Effects of process parameters on arc shape and penetration in twin-wire indirect arc welding

In this study, the effects of variable parameters on arc shape and depth of penetration in twin-wire indirect arc gas shielded welding were investigated. The variation of arc shape caused by changes of the parameters was recorded by a high-speed camera, and the depths of penetration of specimen were measured after bead welding by an optical microscope. Experiments indicated that proper parameters give birth to a concentrated and compressed welding arc, which would increase the depth of penetration as the incensement of the arc force. Several principal parameters including the distance of twin wires intersecting point to base metal, the included angle, and the content of shielding gas were determined. The arc turned more concentrated and the depth of penetration increased obviously as the welding current increased, the arc turned brighter while unobvious change of penetration occurred as the arc voltage increased, and the deepest penetration was obtained when the welding speed was 10.5 mm/s.