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adhesive bonding
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A process that binds materials together using a non-metallic material. Paste, glue, and tape are examples of common adhesives.
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aluminum
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A non-ferrous, silvery-white metal that is soft and light. Aluminum is one of the most difficult metals to weld.
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American Welding Society
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The non-profit society that regulates the industrial standards for welding.
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arc
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The area in which electricity jumps from the electrode to the workpiece. The heat generated by the arc melts the base metals.
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arc length
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The distance that the electricity must travel from the tip of the electrode to the weld puddle.
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arc welding
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A fusion welding process that uses electricity to generate the heat needed to melt the base metals.
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atom
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The smallest distinguishable unit of a material that maintains the same characteristics.
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autogenous weld
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A welding process that does not require a filler metal. Sometimes the joint created by an autogenous weld cannot be detected.
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base metal
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One of the two or more metals to be welded together to form a joint.
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bead
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The end product of a joint that has been welded.
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circuit
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A controlled path for electricity. During welding, the welder, work and electrode cables, electrode, and workpiece form a complete circuit.
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conductor
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A material that allows for the flow of electricity. For a successful arc weld, electrodes and base metals must be good conductors.
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consumable electrode
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An electrode that conducts electricity to the arc but also melts into the weld as a filler metal.
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copper
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A reddish metal that is very ductile, thermally and electrically conductive, and corrosive resistant. Copper can be welded using limited methods.
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current
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The flow of electricity, measured in amperes or amps. Arc welding requires a continous flow of electricity to maintain the arc.
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electricity
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The energy created by the movement of electrons. Electrical energy can be converted into light, heat, or motion.
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electrode
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A device that conducts electricity. In welding, the electrode also can act as the filler metal.
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electrode cable
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The path used in welding to conduct electricity from welder to the electrode. In welding, the cables are connected to the welder, the workpiece, and electrode, providing a closed electrical circuit.
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electrode holder
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The insulated handle that clamps onto the electrode. The welder holds this during welding to control the arc.
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electron
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A negatively charged particle that orbits the nucleus of an atom. Electrons flow between atoms in electrical conductivity.
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ferrous metal
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A metal that contains iron. Ferrous metals are the most common type of welded metal.
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filler metal
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A type of metal sometimes added to the joint in fusion welding. Filler metal adds to the strength and mass of the welded joint.
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flux
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A non-metallic material used to protect the weld puddle and solid metal from atmospheric contamination.
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flux-cored arc welding
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An arc welding process that uses a continuously fed consumable electrode that contains flux at its core. It is also referred to as FCAW.
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fusion welding
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A welding process that melts the base metals at the joint. Upon cooling, the welded joint is often stronger than the base metals.
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gas metal arc welding
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An arc welding process in which the bare wire electrode and inert shielding gas are fed to the weld through a welding gun. It is also referred to as GMAW or MIG welding.
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gas shielding
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A layer of inert gas that protects the weld puddle and arc from atmospheric contamination.
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gas tungsten arc welding
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A very precise arc welding process that uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode. It is also referred to as GTAW or TIG welding.
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insulator
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A material that inhibits the flow of electricity.
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joining
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A process that brings materials together using either fasteners, adhesives, welding, or similar methods.
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joint
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The meeting point of the two materials that are joined together. Welding creates a permanent joint.
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low-carbon steel
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A steel that has a carbon range between 0.05 and 0.30 percent. Also referred to as mild steel, low-carbon steel is the most commonly welded metal.
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mechanical fastening
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A process that joins two materials using a clamping force. Examples of mechanical fasteners include screws, bolts, and nails.
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melting point
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The temperature at which a solid becomes a liquid. Welding requires metals to reach their melting points.
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metal
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A hard, strong material that conducts electricity and heat, is shiny when polished, and can be bent and formed into shapes.
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molten
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In a liquid state. Molten metals flow as a liquid.
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nonconsumable electrode
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An electrode that conducts electricity to the arc and does not become part of the finished weld.
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nonferrous metal
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A metal that does not contain iron. Non-ferrous metals are more difficult to weld than ferrous metals.
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oxyfuel welding
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A fusion welding process that uses a flame produced by gas containing oxygen and a gas fuel. Oxyfuel welding is also referred to as OFW.
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path
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A conductor that directs electricity in a circuit. The path in welding and other applications is often copper wire.
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resistance
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The opposition to current flow. Electricity flows in the path of least resistance.
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scratching
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A method of striking the arc in which the welder guides the electrode across the workpiece at an angle. The scratching method closely resembles striking a match.
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shielded metal arc welding
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An arc welding process that uses a flux-coated rod. It is also referred to in the shop as SMAW or stick welding.
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slag
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Cooled flux that forms on top of the bead. Slag protects cooling metal and is then chipped off.
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spatter
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Liquid metal droplets expelled from the welding process. Spatter can leave undesirable dots of metal on a workpiece surface.
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stainless steel
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A steel that resists tarnishing. Stainless steel can be welded using many methods.
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tapping
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A method of striking the arc in which the welder moves the electrode downward to the base metal in a vertical direction.
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tungsten
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A gray metal that is very strong at elevated temperatures. Tungsten is used to make nonconsumable electrodes.
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UV rays
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Harmful rays emitted by the arc during welding. UV rays can damage a welder's vision and burn skin.
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vaporization
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The process by which a liquid becomes a gas. Vaporization of a metal can ruin a weld.
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voltage
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The electrical force or pressure that causes current to flow in a circuit. Voltage is measured in volts
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volume
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The amount of space that an object occupies. Solids and liquids have definite volume.
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weld puddle
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The small area of molten metal that forms during welding. The cooled weld puddle forms the permanent joint. A weld puddle is also called a weld pool, molten pool, or molten puddle.
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welder
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Either the person who performs a weld or the power source that provides the electricity needed to perform an arc weld. Printed materials may use both meanings of the term.
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welding
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A joining process that uses heat, pressure, and/or chemicals to fuse two materials together permanently.
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weldor
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A term sometimes used to refer to the person who welds.
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work cable
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The path used in welding to conduct electricity from welder to the workpiece. In welding, the cables are connected to the welder, the workpiece, and electrode, providing a closed electrical circuit.
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work clamp
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The object that, along with the electrode, comes in direct contact with the workpiece during welding. The work clamp is connected to the work cable.
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workpiece
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A part that is being worked on. The workpiece may be subject to cutting, welding, forming or other operations.
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