When a tungsten contaminates the molten weld pool, what should be cleaned before resuming?

When a tungsten contaminates the molten weld pool, what should be cleaned before resuming?

• A. Neither the weld nor the tungsten needs to be cleaned
• B. The weld must be cleaned
• C. Both the weld and tungsten must be cleaned
• D. The tungsten must be cleaned

Answer: (C)

The wobble in weld quality caused by tungsten contamination comes from tungsten particles getting embedded in the molten metal and causing weld defects like inclusions. To prevent repeating those defects, you must clear the contaminated area and restore a clean electrode tip before continuing. Clean the weld area to remove any tungsten inclusions or oxide that could seed further imperfections, and clean or replace the electrode by grinding the tungsten to re-create a clean, sharp tip. Once both the weld surface and the tungsten are clean, resume with proper gas coverage and technique.

The wobble in weld quality caused by tungsten contamination comes from tungsten particles getting embedded in the molten metal and causing weld defects like inclusions. To prevent repeating those defects, you must clear the contaminated area and restore a clean electrode tip before continuing. Clean the weld area to remove any tungsten inclusions or oxide that could seed further imperfections, and clean or replace the electrode by grinding the tungsten to re-create a clean, sharp tip. Once both the weld surface and the tungsten are clean, resume with proper gas coverage and technique.