Activated-TIG Welding of Different Steels: Influence of Various Flux and Shielding Gas

In tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, a low depth of penetration (DOP) is achieved during single pass. To achieve the required DOP, the speed of welding should be reduced; thus productivity reduces significantly. In this work, influence of 14 different oxide-, chloride-, and fluoride-based fluxes are evaluated on DOP and width-to-penetration ratio during flux-activated TIG (ATIG) welding of low alloy steel (AISI 4340), austenitic (AISI 304 and AISI 316) and duplex (Duplex 2205) stainless steels. The effect of welding current and three different shielding gas compositions is also studied during ATIG for these workpieces. Arc and weld metal pool behaviors are captured in order to study the physical behavior of the process. Results revealed that oxide-based fluxes like SiO₂, MoO₃, MoS₂, CrO₃, and TiO₂ increases DOP significantly and in many cases through penetration (penetration reaches beyond plate thickness) is achieved. There is a noteworthy enhancement in penetration because of the addition of H₂ in shielding gas. Addition of helium also helps to increase DOP. Arc behavior reveals the constriction of arc column during activated TIG welding, and positive surface tension-induced flow in centripetal (inward) direction is observed.     

Effects of the Process Parameters on Austenitic Stainless Steel by TIG-Flux Welding

The effects of the process parameters of TIG （tungsten inset gas）-flux welding on the welds morphology, angular distortion, ferrite content and hot cracking in austenitic stainless steel were investigated. Autogenous TIG welding process was applied to the type 304 stainless steel through a thin layer of activating flux to produce a bead on plate welded joint. TiO2, SiO2, Fe2O3, Cr2O3, ZnO and MnO2 were used as the activating fluxes. The experimental results indicated that the TIG-flux welding can increase the weld depth/width ratio and reduce the HAZ （heat affected zone） range, and therefore the angular distortion of the weldment can be reduced. It was also found that the retained ferrite content within the TIG-flux welds is increased, and has a beneficial effect in reducing hot cracking tendency for stainless steels of the austenitic type weld metals. A plasma column constriction increases the current density at the anode spot and then a substantial increase in penetration of the TIG-flux welds can be obtained.     

AC TIG welding with single-component oxide activating flux for AZ31B magnesium alloys

Magnesium-based alloys are finding extensive applications foreground in aerospace and automotive applications. Weldability of magnesium alloys has recently been investigated with a variety of processes. In this article, the activating flux TIG (ATIG) welding of magnesium alloys with three single-component fluxes (TiO₂, Cr₂O₃ and SiO₂) under alternating current (AC) mode was studied. The effects of welding speed, weld current and electrode gap on the weld shape and the weld arc voltage in AC TIG welding with oxide fluxes were investigated on an AZ31B magnesium alloy substrate. The mechanisms of oxide fluxes on the arc shape and the arc voltage on the weld shape are discussed. The result showed that the TiO₂ and Cr₂O₃ increase the weld penetration of AC TIG welding of magnesium with good bead cosmetics. The SiO₂ increased the weld penetration with very poor formation of the weld surface. However, the arc voltage decreased with the used of TiO₂ flux, and increased with the used of Cr₂O₃ flux. The mechanism of TiO₂ and Cr₂O₃ fluxes increasing penetration should not accord with the “arc constriction”. It would comply with some potential effects of the flux interacting with the liquid metal of fusion zone.     

Effects of activating flux on the welded joint characteristics in gas metal arc welding

This paper presents the effect of each welding parameter on the weld bead geometry, and then sets out to determine the optimal process parameters using the Taguchi method to determine the parameters. Three kinds of oxides, Fe₂O₃, SiO₂, and MgCO₃, were used to investigate the effect of activating flux aided gas metal arc welding (GMAW) on weld bead geometry, angular distortion and mechanical properties in AISI 1020 carbon steel. During welding, a charge coupled device (CCD) camera system was used to observe and record images of the welding arc and analyze the relationship between penetration increase and arc profile. The experimental results showed that activating flux aided GMAW increased the weld area and penetration and tended to reduce the angular distortion of the weldment. The MgCO₃ flux produced the most noticeable effect. Furthermore, the welded joint presented better tensile strength and hardness.     

