5.12.2 Avoiding Hydrogen CrackingOn

5.12.2 Avoiding Hydrogen Cracking
Once a steel has been selected and purchased for welding, the options available to counter the
possibility of hydrogen cracking include:
- minimize weld joint restraint
- avoid notches in the area of the weld
- use a low hydrogen process
- use low hydrogen consumables and ensure their proper storage
- use high arc energy to reduce the cooling rate (but this may reduce other properties such
as strength and toughness)
- use preheat (and post heat); its main function is to slow down the cooling rate below
100°C and give more time for hydrogen to diffuse out.