Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, uses electrodes coated in flux that produces a gas shield protecting the weld area. SMAW can use either alternating or direct current and is commonly used in industry. Safety precautions for SMAW include protective equipment for ultraviolet radiation, heat, sparks, fumes, and electrical hazards. SMAW machines operate using voltages from 110V to 480V and welding current flows from the electrode through an arc to the workpiece, requiring a direct current power source.

2. Introduction
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is often referred
to a stick welding.
• This welding process can use either
alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC)
The electrodes (rods) that are used have a coating called flux.
During the welding process the flux forms a gas shield that
protects the weld puddle from atmospheric contamination.
SMAW is currently used in a wide variety of industry
applications.

3. Parts of FLUX

4. What does SMAW stand for?
A. Shielded Metal Arc Welding
B. Strong Metal Attaching Weld
c. Shielded Material Air Welding
D. Safe Metal Arc Welding

5. SMAW SAFETY
Welding can be a dangerous profession,
Not so much because of the welding itself, but because of the work
environment where the work is often performed.
SMAW has its own safety precautions that need to be taken when it is used.
• UV Radiation
• Hot metal and slag
• Flying sparks
• Smoke and fumes
• Electrical hazard
PPE for SMAW include but is not limited to:
• Safety glasses
• Welding helmet shade 10-12
• Gloves
• Welding jacket

6. Electrical Hazards
ARC welding machines use electrical power.
Most machines operate on 110V, 120V, 240V, or
480V power levels. Regardless of the voltage
level, it is important to be aware of the electrical
power source used by your machine.
Another concern while using electricity is
moisture, especially water. Electricity, water and
the human body are a dangerous mix. Make sure
that your welding cables are in good condition
and that your work piece clamp is properly
installed

7. Welding machines operate on
which voltage?
A. 110V
B. 240V
C. 480V
D. All of the above

8. Welding Current
When the term current used as a noun, it means a flow or a
stream. In electrical terms current id the flow of electricity from
one point to another.
One point being a ground and the other being the source of
electricity. In welding there must be a current flow between the
work piece and the welding machine.
The arc that is produced during the SMAW is an electrical current
that jumps the gap from the tip of the electrode to the surface of
the work, as long as the work piece lead from the machine is
attached to the work.
If the electrode is held against the work piece instead of allowing
for a gap the electricity will pass directly from the electrode to the
work without creating an arc.no welding can take place without an
arc across the gap to create the heat necessary to melt the
electrode and the work piece.

9. Types of Welding Current
Alternating Current (AC)
Direct Current (DC)

10. DIRECT CURRENT
The most commonly used form for SMAW is Direct Current (DC). In which the current always
flows in one direction, from negative to positive.
Which DC we have polarity. Polarity is determined by the way the welding leads are
connected to machine and work. By swapping the electrode and work leads we can change
the polarity.
SMAW is most often done with Direct Current (DC) Electrode Negative (DCEN), but can also
be use with Direct Current Electrode Positive(DCEP)

11. ALTERNATING CURRENT
The other and more seldom used is Alternating Current (AC). In AC the current still flows
from negative to positive, but the positive and negative poles alternate back and forth.
A cycle is when the pole switches from positive to negative and back to positive. The
number of cycles per second is called frequency and it is measured in Hertz. The frequency
of AC is determined by the generator producing the current.
In the Philippines the standard frequency of AC is 60 Hertz.

12. SMAW MACHINES
SMAW machines can come in many different shapes and
sizes.
The size of a welding machine is determined by its duty cycle.
The duty cycle of a welding machine is based on its ability to
produce its rated amperage over a 10 minute period without
over heating.
Example:
A 200amp machine that has a 60% duty cycle can produce
200amps for 6 minutes out of 10 without over heating.
Running a machine above its rated amperage will reduce its
duty cycle.

13. SMAW Equipment's
Work piece clamps often call ground clamps establish the
connection between the work and the work piece lead the runs
to the machine. Work piece clamps are selected based on the
amount of current it can carry without overheating.
Electrode holder grasp the electrode provide electrical contact
between the electrode and the welding cable. Electrode holders
are also rated and selected based on the amount of current it can
carry without overheating.

14. SMAW Electrodes
SMAW cannot takes place without electrodes, often
called sticks.
SMAW electrode have a metal wire core coated with a
flux. The wire core conducts the welding current from
the electrode holder to the work.
The arc at the end of the electrode melts the wire core,
the flux coating, and the base metal at temperature
exceeding 6000 F.

15. SMAW Hand Tools
The flux coating on the electrodes creates a slag coating
that must be cleaned from the weld.
Chipping hammers, hand files, and wire brushes are a
few of the hand tools that can be used for post weld
cleaning.