Behavior of the C-Mn Steel Welded Joints Obtained by GMAW-RE Process with Rotating Electrode

Abstract

The main goal of the present work is to evaluate the behavior of welded joints obtained by the GMAW with rotating electrode process (GMAW-RE) in comparison to the Conventional GMAW process (GMAW). Multipass welding by both processes were performed in ASTM A36 steel plates with dimensions of 500 × 150 × 10 mm, preheating of 100 °C in the flat position and average welding energy of 2.30kJ/mm. After welding, Charpy-V notch and microhardness tests and metallographic examination were performed in samples removed transversally to the weld bead. Additionally, a comparative analysis of productivity and costs between processes were done. The results show that the GMAW-RE promotes higher productivity and reduction of costs in comparison to GMAW. Additionally, similar impact toughness results were observed in weld metals and a reduction on this property at the HAZ. Although the literature states the high potential of the GMAW-RE for replacement of the conventional GMAW in industrial applications, it was concluded that other experimental results are still necessary before the final conclusion.

Key-words:
GMAW process; Rotating electrode; Productivity; Mechanical properties