What kinds of defects can occur in GTAW?

The presence of porosity, cracks, undercut, and lack of fusion as defects in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is accurate because these issues can arise from various factors during the welding process.

Porosity refers to small holes or voids that can form within the weld bead when gas pockets become trapped in the molten metal. This can be caused by impurities in the base materials, contamination of the filler material, or improper shielding gas coverage.

Cracks can develop in the weld metal or heat-affected zone, often due to rapid cooling, excessive stress, or incorrect welding parameters. They compromise the integrity of the weld, making it a significant defect to watch for.

Undercut occurs when the base metal is eroded at the edges of the weld bead, leading to a weakened joint. This can happen if the welding arc is too intense or if the travel speed is too fast.

Lack of fusion happens when the weld metal does not adequately bond to the base metal, which can result from improper technique, insufficient heat, or contamination. This failure can severely diminish the strength of the weld.

Identifying and understanding these defects is crucial for ensuring weld quality and integrity in GTAW applications. The notion that defects are only