SMAW Vocabulary

The discharge of electricity through an airspace

• Arc

• Ampere

• Voltage

• Watt

Flux coated metal welding rods

• Electrode

• SMAW

• MIG Wire

• Conductor

An Arc Welding process that uses flux coated metal electrodes where the burning of the flux produces a protective gaseous cloud around the weld puddle. Often called stick welding

• SMAW

• GMAW

• GTAW

• MIG

Includes a multitude of welding processes where an electrical arc is used to melt and fuse metal.

• Arc Welding

• Stick Welding

• SMAW

• MIG Welding

The percentage of time a welding machine can operate without overheating, usually based on 10 min.

• Duty Cycle

• Heat Stroke

• Duty Time

• Welding Cycle

The measure of the flow/volume of electricity, like the flow of water out of a hose.

• Ampere

• Voltage

• Watt

• Arc

Any material that allows the flow of electricity.

• Conductor

• Arc Welder

• Watt

• Duty Cycle

Used for household electrical needs, an electrical current that changes its direction of flow many times per second.

• Alternating Current

• Direct Current

• Reverse Polarity

• Alternating Electricity

Used in automotive applications and rechargeable devices, this current flows in only one direction.

• Direct Current

• Straight Polarity

• Directional Flow

• Batteries

Negative polarity in DC welders, DCEN, results in lower weld penetration, and allows for faster travel.

• Straight Polarity

• Reverse Polarity

• AC Current

• Alternating Current