What effect does incorrect travel speed have during welding?

Incorrect travel speed during welding significantly influences the quality and integrity of the weld. When the travel speed is excessive, it can lead to insufficient heat input, resulting in undercutting. This occurs when the weld metal fails to properly fuse with the base metal, creating a groove or notch in the base material instead of a smooth and continuous weld. Undercutting can compromise the strength of the weld and potentially lead to failure under stress.

Conversely, traveling too slowly can cause overheating of the material. This excessive heat can negatively impact the joint by leading to distortion, burn-through, or excessive penetration. In essence, maintaining the correct travel speed is critical to achieving a balance in heat input that ensures proper fusion and structural integrity of the weld. Understanding the implications of travel speed is crucial for welders to produce high-quality, lasting welded joints.