Parametric Optimization of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Using Activated Flux on Weld Penetration on SS 304

Gas tungsten arc welding has wide application in industries when high level of weld quality is required. To increase the productivity and decrease the cost advanced techniques are used in welding. Activating flux is a concept, which used in different welding process like GMAW, EBW, LBW, and PAW. The flux ingredient, which is inorganic compound (which can be used to produce deep penetration and arc constriction) are available in variety of range and compositions. In the present work, an attempt has been made to use of activating flux for improving depth-to-width ratio as well strength of welding joint. In present years heavier thicker job require so obviously need for higher depth of penetration and reduce angular distortion as well as number of passes hence decrease in cost is direct affect on productivity enhancement.decrease. It was found that the weld metal obtained using activated flux showed negligible changes in terms of physical appearance, arc stability, weld bead geometry mechanical destructive testing like tension testing of welding was passed. The experimental results showed that activating flux aided GTAW increased the weld area and penetration and tended to reduce the angular distortion of the weldment. The MgCO3 flux produced the most noticeable effect.