Modelling and optimization of advanced submerged arc welding process for stainless steel cladding

Industries involved in surfacing operations use various fusion welding especially arc welding processes. These operations demand high deposition rates but at low penetration values in the base metal. Conventional SAW, besides its high deposition characteristics, employs high values of welding current and is not many times favoured for surfacing due to high degree of dilution of surfacing alloys with base metal. This limits the use of SAW because high dilution deteriorates intended benefits of surfacing. Advanced submerged arc welding (ASAW) process, which was developed in welding research laboratory at IIT Delhi in the year 2004, provides a solution for the above. The present work studies the effect of various parameters of the process on the weld bead width, reinforcement, penetration and percentage dilution by developing mathematical models for each. Optimization of this relatively new process for getting minimal dilution required for surfacing has also been done.