This work evaluates the relationship between operational conditions and the characteristics of weld beads deposited with a 1.2 mm produced in Brazil metal cored tubular wire (ASME SFA-5.18: E70C-3M). Welding trials were performed in downhand position on 12mm thick low-carbon steel plates using a constant voltage power supply. Welding current and voltage, and wire feed rate were monitored in all trials. While the shielding gas composition (75%Ar-25%CO2 and 100%CO2), wire polarity, and wire feed rate (7 and 9 m/min) were changed, other process variables, including electrode and arc lengths (16 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively) were kept constant throughout the experimental program. Weld bead geometry parameters (penetration depth, reinforcement, width, fused and deposited areas, and weld dilution), presence of weld discontinuities, microstructure, and fusion zone hardness were measured and correlated to the operational conditions. Operational conditions that yielded both high productivity levels (high deposition rates) and weld bead characteristics favored for the welding of thick plates of structural steels were determined.
FCAW Process; Metal Cored Tubular Wire; Weld Bead Shape; Microstructure
