Effects of the Activating Fluxes on the Properties of the Tungsten Inert Gas Welded Structural Steel

Abstract

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding process is a frequently recommended welding process for joining and repairing of the structural steels. However, its limitation towards the lesser depth of penetration decreases its productivity. Activating flux tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) welding is an innovative solution to the lesser depth of penetration without compromising the weld quality. In the current work, three different oxides SiO2, TiO2 and Cr2O3 are used as a single-component activating flux to develop the bead on plate-type welds on structural steel. Significant increase in depth of penetration was registered in the A-TIG weldments as compared conventionally TIG-welded samples. Weld bead geometry was studied through different aspects such as penetration depth, width, depth to width ratio and area of weld-fusion zone.