Submerged Arc Welding Basic Knowledge

Submerged Arc Welding, often abbreviated SAW, is a specific and popular type of arc welding where the area being melted and welded is covered by a blanket of flux. This provides welders with several advantages, from reducing UV radiation to providing a higher quality weld. Traditional arc welding uses an electric current to create an arc of electricity between an electrode and the metal being welded. This electrical arc melts and joins the materials together, and the electricity can be provided by either a direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).

The difference between traditional arc welding and submerged arc welding is the layer of flux that covers the materials during welding. Flux is a material that when melted creates a pathway for the electrical arc to travel through. The arc travels from the electrode, through the flux, and to the material that needs to be welded. Like arc welding, submerged arc welding can also use either a direct or an alternating current.

There are many reasons submerged arc welding is an advantage. Since the weld is submerged, it prevents hot materials from splattering and splashing back. The flux also helps prevent high levels of UV radiation from being emitted. Pressure is not needed to create the weld since the electric current does the work. Not only does submerged arc welding provide these advantages over other forms, this type of welding is excellent for quickly welding together thin metal sheets, and creates good fusion between materials.

This process can be performed both indoors and outdoors, wherever it is most convenient to place the equipment. To ensure the flux stays in the proper position, the welding must be done on a flat and horizontal surface. Otherwise, the flux might move and cause an improper weld. When done properly, submerged arc welding will produce results that are both high in quality and look good.

Steel and stainless steel are the most common types that work with this type of welding, along with certain nickel-based alloys. The residue can be left behind from the flux and is not a healthy element to have in the work place.

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Ashikraja

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