A welder is working on a pressure vessel component requiring full penetration groove welds in the 2F (horizontal-fillet) position. They are currently using an E7018 electrode with DC+ polarity. The supervisor notes that the weld toes are not washing in smoothly, and there is some evidence of undercut on the top edge. What adjustment should the welder consider to rectify this issue without major changes to electrode or position?

Question: A welder is working on a pressure vessel component requiring full penetration groove welds in the 2F (horizontal-fillet) position. They are currently using an E7018 electrode with DC+ polarity. The supervisor notes that the weld toes are not washing in smoothly, and there is some evidence of undercut on the top edge. What adjustment should the welder consider to rectify this issue without major changes to electrode or position?

Answer options:

• Increase travel speed slightly and maintain a shorter arc length
• Decrease amperage and increase arc length ✅ Slightly decrease travel speed and manipulate the electrode to direct more heat to the toe
• Switch to DC- polarity and increase voltage

Correct answer: Slightly decrease travel speed and manipulate the electrode to direct more heat to the toe

Explanation: Undercut and poor toe wash-in often indicate that the heat is not properly distributed, or travel speed is too fast, pulling the puddle away prematurely. Slightly decreasing travel speed allows the molten puddle more time to wet onto the base material, and purposeful manipulation of the electrode, focusing heat slightly more towards the toes, helps them wash in better. Changing polarity to DC- for E7018 would be incorrect, and increasing travel speed or arc length would likely worsen the problems.