粉末熔池耦合活性TIG焊接方法

提出了一种新型活性焊接方法——粉末熔池耦合活性TIG焊(Powder pool coupled activating TIG welding,PPCATIG)。该方法采用双层气体进行焊接,内层利用惰性气体保护钨极,外层通过自动送粉装置将活性剂粉末随保护气体送入电弧-熔池区域,增加熔深,提高焊接效率,实现机械化自动化焊接。针对SUS304不锈钢进行了直流正接PPCA-TIG表面熔深,通过与传统TIG焊对比,研究了SiO_2活性剂对电弧形态、焊缝成形、组织和力学性能的影响。结果表明:SiO_2能使电弧等离子体收缩、熔池金属流态改变,并且焊缝熔深能达到传统TIG焊的3倍以上,焊接效率明显提高。焊缝组织主要为奥氏体和铁素体,铁素体形态以骨架状为主。焊缝抗拉强度略低于母材,但相比传统TIG焊,焊缝屈服强度略有提高,其焊缝低温冲击韧性达到了传统TIG焊的96.8%,表现出了良好的力学性能。同时,采用该方法可有效避免活性剂粉末对钨极的污染。     

Activated flux TIG welding of Inconel 718 super alloy in presence of tri-component flux

In this study, we have explored the influence of newly developed tri-component oxide flux (Cr₂O₃, FeO, and MoO₃) on weldability, bead geometry, weld pool temperature variation, and mechanical strength of Inconel 718 welded joints. Moreover, the influence of used flux on weld pool, the surface morphology of electrode and penetration capability of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding on Inconel 718 plates have been well elucidated. Results indicate that the flux mixture significantly increases the penetration depth as well as aspect ratio almost 200% as compared to conventional TIG welding. The arc constriction caused by newly developed oxide flux upsurges the heat density and the weld pool temperature of joints. The alloying effect caused by entrapped oxide particles greatly improves the hardness as well as the tensile strength of joints. The reported reinforcement in the welding performance may increase potential utility of the developed methods for real-world applications.     

Welding of austenitic stainless steel using double sided arc welding process

Abstract

This study explores an improved method of welding austenitic stainless steel. The method uses two series connected arcs to weld the workpiece simultaneously from opposite sides. Owing to this arc configuration, the welding current is forced to flow from one arc to the other through the workpiece. It is known that such current flow concentrates the arcs and thus improves the penetration capability. Also, the current flowing through the workpiece generates fluid flow within the weld pool. In addition, owing to the use of the two opposite arcs, the heating tends to be symmetric. In addition to the increased penetration, the use of this method for welding austenitic stainless steel results in improved microstructure in the resultant welds because of an increased columnar to equiaxed transition and a decreased angular distortion, which sometimes induces solidification cracking.     

活性剂对铁素体不锈钢A-TIG接头熔深及组织性能研究

目的 选用430铁素体不锈钢作为研究对象,对比研究添加SiO2、TiO2、Cr2O3和未添加活性剂对A-TIG焊接接头显微组织和力学性能的影响。方法 采用3种活性剂涂覆在430铁素体不锈钢上进行A-TIG试验,分析活性剂对接头熔深、组织、性能、元素含量的影响情况。结果 同一焊接工艺参数下,活性剂的加入均能提高焊缝的熔深和深宽比,减少熔宽;其中,SiO2为活性剂时获得了最佳的焊缝几何形貌。同时,对比常规TIG焊接(未添加活性剂)接头的显微组织及力学性能可知,活性剂的加入并未改变焊接接头的显微组织且无新相的生成;活性剂的添加能够细化接头组织,从而使得接头硬度有所提高。结论 活性剂的加入能够显著增加铁素体不锈钢TIG焊缝熔深,改善接头组织,提高接头硬度。     

