Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
MODULE 1:
Introduction
to SMAW
(Shielded
Metal Arc
In frame: Adrian Malate,
Annie Rose Edem
Welding)
Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
Module 1: Introduction to SMAW (Shielded electrode coated with flux to lay the weld. The process
Metal Arc Welding) involves creating an electric arc between the electrode
and the metals to be joined, which melts the metals
_____________________________________ and allows them to fuse together.
_____________ SMAW welding works by creating an electric
Module Description arc between a coated consumable electrode
and the workpiece, generating intense heat (up to
This module introduces the basic concepts of 7000°F) that melts both the electrode and the base
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). It covers the metal to form a weld pool, while the electrode's flux
definition of SMAW, its uses, importance in different
coating burns, producing a protective gas and slag
industries, and the advantages and disadvantages of
that shields the molten weld from atmospheric
applying this welding process. The module aims to contamination until it solidifies.
provide foundational knowledge to learners who wish
to develop skills in welding. Key features of SMAW:
• Simple and portable equipment
WHAT Do YOU NEED TO KNOW? • Can be used outdoors and in windy conditions
due to flux shielding
• What is SMAW?
• How it works? • Suitable for a wide range of metals, including
• Why SMAW is useful carbon steel, stainless steel, and cast iron
• Where it can used. • Requires skill to control the arc and maintain
• Real life Applications proper electrode angle, travel speed, and
• Advantages and Disadvantage of SMAW current settings
SMAW stands for Shielded Metal Arc Welding. It is SMAW is widely used because it is versatile, cost-
a manual arc welding process that uses a consumable effective, and requires simple equipment. It can be
Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
applied in construction, repair, fabrication, and 2. Pipelines: This welding method is applied in
maintenance work, making it highly valuable. both above-ground
and underground
SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) is used in
pipelines, including
various applications, including:
oil, gas, and water
1. Construction: SMAW is widely used for pipelines. The flux
structural steel welding in buildings, bridges, coating protects
and infrastructure projects. Its portability and the weld in variable
robustness environmental
make it ideal conditions, making
for on-site it reliable for field
welding and work.
repairs 3. Repair and
where using Maintenance:
complex SMAW is commonly
machinery is favored for repair
difficult. work on machinery,
vehicles, and
equipment. Its
simplicity allows repairs to be carried out on-site
without the need for specialized gas setups.
Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
4. Shipbuilding 4. Easy to Learn – Beginners can pick up the basic
and Marine skills quickly.
Applications:
SMAW is used to
weld ship hulls, Disadvantages of SMAW
bulkheads, and
1. Slag Removal – After welding, slag must be
structural
chipped off, which takes extra time.
components. Its
effectiveness on thick materials and ability to 2. Frequent Electrode Changes – Electrodes are
work in outdoor environments make it suitable short and need to be replaced often.
for shipyards and marine repair operations.
3. Lower Efficiency – Not as fast as other modern
welding processes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of SMAW 4. Limited in Thin Metals – May cause burn-
through or defects on very thin materials.
Advantages of SMAW
Safety Reminders in SMAW
1. Portable – Easy to carry and use in different
work areas. 1. Always wear PPE – welding helmet, gloves,
apron, and safety shoes.
2. Simple and Affordable Equipment – Requires
less expensive tools compared to other welding 2. Protect your eyes – never look at the welding
processes. arc without a proper welding shield.
3. Versatile – Can be used on many metals and in 3. Work in a ventilated area – welding fumes can
different positions. be harmful if inhaled.
Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
4. Keep flammable materials away – sparks can This module introduces learners to Shielded Metal
cause fire accidents. Arc Welding (SMAW), a widely used welding process
that employs a flux-coated electrode to create strong
5. Check equipment before use – inspect cables,
metal joints. It explains what SMAW is, how it works,
electrodes, and machines for damage.
its applications in industries such as construction,
6. Stay alert and focused – avoid distractions pipelines, repair, and shipbuilding, and its importance
while welding. as a versatile and cost-effective welding method.
Learners also study its advantages (portability,
7. Maintain a clean workspace – keep the area
affordability, and versatility) and disadvantages (slag
organized to prevent accidents.
removal, frequent electrode changes, lower
efficiency). The module concludes with basic safety
reminders to prepare learners for more advanced
Summary of the Module
welding discussions.
This module introduces learners to Shielded Metal
Arc Welding (SMAW), a widely used welding process Feedback:
that employs a flux-coated electrode to create strong
metal joints. It explains what SMAW is, how it works,
its applications in industries such as construction,
pipelines, repair, and shipbuilding, and its importance Glossary
as a versatile and cost-effective welding method.
• Arc – The discharge of electricity that melts the
Learners also study its advantages (portability,
electrode and base metal.
affordability, and versatility) and disadvantages (slag
removal, frequent electrode changes, lower • Electrode – A flux-coated rod that conducts
efficiency). The module concludes with basic safety current and adds filler metal.
reminders to prepare learners for more advanced
• Slag – A protective layer formed during welding,
Summary of the Module
later removed.
Republic of the Philippines
BICOL UNIVERSITY POLANGUI
Polangui, Albay
• Weld Bead – The line of deposited metal 3. Lincoln Electric – Stick Welding Basics
created during welding. [Link]
• Porosity – A weld defect caused by trapped gas 4. ESAB Welding & Cutting – Welding Resources
in the weld metal. [Link]
• Weld Puddle – The molten metal pool formed 5. TESDA – SMAW NC II Training Regulations
during welding. [Link]
• Flux – Material that shields the weld from References
atmospheric contamination.
1. American Welding Society (AWS). Welding
• Arc Length – The distance between the Handbook. Miami: AWS, 2020.
electrode tip and the base metal.
2. Lincoln Electric. Fundamentals of Welding.
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) – Cleveland: Lincoln Electric, 2019.
Safety gear like helmet, gloves, apron.
3. Miller Electric. Stick Welding (SMAW) Guide.
• Spatter – Small droplets of molten metal Appleton: Miller, 2021.
expelled from the weld area.
4. ESAB Welding and Cutting. Manual Welding
Processes. ESAB, 2020.
Recommended Readings and Links 5. Jeffus, Larry. Welding Principles and
Applications. Cengage Learning, 2016.
1. American Welding Society – Welding Safety
Guidelines 6. Cary, Howard B. Modern Welding Technology.
[Link] Pearson, 2017.
2. Miller Electric – Guide to SMAW 7. Bowditch, W.A. Welding Fundamentals.
[Link] Goodheart-Willcox, 2018.