How does excessive travel angle affect the welding process?

Excessive travel angle can significantly impact the welding process, especially in terms of weld penetration. When the travel angle is too great, the arc may not effectively transfer heat to the base metal, leading to insufficient melting of the parent material. This can cause a lack of proper fusion between the weld metal and the base materials, resulting in poor weld penetration.

Proper penetration is crucial for ensuring that the weld bead fully integrates with the base material to create a strong joint. If the travel angle is excessive, the weld may only superficially melt the surface of the base metal, causing weak joints that can fail under stress or load. Moreover, inadequate penetration can also lead to issues such as lack of fusion and potential cracking.

While excessive travel angle might change other factors like heat input or filling material requirements, the primary concern is indeed its negative impact on achieving the necessary weld penetration for a strong, durable weld.