Chicago Electric 68888 Owner's Manual & Safety Instructions page 11

Diagnosis - Workpiece Heat Control / Weld Penetration
INADEQUATE PENETRATION
Not hot enough
How to increase workpiece heat
and increase penetration:
(to weld THICKER workpieces properly)
a. Increase current.
Penetration (Workpiece Heat Control)
EXCESS PENETRATION OR
BURN-THROUGH
Weld droops on top and
underneath or falls through
entirely, making a hole.
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Workpiece overheating:
Reduce current.
2. Welding speed too slow:
Increase welding speed and ensure
that welding speed is kept steady.
Weld Not Adhering Properly
Gaps present between weld and previous bead or between weld and workpiece. See areas below.
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
PROFILE
VIEW
Item 68888
PROPER PENETRATION
Ideal heat
b. Weld more slowly.
PROPER PENETRATION
Weld is visible underneath and
bulges slightly on top.
PROFILE VIEWS
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
EXCESS PENETRATION OR
How to reduce workpiece heat
and limit penetration:
(to weld THINNER workpieces properly)
a. Decrease current.
INADEQUATE PENETRATION
Weld does not contact the joint
fully, just on the surface.
POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS
1. Incorrect welding technique:
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Hold electrode at proper angles.
2. Insufficient weld heat:
Slow down so fill material has time to melt
into the weld location. Increase current.
3. Workpieces too thick/close:
Bevel thick workpieces, allow slight
gap, and weld in several passes.
4. Insufficient weld material:
Increase amount of fill material.
1. Incorrect welding technique:
Place stringer bead at correct place in joint.
Adjust workpiece position or weld angle to permit
proper welding to bottom of piece.
Keep arc on leading edge of weld puddle.
Hold gun at proper angles.
2. Insufficient weld heat:
Increase current.
3. Dirty workpiece:
Clean workpiece down to bare metal.
BURN-THROUGH
Too hot
b. Weld more quickly.
Page 11