Which practice helps to ensure the proper fusion in GTAW welds?

Ensuring clean and well-prepared metal surfaces is vital for achieving proper fusion in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) welds. This practice eliminates contaminants such as oil, dirt, rust, or oxidation that can interfere with the welding process. When surfaces are clean, the arc can effectively melt the base metal and filler material, promoting optimal fusion. Poor surface preparation can lead to weak welds, porosity, or incomplete fusion, which compromises the integrity of the weld joint.

In contrast, using excessive filler material can lead to problems, such as creating an unbalanced weld profile or introducing defects due to excessive heat. Welding at random angles may disrupt the control over the weld pool and lead to inconsistent fusion or lack of penetration. Similarly, applying heat only from a distance can prevent effective melting of the base materials, resulting in inadequate fusion. Thus, preparing the metal surfaces properly is essential to ensure strong, reliable welds in GTAW processes.