Impact of flux on the fabrication and service weldability of submerged arc weld deposits

Abstract

Submerged arc welding (SAW) involves two consumables: a wire or strip electrode and a granular flux. The properties of the flux play a critical role in achieving the desired service properties of welded joints and deposits, as well as ensuring process flexibility for specific industrial applications. In the present study. the flux composition and the resulting slag properties are analyzed and compared across different application fields. The influence of flux grain size on weld metal properties and fabrication weldability is also examined. A range of structural welding fluxes, from manganese-silicate to fluoride-based basic types with varying basicity indices, together with alloyed surfacing fluxes, are evaluated and assessed. The contributions of manganese and silicon from the flux to the weld metal are evaluated are evaluated and slag solidification behavior is analyzed. The relationship between slag characteristics and mechanical performance is investigated, with particular emphasis on impact toughness. For alloyed fluxes, the effect of heat input on the final properties of the weld deposit is additionally evaluated. Finally, the current-carrying capacity of the is assessed.