.
Momentarily hold arc on groove side walls when using weaving technique.
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Use correct gun angle of 0 to 15 degrees.
9-13. Troubleshooting − Burn-Through
Burn-Through − weld metal melting completely through base metal
resulting in holes where no metal remains.
S-0640
Possible Causes Corrective Actions
Excessive heat input. Select lower voltage range and reduce wire feed speed.
Increase and/or maintain steady travel speed.
9-14. Troubleshooting − Waviness Of Bead
Waviness Of Bead − weld metal that is not parallel and does not cover
joint formed by base metal.
S-0641
Possible Causes Corrective Actions
Welding wire extends too far out of nozzle. Be sure welding wire extends not more than 1/2 in. (13 mm) beyond nozzle.
Unsteady hand. Support hand on solid surface or use two hands.