The Advantages of Submerged Arc Welding
What submerged arc welding (SAW) is, where it is used, and how automation makes it even more efficient.
In submerged arc welding the arc forms under a layer of granular flux. Because the arc is hidden, spatter and radiation are kept to a minimum, and high currents give deep penetration.
Advantages
- High deposition rates on thick plate
- Smooth, clean and repeatable welds
- Little spatter and fume
- High efficiency on long linear and circumferential seams
Where is it used?
Submerged arc welding stands out in tank and pressure vessel manufacturing, wind towers, pipe and beam production, wherever there are long seams.
Combined with automation
Submerged arc welding performs best with mechanised systems. A column & boom, submerged arc welding tractor, flux hopper and flux recovery system together make the process continuous and controlled, while seam tracking sensors keep the torch precisely on the weld groove.