Arc Welding Parameters of Stainless Steel Sheets and Microstrands
Arc welding is a process that uses a welding power supply to generate an electric arc between an electrode (wire) and the workpiece (metal). This welding arc melts both the electrode and the sheet metal of the workpiece to join them together. While arc welding is not limited to stainless steel sheets and microstrands, they do require special welding parameters, as they are sensitive to contamination, and weldability can dramatically decrease in cases where it is not properly protected.
Arc welding parameters for stainless steel sheets and microstrands include the welding current, the welding voltage, the welding speed, the arc length, the gas flow rate, and the wire feed speed. Depending on the thickness of the sheet and the base material of the microstrands, the ideal welding parameters for arc welding will vary, as will the selection of filler material. In any case, stainless steel sheets and microstrands require the use of a shielding gas and extremely low welding temperatures.
The welding current is typically set between 30–150 amperes for arc welding of stainless steel sheets. The voltage is set according to the current, usually at 6–30 volts for this application. The welding speed for both sheets and microstrands should be consistent and slow to ensure good penetration. Furthermore, the electrode should be positioned 1.5–3 times the diameter away from the workpiece.
The gas flow rate, particularly the gas shielding, is critical to ensure the weld pool, molten wire and arc are properly shielded against atmospheric contamination. Depending on the material and thickness of the sheets and microstrands, the gas flow rate can range between 25–150 litres per minute. Additionally, pre- and postheating might be required on certain applications to further reduce the risks of contamination.
When it comes to the selection of filler material, it is important to use one that is suitable for the application. For example, some stainless steel sheets might require low-alloy filler material, while others might require high-alloy or no-alloy filler material. It’s also important to consider the wire feed speed when selecting a filler material. Depending on the application, the wire feed speed typically ranges between 5–25 metres per minute.
Arc welding of stainless steel sheets and microstrands requires careful control of the welding parameters in order to ensure maximum weldability with minimum risk of contamination. The ideal welding parameters will vary based on the thickness and base material of the sheet or microstrand, as well as the wire feed speed and the type of filler material used. Additionally, a shielding gas is required to protect the weld pool, and pre- and post-heating may be required in certain cases. By carefully controlling the arc welding parameters for stainless steel sheets and microstrands, it is possible to achieve good weld quality and a reliable welded joint.
