Effect of Parameter of Flux Consumption in Submerged Arc Welding

The submerged arc welding process is the most widely used arc welding process for joining thick plates and pipes. The features that distinguish submerged arc welding from other arc welding process is granularly fusible material termed as flux. The flux used in submerged arc welding contributes a major part (above 50%) towards the total welding cost. The properties of weld metal have been found to be dependent upon flux-electrode-base metal-composition on welding parameters. Flux and filler metal play a central role in ascertaining property of weld metal. In the present work, the effect of operating arc voltage, welding current, welding speed and nozzle distance on flux utilization and chemical composition of carbon and silicon has been considered. Mathematical model was developed from data generated using two level half factorial technique. It was observed that the flux consumption decrease with increase in wire feed rate and its welding speed. The flux utilization increase with increase in arc voltage. The effect of invariable tip to work distance has in significant effect on flux utilization. Carbon percentage increases with increase in arc voltage and welding speed.