Will not burn or react with other materials

A welding process that uses flux-covered metal rods called electrodes. As the flux burns, it creates a gaseous cloud around the arc that shields or helps the metal in the electrode burn more evenly. The flux and impurities in the metal being welded combine and rise to the top of the weld and form slag.

This process, often called TIG welding, uses an inert gas to shield the weld area. GTAW machines use a tungsten electrode which has an extremely high melting point. Since the electrode is not consumed in the welding process a filler rod may be required.

This process, often called MIG welding, also uses a shielding gas to protect the weld area. In this process a metal electrode is fed automatically from a wire spool into the weld at a constant rate.

In this process oxygen is combined with a flammable gas, such as acetylene. The flame from this combination of gases is used to heat metal to its melting point. As the cutting torch is moved along the metal, a strong stream of oxygen moves the melted metal out of the way. Other fuels used are natural gas and propane.

This process uses an electric arc from a tungsten electrode to create an arc. Air is used to focus the arc by creating an ionized stream called plasma. An air compressor provides the air, which also cools the area surrounding the cut.

Material is lying flat, as on a workbench or table

Material is vertical and the weld is made by moving left to right

Weld is made by moving upward (vertical up) or downward (vertical down) on a vertical piece of metal

Material is positioned above or over the head of the welder

Types of Welds Fillet weld- basic weld used. Used when joining two pieces of metal without preparing the surface of the metal first Groove weld- basic weld, used when preparing the metal before welding it into place.

Fillet Welds

Groove Welds

Bottom surface of a weld; the opposite side from which the welding was done

An arrow line extends from either end of a reference line and is terminated with an arrowhead. The line may point in any direction but it always points to the welding joint which requires preparation and/or welding.

The tail of a welding symbol is at the end of a reference line, opposite the arrow. The free space in the tail is used for notes, specifications, process and other items. If no instructions are needed, the tail is not used. SMAW

V-Groove Butt Weld

Fillet Weld

Plug or Slot Weld

A melt through symbol is a solid oval located on the opposite side of the weld symbol, indicating a desired 100% penetration.