SUBMERGED ARC WELDING (SAW)

Submerged-arc welding (SAW) involves the

formation of an arc between a continuously
fed electrode and the work piece. A blanket
of powdered flux, which generates a
protective gas shield and a slag (and may also
be used to add alloying elements to the weld
pool), protects the weld zone. A shielding
gas is not required.
SAW Welding Circuit
 SAW Flux / Filler Metal Compositions

F7A2-EM12K
• F indicates flux
– 70-95 ksi UTS, 58 ksi minimum yield strength, 22%
elongation
– A - as welded; P - post weld heat treated
– 2 - minimum impact properties of 20 ft-lbs @ 20°F
• E indicates electrode (EC - composite electrode)
– M - medium manganese per AWS Specifications
– 12 - 0.12% nominal carbon content in electrode
– K - produced from a heat of aluminum killed steel
 Submerged Arc Welding

Advantages
• High deposition rates
• No arc flash or glare
• Minimal smoke and fumes
• Flux and wire added separately -
extra dimension of control
• Easily automated
• Joints can be prepared with
narrow grooves
• Can be used to weld carbon
steels, low alloy steels, stainless
steels, chromium-molybdenum
steels, nickel base alloys
 Submerged Arc Welding

Limitations
• Flux obstructs view of joint
during welding
• Flux is subject to
contamination porosity
• Normally not suitable for thin
material
• Restricted to the flat position
for grooves - flat and
horizontal for fillets
• Slag removal required
• Flux handling equipment