Research on the Activating Flux Gas Tungsten Arc Welding and Plasma Arc Welding for Stainless Steel

A systematic study of the effects of activating flux in the weld morphology, arc profile, and angular distortion and microstructure of two different arc welding processes, namely, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Plasma Arc Welding (PAW), was carried out. The results showed that the activating fluxes affected the penetration capability of arc welding on stainless steel. An increase in energy density resulting from the arc constriction and anode spot reduction enhanced the penetration capability. The Depth/Width (D/W) ratio of the weld played a major role in causing angular distortion of the weldment. Also, changes in the cooling rate, due to different heat source characteristics, influenced the microstructure from the fusion line to the centre of the weld.