Welding is an indispensable part of industrial fabrication, connecting parts and components with linked joints that are strong enough to withstand tremendous pressure. Nearly 6 million tons of welded products are produced each year in the United States alone, using different welding techniques and angles.
An important aspect to consider in welding is the travel angle, the angle at which the arc travels between the two pieces. Understanding the importance of a proper travel angle is essential for producing quality welds that last a long time.
In this article, we will explore what travel angle in welding is, why it matters, and how you can use the right travel angle to improve your welding.
What is Travel Angle in Welding?
Travel angle in welding refers to the angle which is formed between a nozzle and the weld pool when welding is in progress.The travel angle is a significant factor between the merging and melting of two metals during welding. It affects the quality of the weld, which in turn determines the strength of the weld.
What Factors Affect Travel Angle?
The factors that affect travel angle in welding are:
- Welding current
- Welding process
- Type of metal being welded
- The amount of filler metal used
- Speed of travel
What Types of Travel Angle Are There?
There are three types of travel angle used in welding. These are:- Slow Traverse Angle: This angle is typically used with welding processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
It is the angle formed between the electrode and the welding surface. It affects the amount of arc penetration into the base metal.
- Fast Traverse Angle: This angle is used in welding processes such as flux cored arc welding (FCAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It is the angle formed between the electrode and the welding puddle.
It affects the speed at which the weld is completed.
- Stitch Welding Angle: This angle is typically used with welding processes such as plasma arc welding (PAW) and oxyfuel welding (OFW). It is the angle formed between the welding nozzle and the adjacent welded parts.
It affects the overall accuracy of the weld.
How to Improve Travel Angle?
To improve the travel angle in welding, there are a few tips you should keep in mind:- Correctly set the voltage and amperage. This will ensure that the welding arc is properly controlled.
- Use the right filler metal. This will ensure that the right amount of filler metal is used for optimal weld quality.
- Keep the travel speed constant. This will prevent the weld pool from being disrupted by sudden changes in the welding speed.
- Correctly maintain the equipment. This will ensure that the welding arc is correctly controlled and that the desired results are achieved.