Investigation on the Effect of Activated Flux on Metal Inert Gas Weldment

Abstract

Metal Inert Gas welding (MIG) is one of the most conventional welding processes adopted in most of the industries. However, this process is limited by its lower depth of penetration. Thus, it is necessary to modify the conventional process to overcome this incompetence. Activated Flux MIG welding (A-MIG) is an advancement in the field of MIG welding process where in an initial coating of flux is applied in prior to the welding process over the weld surface. This modifies the traditional MIG welding process which is a one step process into two step processes. In A-MIG process, flux is used as purifying agent or flowing agent. The application of flux coating doesn’t seem to alter the chemical composition of the weld metals compared to base metals, rather studies show that it increases the penetration rate considerably. This work primarily focusses on the study about influence of coating by titanium oxide, aluminum oxide and iron oxide on the characteristics like weld strength, heat affected zones and depth of penetration.