Basics of GMAW (Mig welding) Exam
Questions and Answers 100% Pass
GMAW is most commonly employed as a? - ✔✔Semi-automatic process.
1. Readily mechanized or automated
2. Well suited for robotic applications
The GMAW process is characterized by? Hint: 3 things - ✔✔1. Solid wire electrode
which is fed continuously through a welding gun
2. Arc created between electrode and workpiece
3. All of shielding for process provided by gas which flows from welding gun's nozzle
What are the 2 types of shielding gasses? - ✔✔1. Inert (argon, helium)
2. Reactive (Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen)
Why is carbon dioxide commonly used? Hint: 3 reasons - ✔✔1. Relatively low cost
2. Ready availability
3. Greater penetration ability
Spray transfer requires at least what % argon? - ✔✔80
In addition to providing a protective environment, what else does the shielding gas and
flow rate have a pronounced effect on? Hint: 7 things - ✔✔1. Arc characteristics
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY KATELYN WHITMAN, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, 2. Mode of metal transfer
3. Penetration and weld bead profile
4. Speed of welding
5. Undercutting tendency
6. Cleaning action
7. Weld metal mechanical properties
AWS classification and ID system in GMAW. - ✔✔ERXXS-X
1. "ER" designates both electrode and rod
2. Next two numbers refer to as-deposited minimum tensile strength in thousands of
pounds per square inch
3. "S" implies solid wire electrode
4. Number after hyphen refers to electrodes chemistry
a. Will also have an effect on the electrical characteristics
b. typically have increased amounts of deoxidizers such as manganese, silicon, and/or
aluminum to assist in cleansing the molten metal
Why should the wire be properly stored? - ✔✔To prevent contamination and moisture
pickup
What are the 8 main components of a GMAW setup? - ✔✔1. Welding gun (air or water
cooled)
2. Electrode feed unit
3. Welding control
4. Welding power supply
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY KATELYN WHITMAN, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Questions and Answers 100% Pass
GMAW is most commonly employed as a? - ✔✔Semi-automatic process.
1. Readily mechanized or automated
2. Well suited for robotic applications
The GMAW process is characterized by? Hint: 3 things - ✔✔1. Solid wire electrode
which is fed continuously through a welding gun
2. Arc created between electrode and workpiece
3. All of shielding for process provided by gas which flows from welding gun's nozzle
What are the 2 types of shielding gasses? - ✔✔1. Inert (argon, helium)
2. Reactive (Carbon Dioxide, Oxygen)
Why is carbon dioxide commonly used? Hint: 3 reasons - ✔✔1. Relatively low cost
2. Ready availability
3. Greater penetration ability
Spray transfer requires at least what % argon? - ✔✔80
In addition to providing a protective environment, what else does the shielding gas and
flow rate have a pronounced effect on? Hint: 7 things - ✔✔1. Arc characteristics
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY KATELYN WHITMAN, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, 2. Mode of metal transfer
3. Penetration and weld bead profile
4. Speed of welding
5. Undercutting tendency
6. Cleaning action
7. Weld metal mechanical properties
AWS classification and ID system in GMAW. - ✔✔ERXXS-X
1. "ER" designates both electrode and rod
2. Next two numbers refer to as-deposited minimum tensile strength in thousands of
pounds per square inch
3. "S" implies solid wire electrode
4. Number after hyphen refers to electrodes chemistry
a. Will also have an effect on the electrical characteristics
b. typically have increased amounts of deoxidizers such as manganese, silicon, and/or
aluminum to assist in cleansing the molten metal
Why should the wire be properly stored? - ✔✔To prevent contamination and moisture
pickup
What are the 8 main components of a GMAW setup? - ✔✔1. Welding gun (air or water
cooled)
2. Electrode feed unit
3. Welding control
4. Welding power supply
COPYRIGHT © 2025 BY KATELYN WHITMAN, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
