The only time I've heard of spark on a machine is on DC machine used for both TIG and stick. TIG welding is accomplished by means of a High Frequency attachment. The High Frequency is controlled by switch on panel, on for TIG, off for stick. Some machine will have another position called start that is used to facilitate easy starting for stick weldingWithout the spark switch on the machine the stick welder would have to use a scratch or drag start. Machines use in structural welding seldom have the easy start capabilities.
There are probably other explanations so comeback with more details as to the job at hand.
I am not following you. Is a no spark machine nothing to be concerned about for a normal stick weld at site job, or is this something to question. I am only concerned about the results
"Spark" is a term used by some welders when they talk about the easy start feature on some machines. This AC feature on a welding machine will jump out and bite you if you turn into the machine ground.
If I were welding around a wet area I would keep this feature off or use a DC only machine which they maybe talking about.
This is just on of probably many explanations for a no spark machine.
Just remember welding contractors will some time test you to see how much they can get by with.
I'm not sure what is meant by a "no spark welding machine". Any shielded metal arc electrode such as E7018, E6010, E6013, etc. is going to produce sparks. Even GTAW is going to entail an arc, which is going to produce "sparks" if any oxides are encountered of if the weld puddle is "over heated" and some weld metal is volitized.
SMAW, GMAC, FCAW, GTAW, SAW.....all are "arc" welding processes and product an arc. Some resistance welding techniques produce little or no "spark", but you still get it on occasion.
Any procedure not prequalified for building construction must be tested and qualified. I suspect that what he is suggesting is not a pre-qualified process and wouldn't be considered equivalent to SMAW (stick) process.
Ask for welding procedure & qualification papers- having those will tell you what it actually is that he's proposing. And if those papers don't exist, that takes care of it.
As this has come to my attention before a change order for this work has been issued, I have added a requirement for a licensed testing lab to inspect and X-Ray or UT all welding.
This post is just another example of why we should all use the AWS defined terminology for welding discussions. There 10 replies so far, and we still have absolutely no idea what the contractor intends to do with his "no spark" welding. I have run into the problem more times than I can count that a shop welder will describe something to do with welding and I will have no idea what he is talking about.
