Shielded Metal Arc Welding Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable electrode coated in flux to lay the weld.
An electric current, in the form of either alternating current or direct current from a welding power supply, is used to form an electric arc between the electrode and the metals to be joined.
As the weld is laid, the flux coating of the electrode disintegrates, giving off vapors that serve as a shielding gas and providing a layer of slag, both of which protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.
Because of the versatility of the process and the simplicity of its equipment and operation, shielded metal arc welding is one of the world’s most popular welding processes. It dominates other welding processes in the maintenance and repair industry, and although flux-cored arc welding is growing in popularity, SMAW continues to be used extensively in the construction of steel structures and in industrial fabrication.
The process is used primarily to weld iron and steels (including stainless steel), but aluminum, nickel and copper alloys can also be welded with this method.
4 Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is performed by striking an arc between a coated-metal electrode and the base metal.
Once the arc has been established, the molten metal from the tip of the electrode flows together with the molten metal from the edges of the base metal to form a sound joint.
This process is known as fusion.
The coating from the electrode forms a covering over the weld deposit, shielding it from contamination.
Therefore, the process is called shielded metal arc welding. The main advantage of shielded metal arc welding is that high-quality welds are made rapidly at a low cost.
Shielded metal arc welding equipment typically consists of a constant current welding power supply and an electrode, with an electrode holder, a work clamp and welding cables (also known as welding leads) connecting the two.
Basic Rules for SMAW
1) Arc Length: The distance between the tip of the electrode and the base metal
being welded. The correct distance must be kept.
2) Angle of electrode: During welding, the electrode must be held at the correct
angle.
3) Speed of travel: If a good weld is to be made, the correct speed must be kept.
4) Amperage: Incorrect amperage (heat) will result in a poor weld.
Some welders use the word “L-A-S-H” to remember these four points.
Length – Angle – Speed – Heat (amperage)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Quiz
1.) What are the advantages of SMAW?
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2.) What is fusion?
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3.) Why is SMAW the world’s most popular welding process?
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4.) What are the five pieces of equipment typically used in SMAW?
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5.) What do the letters “L-A-S-H” stand for?
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