Patent ID: 7173215
Filing Date: 2007-02-06
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method for rating a welding consumable for use in arc welding operations, said method comprising: providing a set of workpieces, said set including a plurality of substantially identical workpieces individually having a groove with a corresponding groove angle formed therein, said set of workpieces having successively smaller groove angles with a first workpiece of said set having the largest groove angle and a last workpiece of said set having the smallest groove angle; performing a welding operation using said consumable to create a weld in said groove of each said workpiece; performing a standardized non-aggressive slag removal operation on said workpieces after said welding operation; measuring an amount of remaining slag for each said workpiece after performing said standardized non-aggressive slag removal operation; determining a minimum groove angle for which said amount of remaining slag is less than a threshold amount; and, rating said consumable according to said minimum groove angle.