An Introduction to SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Student SMAW Welding

TWS is a Great Training Option for Everyone

Learn more about how we can prepare you to advance your career.

If you’re considering a career in welding, refining your skill in the most-used types of welding will often help to provide secure employment for years into the future. With a seven month professional welder program, you can average a higher yearly income1 than the average of all career paths in the United States. Here is more information on SMAW, the most common welding form used worldwide2.

What is SMAW Welding Process?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding, otherwise known as manual metal arc welding or flux shielded arc welding, is a process that uses a flux-coated electrode to form the weld. As electricity passes through the electrode, the flux forms a gas, which shields the electric arc in the space between the electrode and the metal being welded, preventing contamination from atmospheric gasses in the weld. This process is fairly simple and doesn’t require much in the way of specialized equipment, making it very popular.

SMAW Common Uses and Advantages

SMAW welding uses and advantages
 

SMAW Welding Techniques

When welding, you want to form a neat, clean weld. To make this process easier, it’s important to pick steel that will work well with SMAW welding techniques. Steel that conforms to AISI-SAE 1015 to 1025 requirements will work well, as this steel has silica content under 0.1% and sulfur content under 0.035%. Alloy steels with content above this range can have problems with cracking.

Once you’ve selected your steel, be sure to clean up the edges to get a neat weld. This means removing paint, rust, moisture, scale and oils. If you’re not able to clean the joint, use an E6010 or E6011 electrode with a slow travel speed to make sure the gasses bubble out before the puddle solidifies.

Have You Considered a Career in the Skilled Trades?

Fill out the form to recieve a no obligation info packet.


You are giving your express written consent for Tulsa Welding School to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text including our use of automated technology for calls or texts to any wireless number you provide. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services and you may always call us directly at (855) 237-7711.

+ Read More

Basic Quality SMAW Welding Tips

Quality issues that can arise from the SMAW welding process includes porosity caused by gas in the weld that did not escape before the metal solidified, leaving the weld weak due to gas bubbles, splatter caused by low voltage or high amperage, poor fusion from dirty metal or low power, shallow penetration caused by too fast of a travel time, too low a current or too large an electrode, and cracking caused by the above issues as well as not allowing movement in the weld while working and using inappropriate metals in the piece.

In metals that are less than optimal, use a slow travel speed that will keep the puddle molten and give gases a chance to bubble out, creating a strong weld. If you’re welding thinner stock, between 10-18 gauge, place your work at a 45-75 degree slant so that you can get the fastest travel and don’t make the joint too wide or you may risk burn through. If you’re working with heavier plate that is 3/16″ or heavier, work the weld flat to allow for the best electrode placement.

Safety when Welding SMAW

Like any tool, welding equipment must be respected, but not feared. Any type of arc welding involves high voltage and amperage electricity, which can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. Burns from the heat of the torch or electrical conduction can be serious and even life threatening if electricity passes through the heart.

To protect yourself while welding, basic personal protective equipment must be worn. This includes, at a minimum, heavy leather gloves, a long-sleeved jacket and a welding helmet. Ultraviolet light released during the welding process can cause retinal burns and permanent eye damage if the filter in the helmet’s faceplate does not protect your eyes. Additionally, the welding process can release gasses that can be harmful to your health, so providing sufficient ventilation is important.

Additional Sources

This blog has been labeled as archived as it may no longer contain the most up-to-date data. For a list of all current blog posts, please visit our blog homepage at https://www.tws.edu/blog/