Effect of TiO2 Crystalline Phase on Performance of Flux Assisted GTA Welds

Rutile and anatase TiO₂ fluxes were used to investigate the influence of the powdered oxides on the joint penetration ability (JPA) and solidification cracking susceptibility (SCS) in the gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding of type 316L stainless steel (SS). The mechanisms underlying the increase in JPA of GTA welds made with various crystalline phases of TiO₂ were also identified. The results indicate that GTA welding with rutile TiO₂ (R-TiO₂) or anatase TiO₂ (A-TiO₂) forms a viscous slag over the surface of the weld. The R-TiO₂ is more thermodynamically stable than the A-TiO₂, leading to a greater improvement in JPA of GTA weld made with A-TiO₂. The welding arc action can be ignored and only the convection of the molten pool should be considered in the underlying mechanism for the increase in JPA of GTA weld made with R-TiO₂ or A-TiO₂. Moreover, the TiO₂ assisted GTA welding of type 316L SS was effective in decreasing the SCS.     

Evolution of microstructures and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy weldment with active oxide fluxes and GTAW process

In this study, the effect of active oxide fluxes with gas tungsten arc welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy weldment was investigated. The gas tungsten arc welding process through a flux spray layer was applied to an AZ31B magnesium alloy sheet to produce a bead-on-plate specimen. Oxide (TiO₂, SiO₂, Fe₂O₃, Al₂O_3, and ZrO₂) powders were used as the activating fluxes. The macrographs and micrographs of the weld beads were examined using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. The specimens with SiO₂ and Fe₂O₃ fluxes had high depth-to-width ratio welds, followed by those with TiO₂ and ZrO₂ fluxes and while that with Al₂O₃ flux had the low ratio weld. The use of 70?A welding current for the specimens with different fluxes produced complete penetration, whereas the specimen without any flux required a 90 A welding current to produce complete penetration. The weld bead microstructure was affected by the activating fluxes, which created different thermal effects that changed the convection direction and promoted the formation of various precipitates in the fusion zone during solidification. Three types of precipitates were found in the fusion zones, that is, a long layer-shaped TiAlMg precipitate with TiO₂ flux, a spherical AlMgZn precipitate with Al₂O₃ flux, and an oval-shaped MgAlMn precipitate with all types of fluxes. The mechanical properties of AZ31B magnesium alloy were measured by tensile testing in the rolling direction. Fractures occurred in the fusion zone near the heat-affected zone interface of specimens welded with TiO₂ flux, revealing a brittle fracture with trans-granular cleavage facets and a large number of small, bright dimples at the center. Such brittle fractures also occurred in the fusion zone of specimens welded with Al₂O_3, ZrO₂, SiO₂, and Fe₂O₃ fluxes. Similarly, the specimens welded with Al₂O₃ exhibited a brittle fracture with trans-granular facets, whereas the other specimens revealed a brittle fracture with inter-granular cleavage facets.     

Failure investigation of 321 stainless steel pipe to flange weld joint

Failure investigation was conducted on a refinery pipe-to-flange weld joint that suffered cracking. Both the pipe and flange are made of AISI 321 stainless steel. The flange was circumferentially welded to the pipe which is seam welded. The investigation revealed that both the circumferential and seam welds were in sound conditions, namely no evidences of sensitization, lack of weld penetration, and voids or porosities. Thus, welding practices were not suspected to be the cause of failure. The failure of the weld joint was found to have started at the δ-ferrite phase in the flange material and propagated through the circumferential and seam welds. The failure mode was concluded to be chloride stress corrosion cracking synergized by the presence of H₂S. The presence of corrosive compounds in the refinery stream and the residual stresses at the weld joint triggered active anodic dissolution of the δ-ferrite precipitates, resulting in cracking of the material.     

Comparisons between TiO2- and SiO2-flux assisted TIG welding processes

This study investigates the effects of flux compounds on the weld shape, ferrite content, and hardness profile in the tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding of 6 mm-thick austenitic 316 L stainless steel plates, using TiO2 and SiO2 powders as the activated fluxes. The metallurgical characterizations of weld metal produced with the oxide powders were evaluated using ferritoscope, optical microscopy, and Vickers microhardness test. Under the same welding parameters, the penetration capability of TIG welding with TiO2 and SiO2 fluxes was approximately 240% and 292%, respectively. A plasma column made with SiO2 flux exhibited greater constriction than that made with TiO2 flux. In addition, an anode root made with SiO2 flux exhibited more condensation than that made with TiO2 flux. Results indicate that energy density of SiO2-flux assisted TIG welding is higher than that of TiO2-flux assisted TIG welding.     

