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Welder Red Seal · Question

A welder is fabricating a stainless steel pipe joint using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. After completing the root pass, visual inspection reveals a dark, sooty, and crumbly surface deposit on the weld bead. What is the most probable cause of this discoloration?

Dark, sooty, and crumbly deposits on a stainless steel GTAW weld often indicate severe oxidation due to inadequate shielding gas coverage. This leads to the for

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Question: A welder is fabricating a stainless steel pipe joint using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. After completing the root pass, visual inspection reveals a dark, sooty, and crumbly surface deposit on the weld bead. What is the most probable cause of this discoloration?

Answer options: ✅ Inadequate shielding gas coverage

  • Excessive welding current
  • Too slow travel speed
  • Contaminated filler wire

Correct answer: Inadequate shielding gas coverage

Explanation: Dark, sooty, and crumbly deposits on a stainless steel GTAW weld often indicate severe oxidation due to inadequate shielding gas coverage. This leads to the formation of chromium oxides, which appear as a dark, discoloured surface layer. While excessive current or slow travel speed can cause overheating and some discolouration, it typically manifests as a thicker oxide layer rather than a crumbly soot. Contaminated filler wire might introduce defects but usually not this specific type of surface discoloration.

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