Activated flux tungsten inert gas welding of 8 mm-thick AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel

Abstract

AISI 304 stainless steel plates were welded with activated flux tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) method by utilizing self-developed activated flux. It is indicated from the experimental results that for 8 mm-thick AISI 304 stainless steel plate, weld joint of full penetration and one-side welding with good weld appearance can be obtained in a single pass without groove preparation by utilizing A-TIG welding. Moreover, activated flux powders do not cause significant effect on the microstructure of TIG weld and the mechanical properties of A-TIG weld joints are also superior to those of C-TIG (conventional TIG) welding.

Keywords

A-TIG welding / activated flux / 304 stainless steel / full penetration / mechanical properties

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