Amperage
Amperage refers to the strength of electrical current used in welding. Think of it like the "power setting" welders use to control how hot and strong their weld will be. It's similar to adjusting the temperature on your stove - too low and the materials won't join properly, too high and you might damage the metal. When you see this term in resumes or job descriptions, it typically indicates that the welder understands how to select and adjust the correct power settings for different types of materials and welding tasks.
Examples in Resumes
Performed precise TIG welding with proper Amperage control on thin aluminum components
Monitored and adjusted Amperage settings for various metal thicknesses and types
Trained junior welders on proper Amperage selection for different welding applications
Typical job title: "Welders"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Welders
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Professional Organizations
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Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you determine the correct amperage for different materials and thicknesses?
Expected Answer: A senior welder should explain how material type, thickness, and welding position affect amperage selection, demonstrating knowledge of calculating proper settings and making adjustments based on visual feedback during welding.
Q: Can you explain how you would train others on amperage selection?
Expected Answer: Should describe teaching methods for helping others understand the relationship between material thickness, type, and proper amperage settings, including practical demonstrations and common mistakes to avoid.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What signs indicate your amperage is too high or too low?
Expected Answer: Should describe visual indicators like excessive spatter, poor penetration, or burning through the material, and explain how to correct these issues by adjusting amperage.
Q: How do you adjust amperage when welding in different positions?
Expected Answer: Should explain how welding position (flat, vertical, overhead) affects amperage requirements and describe proper adjustment techniques for each position.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is amperage and why is it important in welding?
Expected Answer: Should explain that amperage is the amount of electrical current used in welding and affects how hot the weld gets and how well the materials join together.
Q: How do you set the amperage on a welding machine?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic process of adjusting amperage controls on common welding machines and mention checking material specifications for recommended settings.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic amperage adjustment
- Reading welding machine settings
- Understanding basic material thickness requirements
- Following amperage specifications
Mid (2-5 years)
- Selecting correct amperage for various materials
- Troubleshooting amperage-related weld problems
- Adjusting settings for different positions
- Understanding power source characteristics
Senior (5+ years)
- Training others on proper amperage selection
- Complex material welding requirements
- Advanced power source knowledge
- Quality control and inspection expertise
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic amperage selection principles
- No experience with different types of welding power sources
- Lack of knowledge about material thickness requirements
- Cannot identify signs of incorrect amperage settings
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