In general, heavy plates with super-heavy middle grooving are welded using arc welding methods such as submerged arc welding, tungsten inert gas welding, and shielded metal arc welding. These methods allow for a controlled, high-precision weld that is repeatable and reliable.
Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a highly automated arc welding process that uses flux-cored electrodes in a submerged environment and is capable of producing strong, continuous welds. The auto-feeding of the electrodes results in an optimal arc with higher consistency, reducing the chance of defects. This method has the highest deposition rate and is suitable for thick welds, making it the best choice for heavy and highly grooved plates.
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding has a smaller heat input compared to SAW and is more suitable for smaller and lighter plates. In this method, the heat input is controlled and minimized, resulting in better penetration into the grooved area, and producing a high-quality weld.
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as “stick welding”, is an economical arc welding method that has good bead visibility and is suitable for simple welds. The slag produced during welding is low due to the flux coating on the electrodes, making this method suitable for protective coatings in general. It is relatively easy to use but has lower deposition rates than SAW.
For heavy plates with super-heavy middle grooving, SAW is the preferred welding method due to its higher deposition rate and automated parameters control capabilities. The flux-cored electrodes used in SAW are also wider, allowing for better coverage of the grooved area.
To ensure a consistent and high-precision weld, a careful pre-weld inspection is crucial to identify any defects in the weld surface which might lead to weld failures. After the weld is completed, post-weld inspection must be done to check the weld integrity, cleanliness, and overall consistency.
In summary, SAW is the best welding method for heavy plates with super-heavy middle grooving due to its automation capabilities, higher deposition rate, and ideal for thick plate welds. A careful pre and post-weld inspection should be conducted to ensure weld quality and higher performance of the weld.
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