Cancun Institute of Technology
Student:
Posada Cortez Osmar Antonio
No. Control:
24530690
Teacher:
Cua Martínez Bibian Moisés
Practice:
Welding
Date:
December 1, 2025
Group:
3rd Semester Mechatronics Engineering – Morning
Materials and equipment used in practice:
60/13 Electrode Rods
Steel plate
Welding Machine
Safety Equipment
Boots
Description and procedure of the practice:
In this practice we work with the electric arc welding process (SMAW) using a steel
plate to perform basic seam exercises and then weld the initials "TECNM" on it.
At the beginning, the instructor explained to us the operation of the welding
machine and how to make the proper connections. First, the machine was
connected to the electrical current and the importance of checking that the voltage
was correct to avoid damage to the equipment was explained. Then the amperage
was adjusted, appropriate to the type of E6013 electrode we would use (generally
between 70 and 110 A, depending on the diameter).
The ground clamp was then connected to the work table, ensuring good electrical
contact, and the electrode was placed on the electrode clamp. The teacher also
explained the safety rules, such as keeping the mask tightly closed, wearing
gloves, avoiding humidity and not looking directly at the arch without protection.
Before we start with the letters, we use one side of the plate to practice straight
beads, testing the correct distance between the electrode and the plate, the
working angle, and the feed rate. Each student went one by one to practice,
observing how the electrode was consumed and how the quality of the weld varied
by modifying the distance or movement. At the end of each bead, the slag hammer
and wire brush were used to clean the bead and evaluate its appearance.
After several days of practice and technical correction, we were instructed on the
final activity: welding the letters TECNM onto the plate. To do this, each member of
the team had to make a letter, taking care of the precision, stability of the pulse and
the direction of the stroke to obtain uniform and well-formed letters.
Each slowly welded their letter, maintaining a stable and controlled arc. Once all
the letters are finished, we clean the slag again to observe the final finish of the
weld. This process allowed us to evaluate the uniformity, penetration, continuity
and aesthetics of our laces.
Photographic evidence:
In this photo we can see how
the machine is connected to
the mains, placing the
connector on the contact and
turning it so that it is fixed.
You can also see the blades
on the left side, which had to
be raised to energize the
contact.
Here we can see our welding
machine, where the
necessary amperage was first
adjusted and, at the time of
starting to weld, it was turned
on by a lever that had to be
raised to activate the
machine.
In this other photo we see
how the dough clamp is
connected to the table where
our plate was located, a
necessary step before
starting the welding process.
Here we see how almost
everything is ready: the
electrode is placed in the
electrode holder clamp and
then the machine is turned on
and begins to weld on our
plate.
Here we clearly appreciate
the welding process, in which
it is required to handle the
electrode with care, precision
and good coordination,
advancing evenly and without
rushing.
Finally, in this photo we see
how our welding practice was
when we all wrote the letters
"TECNM", reflecting that,
although some had difficulty
in certain parts, the best
possible result was obtained.
Conclusion:
Welding practice allowed you to acquire a solid understanding of how stick
welding equipment works and the fundamental techniques needed to make clean
and safe joints. From the correct connection and energization of the machine, to
the adjustment of the amperage and the proper placement of the electrode in the
electrode holder, each step was essential to ensure a controlled and safe process.
During the first sessions, practicing on the steel plate helped us to familiarize
ourselves with the behavior of the electric arc, the correct distance between the
electrode and the part, the working angle and the feed rate. It was also important to
understand how the electrode is consumed as the weld seam is generated, as well
as to learn how to remove the slag to assess the quality of the work performed.
As practice progressed, precision skills, hand coordination, and bow control were
developed, allowing for progressive improvements in the appearance and
consistency of each cord. The final exercise, where the letters "TECNM" were
welded onto the plate, represented a challenge that required concentration,
stability and a better command of the technique. Although some strokes were more
complicated than others, the final result reflected the collective effort and the
learning acquired.
Overall, this practice not only led to an understanding of the working principle of
electric arc welding, but also the importance of safety, proper use of protective
equipment, and the technical discipline required to obtain firm, well-formed welds.
The experience gained forms an important basis for future applications in the field
of Mechatronics and working with metal materials.