Stick arc welding (SMAM)

Submerged Metal Arc Melting (SMAM)

Submerged Metal Arc Melting (SMAM) is a type of arc welding process, which is also known as flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). In this welding process, the welding arc is not visible due to the fact that the arc is submerged beneath a flux-filled material which is melted and formed into a weld. This process has been used in a wide variety of applications and is especially suited for welding of thicker materials.

The SMAM process requires two process wires to be passed through a welding torch. The welding arc ignites between the two wires to create a pool of molten metal. The molten metal, which is called the weld pool, is then submerged beneath a flux-filled material that has been placed over the workpiece. This flux will form a protective shield around the weld pool and help prevent oxidation from occurring.

The heat from the welding arc melts the flux-filled material which then flows around the weld pool creating a sealed, inert environment. This inert environment prevents oxygen and other contaminants from entering the weld pool and affecting its properties. The weld pool is then allowed to cool and become a solid, fused metal joint.

One major advantage of SMAM is that it can be used to weld thick materials quickly and with minimal heat distortion. Additionally, the weld bead created by this process is usually much cleaner than bead created by other welding processes, making it ideal for applications that require a clean finish.

Another advantage of SMAM is its portability. Due to the fact that the welding arc is submerged within the flux-filled material, the process can be adjusted to fit into any environment and can be used on large or small projects with relative ease. The process is also relatively inexpensive as compared to some other arc welding processes.

One key disadvantage of SMAM is that it does require some specialized equipment. Additionally, in some cases, the flux-filled material must be replaced on a regular basis, which can add to the cost of the process.

Despite its disadvantages, SMAM is a highly effective arc welding process that can be used for many welding applications. It is cost effective, produces minimal heat distortion, and creates a clean weld bead.

Submerged Manual Arc Welding (SMAM) is a welding process used to join two metal components under water. It is commonly referred to as underwater welding. SMAM is used to weld components located in the water or to seal vessels that have been damaged due to corrosion.

The process begins by mixing a liquid flux into the water. The flux breaks down seawater molecules and forms a protective coating on the parts being welded. As the flux coats the surface of the components, the welding process begins. A high-energy spark is created in the gap between the two parts and the weld is created.

The welding process is performed in two stages. The first stage is “prewelding” which is the process of preparing the parts to be welded by cleaning, grinding, and inspecting them. The second stage is “welding” which is the actual welding of the two pieces together. Due to the environment of a submerged area, prewelding must be performed carefully and thoroughly to ensure the parts are free of any foreign contaminants or materials.

The two major welding techniques used in SMAM are shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). SMAW is the most common process and uses an electric current to ignite the spark between two pieces of metal. GTAW is a more advanced method and uses an electric arc to heat the metals together.

SMAM welding is a difficult and risky process because of its underwater environment. This means the welders must have special training and certification and be proficient in the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA) and the appropriate safety equipment. The process also requires special welding rods and flux specifically designed for waterproof welding. Additionally, the underwater pressure puts severe stress on welders and all the welding equipment must be able to withstand the pressure.

SMAM is a highly specialized form of welding and is used for applications like welding underwater pipelines and repairing ships. Despite its complexity and danger, it is a valuable welding process and is used all over the world in the shipbuilding and offshore oil industries.