Question

Shielding for the molten weld pool in the GMAW process:

a) May be either gas or flux.
b) Is by flux only.
c) Is by gas only.
d) Is by a combination of electrode core ingredients and gas.
e) Is supplied by the electrode.

Answer 1

In the GMAW process, the molten weld pool is protected solely by a shielding gas, which prevents contamination from atmospheric gases.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the type of shielding used in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process to protect the molten weld pool. The correct answer to this question is c) Is by gas only. In the GMAW process, a shielding gas is used to protect the weld area from atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and water vapor. This gas shield prevents these gases from contaminating the molten weld pool, which could lead to defects in the weld such as porosity or excessive spatter. The typical gases used are inert or semi-inert, such as argon, helium, or a mixture including carbon dioxide. Unlike some other welding processes that might use a flux to create shielding gases as they decompose, GMAW uses a constant supply of shielding gas delivered from a tank.