Weld Discontinuities

Porosity Undercut Incomplete Fusion Incomplete Joint Penetration

Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes
Long Arc Length Improper Welding Technique “Cold” Welding Procedures “Cold” Welding Procedures
Dirty Base Metal Travel Speed Too Slow Travel Speed Too Slow
Inadequate Gas Coverage Travel Speed Too Fast Travel Speed Too Fast
Possible Cures
Improper Joint Detail
Possible Cures Reduce Arc Length Possible Cures
Use Proper Arc Length Reduce Travel Speed Increase Current Possible Cures
Clean Base Metal Use Proper Electrode Angle Use Proper Travel Speed Increase Current
Check for Proper Gas Coverage Use Proper Travel Speed

Excessive Reinforcement Underfill Concave Root Surface (Suck-back) Non-uniformity

Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes
Travel Speed Too Slow Insufficient Weld Metal Too Much Current Improper Welding Technique
“Cold” Welding Procedures Arc Length Too Long
Root Face Too Small Possible Cures
Possible Cures
Possible Cures Reduce Travel Speed Possible Cures Maintain Constant
Increase Travel Speed Reduce Current Travel Speed
Increase Current Maintain Proper Arc Length
Use Proper Joint Fitup

Improper Leg Size Overlap Arc Strikes Slag Inclusions

Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes Possible Causes
Improper Electrode Angle Travel Speed Too Slow Improper Welding Technique Improper Welding Technique

Possible Cures Possible Cures Possible Cures Possible Cures

Use Correct Welding Technique Use Proper Travel Speed Initiate Arc Inside the Weld Joint Use Correct Welding Technique
Clean Weld Between Passes

WC-514 08/15 ©Lincoln Global, Inc. All Rights Reserved.