What is a common cause of weld defects in GTAW?

In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), inconsistent arc length and travel speed can significantly affect weld quality. The arc length refers to the distance between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece, and maintaining a consistent arc length is crucial for achieving a stable weld pool and proper penetration. If the arc length fluctuates, it can lead to issues such as inconsistent bead appearance, insufficient penetration, or excessive spatter.

Similarly, travel speed, or the speed at which the welder moves the torch along the joint, impacts the heat input and cooling rate of the weld. If the travel speed is inconsistent, it can cause areas of over-heating or under-heating, leading to defects such as porosity, lack of fusion, or burn-through. Overall, consistent control over the arc length and travel speed is essential for producing high-quality welds in GTAW processes.