Submerged Arc Welding

oerlikon-welding.com/processes/submerged-arc-welding-process

September 21, 2016

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Processes
Submerged Arc Welding

A high-yield automated welding process

PrincipleSubmerged arc welding is commonly used in industries where thick steel

sheets are involved or where long welds are required. The process consists
in creating a welded joint between steel components using an electric arc submerged
beneath a layer of powdered flux.

Oerlikon can provide a complete and optimized range of automatic

installations and equipments for submerged arc welding such as our
SUBARC 7i installation equipped with STARMATIC 1200i AC/DC
power source.
Our experts will be able to advise and propose customized columns &
booms installations, beams, remote controls units, such as 3A welding
system… to suit customers needs.

Principle of the process

Submerged-arc welding (SAW) involves the formation of an arc between a continuously
fed wire and the workpiece. A blanket of powdered flux creates a protective gas shield and
a slag for the weld zone. A shielding gas is not required. The arc is submerged beneath the

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flux blanket and is not normally visible during welding.

SAW is normally operated in the automatic or semi-automatic mode. The process is

normally limited to the flat or horizontal-fillet welding positions.

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