纳米材料对TIG焊Q235接头组织及性能的影响

目的研究添加不同纳米材料对TIG焊缝组织及性能的影响。方法在试验板材表面钻一定深度小孔并在表面涂覆不同纳米材料,在TIG熔焊后对添加不同种纳米材料后焊接接头的微观组织、力学性能、断口形貌进行分析,并与未添加纳米材料的TIG焊缝进行比较分析。结果添加纳米TiC和Al_2O_3焊缝晶粒得到细化,硬度和耐磨性都有一定提高,而添加纳米SiO_2焊缝晶粒尺寸无明显变化,并且硬度与耐磨性能都有少量降低。结论在低碳钢的TIG焊结过程中添加纳米TiC和Al_2O_3能够提高焊接接头的力学及耐磨性能,而添加纳米SiO_2不利于接头性能的提高。     

Experimental Investigation of the A-TIG Welding Process of Incoloy 800H

This work attempts to investigate the influence of different flux powders in the activated-TIG welding process of the Incoloy 800H super alloy. Three different fluxes (SiO₂, ZnO, and 50% ZnO +50% SiO₂) were used and welded under the same conditions and process parameters. The oxide fluxes used were in the form of nanoparticle powders. The metallurgical characteristics and mechanical properties were analyzed, and it was found that the SiO₂ flux could increase the depth of penetration whereas a ZnO flux was detrimental to this effect. Although a SiO₂ flux increased the depth of penetration, it led to a sensitization issue in the grain boundary. The combination of the fluxes 50% ZnO +50% SiO₂ produced a moderate increase in the depth of penetration compared to ZnO flux-coated weldments, but revealed a dendritic structure in the weld region.     

Microstructure characterization and properties of carbon steel to stainless steel dissimilar metal joint made by friction welding

Dissimilar metals of 1045 carbon steel and 304 stainless steel are joined successfully by friction welding. The microstructure variation and mechanical properties are studied in detail. The weld interface can be clearly identified in central zone, while the two metals interlock with each other by the mechanical mixing in peripheral zone. On carbon steel side, a thin proeutectoid ferrite layer forms along weld interface. On stainless steel side, austenite grains are refined to submicron scale. The δ-ferrite existing in stainless steel decreases from base metal to weld interface and disappears near the weld interface. Severe plastic deformation plays a predominant role in rapid dissolution of δ-ferrite compared with the high temperature. Carbide layer consisting of CrC and Cr₂₃C₆ forms at weld interface because of element diffusion. Metastable phase CrC is retained at room temperature due to the highly non-equilibrium process and high cooling rate in friction welding. The fracture appearance shows dimple fracture mode in central zone and quasi-cleavage fracture mode in peripheral zone. Further analysis indicates that welding parameters govern tensile properties of the joint through influencing the thickness of carbide layer at weld interface and heterogeneous microstructure in thermo-mechanically affected zone on carbon steel side.     

Investigations on the mechanical properties and microstructure of dissimilar cp-titanium and AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel continuous friction welds

Friction welding process is a solid state joining process that produces a weld under the compressive force contact of one rotating and one stationary work piece. In this study, the friction welding of dissimilar joints of AISI 316L stainless steel and cp-titanium is considered. The optical, scanning electron microscopy studies of the weld were carried out. Moreover, the X-ray diffraction analysis was performed. The integrity of welds was achieved by the micro hardness and tensile tests. The fracture surface was examined by the scanning electron microscopy. The study showed that the magnitude of tensile strength of the dissimilar welded specimen was below that of the titanium base material if preheating was not applied at the interface. The high weld tensile strength was achieved by preheating the 316L stainless steel material to 700 °C, smoothing and cleaning of the contact surfaces. Results illustrated that in dissimilar joints, different phases and intermetallic compounds such as FeTi, Fe₂Ti, Fe₂Ti₄O, Cr₂Ti and sigma titanium phase were produced at the interface. The presence of brittle intermetallic compounds at the interface resulted in degradation of mechanical strength which in turn led to premature failure of joint interface in the service condition. Preheating caused to produce oxide layer at the interface which was harmful for bonding. The oxide layer could be eliminated by applying pressure and smoothing the surface. Results of hardness tests illustrated that the high hardness was occurred in the titanium side adjacent to the joint interface. Moreover, the optimum operational parameters were obtained in order to achieve the weld tensile strength greater than the weak titanium material.     

