What might be the result of insufficient gas coverage during welding?

Insufficient gas coverage during welding can lead to an increased risk of contamination and oxidation of the molten weld pool. The shielding gas in MIG welding serves a critical function: it protects the weld area from atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. When the coverage is inadequate, these harmful gases can interact with the molten metal, resulting in defects like porosity, lack of fusion, or weak welds due to oxidation. This contamination compromises the integrity of the weld joint, leading to potential failure in structural applications.

In contrast, proper gas coverage enhances weld quality by preventing such issues, emphasizing the significance of maintaining effective shielding throughout the welding process.