I

Welding Glossary


 * Inadequate Joint Penetration ** – Inadequate joint penetration is preparation of the welded joint which was less than that specified in the welding specification. Inadequate joint preparation will often cause weld flaws.


 * Incomplete Fusion ** – Incomplete fusion, is welding fusion, which is less than complete. Incomplete fusion is a weld flaw.


 * Inert gas/Shielding gas ** – An inert gas is a gas that does not normally combine chemically with other materials. Their purpose is to protect the weld area from atmospheric gases, such as oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide and water vapor. Carbon Dioxide is a reactive gas, not an inert gas. ** (2) Inert Gas ** . An inert gas is a gas, which does not normally combine chemically with the base metal or filler metal. See also protective atmosphere, Nobel gases


 * Indentation ** . In a spot, seam, or projection weld, the depression on the exterior surface or surfaces of the base metal.

(2) Exposure to infrared radiation (IR), produced by the electric arc and other flame cutting equipment may heat the skin surface and the tissues immediately below the surface. Except for this effect, which // can // progress to thermal burns in some situations, infrared radiation is not dangerous to welders. Most welders protect themselves from IR (and UV) with a welder's helmet (or glasses) and protective clothing.
 * Infrared Radiation ** – Infrared radiation is electromagnetic energy with average lengths from 770 to 12000 nanometers it is perceptible as heat. The main hazard to the eyes is that prolonged exposure (over a matter of years) causes a gradual but irreversible opacity of the lens. Fortunately, the infrared radiation emitted by normal welding arcs causes damage only within a comparatively short distance from the arc. There is an immediate burning sensation in the skin surrounding the eyes should they be exposed to arc heat.


 * INTENSE VISIBLE LIGHT - ** Exposure of the human eye to intense visible light can produce adaptation, pupillary reflex, and shading of the eyes. Such actions are protective mechanisms to prevent excessive light from being focused on the retina. In the arc welding process, eye exposure to intense visible light is prevented for the most part by the welder's helmet. However, some individuals have sustained retinal damage due to careless "viewing" of the arc. At no time should the arc be observed without eye protection.


 * Inverter ** – An Inverter is power source, which increases the frequency of the incoming primary power, thus providing for a smaller size machine and improved electrical characteristics for welding, such as faster response time and more control for pulse welding.


 * Inter-Granular Penetration ** - The penetration of filler metal along the grain boundaries of a base metal.


 * Intermittent Weld ** – A weld in which the continuity is broken by recurring un-welded spaces. Welders use intermittent welding to reduce the total amount of weld used in welded joint use intermittent welding. This saves time and it reduces the amount of material used in the joint.


 * Inter-pass temperature ** - In a multiple-pass weld, the inter-pass temperature is the temperature (minimum or maximum as specified) of the deposited weld metal before the next pass is started.


 * Iron ** - A base element that is the primary substance in the makeup of steel, cast iron and wrought iron. As a result welders often work with metal that is primarily made up of Iron. Iron’s symbol is **Fe**. Iron is the most common element (by mass) on Earth. Iron, forms much of Earth's outer and inner core. See also **Ferrous.**


 * IRON OXIDE - ** Iron is the principal alloying element in steel manufacture. During the welding process, iron oxide fumes arise from both the base metal and the electrode. The primary acute effect of this exposure is irritation of nasal passages, throat, and lungs. Although long-term exposure to iron oxide fumes may result in iron pigmentation of the lungs, most authorities agree that these iron deposits in the lung are not dangerous.

Return to Glossary Home Page