COMPARISON OF POROSITY FORMATION IN BACKHAND AND FOREHAND WELDING TECHNIQUES IN CARBON STEEL WITH GMAW PROCESS

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify which of the two welding techniques used in GMAW produces the most porosity when welding carbon steel, and to determine whether welding technique is a vital factor when trying to avoid porosity formation when welding carbon steel. The test specimens were single groove joined, produced by welding using the GMAW robot. Radiography testing was used to detect the formation of porosity inside the welds. The test results show that only the backhand welded specimens contain porosity while the porosity inside the forehand welded specimens are negligible, as they are not caused by the welding technique, or none at all. This shows that the backhand welding technique is more prone to porosity but may be easily corrected, and both welding techniques are acceptable when welding carbon steel using the GMAW process. This study may be further continued by including more variables such as welding in different positions, and using different welding processes so a more in-depth, and accurate conclusion can be achieved on the subject.