Effects of shielding gas composition on arc characteristics and droplet transfer in tandem narrow gap GMA welding

The effects of shielding gas composition in tandem narrow gap gas metal arc welding were studied. The shielding gas included argon, carbon dioxide and helium. The arc characteristics and droplet transfer process were analysed. The results show that in the same welding parameters, the trail wire welding current is higher than the lead wire welding current. With the increase of carbon dioxide content, the welding currents of two wires decrease, and the trail wire droplet transfer mode transforms from spray transfer to projected transfer. With the increase of helium content, the welding currents increase and the lead wire droplet transfer mode transforms from projected transfer to spray transfer. The weld width is the largest when the shielding gas mixture is 80%Ar10%CO₂10%He.