Enhanced Weld Penetrations In GTA Welding with Activating Fluxes Case studies: Plain Carbon & Stainless Steels, Titanium and Aluminum

Abstract

Flux applications prior to the convention Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is known to improve weld penetrations and improve process competitiveness. This paper summarizes the investigations on aluminum, plain carbon steels, stainless steels and titanium. The importance of flux composition, homogeneity and profile of its application are shown to be primordial in determining the weld depth to width ratio of weld pools. The mechanisms that lead to improved penetrations along with some industrial case studies are presented.