Influence of Activated Fluxes on the Bead Shape of A-TIG Welds on Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels in Comparison with Stainless Steel AISI 304L

The article presents results of comparative A-TIG welding tests involving selected unalloyed and fine-grained steels, as well as high-strength steel WELDOX 1300 and austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L. The tests involved the use of single ingredient activated fluxes (Cr2O3, TiO2, SiO2, Fe2O3, NaF, and AlF3). In cases of carbon and low-alloy steels, the tests revealed that the greatest increase in penetration depth was observed in the steels which had been well deoxidized and purified during their production in steelworks. The tests revealed that among the activated fluxes, the TiO2 and SiO2 oxides always led to an increase in penetration depth during A-TIG welding, regardless of the type and grade of steel. The degree of the aforesaid increase was restricted within the range of 30% to more than 200%.