双相不锈钢2205-Q345R复合板焊接性能试验研究

采用爆炸焊接方法制作双相不锈钢2205-Q345R复合板,需将复层2205进行拼焊,以满足不同尺寸要求,未复合区需进行补焊.根据双相不锈钢2205-Q345R复合板的焊接性,对双相不锈钢2205拼焊和2205-Q345R复合板未复合区补焊工艺进行了试验研究,结果表明:焊接接头各项性能均能满足相关指标要求.     

Numerical and experiment analysis of residual stress on magnesium alloy and steel butt joint by hybrid laser-TIG welding

Hybrid welding technology has received significant attention in the welding of dissimilar materials recently. While, great welding residual stress and deformation often result by the difference of coefficient of thermal expansion This study describes the thermal elastic–plastic analysis using finite element techniques to analyze the thermo mechanical behavior and evaluate the residual stresses and welding distortion on the AZ31B magnesium alloy and 304L steel butt joint in laser-TIG hybrid welding. A new coupled heat source model was developed which combined by double-elliptic planar distribution, double-ellipsoid body distribution and Rotary–Gauss body distribution model. From the results, it can be concluded that the temperature distribution at the hybrid weld region is exposed to faster rate of heating and cooling in hybrid welding than TIG. Furthermore, compared to the welding stress distribution on the TIG weld, residual stress σ_y is found about 20% higher on hybrid weld joints, and the residual stress on the 304L steel plate is lower than that on the AZ31B magnesium plate.     

Considerations for the weldability of types 304L and 316L stainless steel

The susceptibility of austenitic stainless steels to the formation of two distinct weld defects, solidification cracking and lack of penetration, is related to the chemical composition of the base and filler material. The propensity for cracking is determined primarily by the solidification mode and the amount of residual tramp elements such as phosphorous and sulfur. High sulfur levels can lead to weld centerline cracking and heat affected zone (HAZ) cracking while very low sulfur levels (less than ∼50 ppm) in types 304L and 316L are associated with lack of penetration weld defects and a distinct loss in puddle control during fusion welding. A calculated Cr_eq to Ni_eq ratio of 1.52 to 1.9 is recommended to control the primary mode of solidification and prevent solidification cracks in type 304L while the Cr_eq/Ni_eq ratio of 1.42 to 1.9 is recommended for type 316L stainless steel. A lower limit of 50 ppm sulfur is recommended to avoid possible lack of penetration. These ranges should be validated by welding trials for specific weld processes and applications.     

The effect of N<Subscript>2</Subscript> addition upon the MIG welding process of duplex steels

This paper presents the results of a study on the weldability of a duplex stainless steel, Avesta 2205, carried out by GMAW (MIG) pulsed arc welding process. An AISI 2209 electrode (AWS A/SFA 5.9, ER2209) was used as filler metal. The study was focused on the N₂ content in the shield gas, from 0% to 6.4%. Firstly, a microstructural characterization of the welds using scanning electron microscopy (MEB-EDX) was carried out. Also, in order to study the microstructural changes originated by the welding thermal cycles and the % content of the N₂, the ferrite content in the weld pool and heat affected zone (HAZ) were determined. Vickers hardness, tensile and bending tests were performed to determine the mechanical properties of joints and hence the influence of N₂ addition without decrease in the mechanical properties. Finally, the joints were examined for susceptibility to intergranular corrosion using the Standard ASTM 262 93, practice A. The optimal content of N₂ in the shield gas is included between 3% and 5%, which attain to obtain a 94% base material UTS.