electric welder Interview Questions and Answers

100 Electric Welder Interview Questions and Answers
  1. What types of welding processes are you familiar with?

    • Answer: I am proficient in GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), also known as MIG welding; SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), or stick welding; and FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding). I also have experience with GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), or TIG welding, though my expertise lies in the former three.
  2. Explain the difference between MIG and TIG welding.

    • Answer: MIG welding uses a continuous wire feed and shielding gas to create the weld, offering high deposition rates and good penetration. TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and shielding gas, resulting in a cleaner, higher-quality weld with precise control, but slower deposition rates.
  3. Describe the safety precautions you take while electric welding.

    • Answer: Safety is paramount. I always wear appropriate PPE including a welding helmet with the correct shade lens, welding gloves, a welding jacket, flame-resistant clothing, safety glasses, and sturdy work boots. I ensure proper ventilation to avoid inhaling welding fumes, and I check for any fire hazards in the work area. I also follow lock-out/tag-out procedures when working on electrical equipment.
  4. How do you determine the correct amperage for a specific welding job?

    • Answer: The correct amperage depends on the metal thickness, the type of metal, the welding process, and the desired weld penetration. I consult the manufacturer's specifications for the welding wire and electrode, and I often start with a lower amperage and gradually increase it until I achieve the desired weld bead.
  5. What are some common welding defects, and how can they be prevented?

    • Answer: Common defects include porosity (gas pockets), spatter (metal droplets), undercut (grooves at the weld edge), lack of fusion (incomplete weld), and cracking. Prevention involves proper cleaning of the metal surfaces, using the correct welding parameters, maintaining consistent travel speed, and employing proper joint preparation.
  6. How do you prepare metal for welding?

    • Answer: Metal preparation is crucial. I begin by cleaning the surface of any dirt, grease, oil, paint, or rust using wire brushes, grinders, or solvents, depending on the material and the level of contamination. I then ensure proper fit-up of the joint, using clamps or jigs as needed to maintain alignment.
  7. Explain the importance of shielding gas in MIG welding.

    • Answer: Shielding gas prevents atmospheric gases like oxygen and nitrogen from contaminating the weld pool, which can cause porosity and other defects. Common shielding gases include argon, carbon dioxide, and mixtures of the two.
  8. How do you troubleshoot a problem with excessive spatter in MIG welding?

    • Answer: Excessive spatter can be caused by several factors, including incorrect amperage, wire feed speed, shielding gas flow, or improper stick-out. I would first check the settings to ensure they are correct for the material and wire type. Cleaning the contact tip and ensuring proper grounding are also important steps.
  9. What is the purpose of flux in flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)?

    • Answer: The flux in FCAW serves multiple purposes: it protects the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, it helps to stabilize the arc, and it aids in slag removal after welding.

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