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ARC BLOW

What is an Arc Blow


Welding arc deflects away from the point of welding under
some circumstances. Such arc deflections forward or
backward is called Arc Blow.

Causes for Arc Blow

Unbalanced condition in magnetic Field.


Residual magnetism in the material (job).

Circumstances causing Arc Blow


ARC BLOW Occurs in:
DC welding.
Magnetic materials [ due residual magnetism].
Caused by interaction between directional magnetic field
of welding arc and directional field of the residual
magnetism.
Magnetic field strength is greater than 50 Gauss causes
arc blow [Thumb Rule].

Effects of Arc Blow on Welding

Arc Blow occurs in DC arc welding.


Causes Arc Deflection.
Excessive Spattering.
Lack of fusion.
Porosity.
Poor weld quality.

Arc Blow Mechanism

Unbalanced condition in the magnetic field.


The concentric flux fields will remain circular when they can stay in
one medium large enough to contain them until they diminish to
essentially nothing.
if the medium changes, the circular lines of force are distorted and
tend to concentrate in the steel where they encounter less resistance.
Causes deformation in the circular lines of flux.
This squeezing can result in a heavy concentration of flux behind or
ahead of a welding arc.
The arc then tends to move in the direction that would relieve the
squeezing and restore the magnetic field balance.

Magnetic field around the electrode

Change in Magnetic Field

Methods to avoid arc blow


Use as short an arc length as possible (lower arc voltage) and
the lowest current that is practical for the affected joint
(possibly a smaller diameter electrode).
Weld towards the return or earth connections.
Use of multiple earth connections may solve the problem
altogether.

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