One welding process that can cause porosity to form is the Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process, also known as stick welding. Porosity can occur when contaminants such as moisture, rust, paint, or oil are present on the electrode or in the base metal. As the electrode melts and creates the weld pool, these contaminants can vaporize and release gas, causing bubbles or voids within the weld metal, resulting in porosity. Proper cleaning and preparation of the welding surfaces, as well as using clean and dry electrodes, can help prevent porosity.
