Effects of surface active elements on weld pool formation using TIG arcs

Abstract

A-TIG welding is the welding process where powdered activating flux (welding facilitating agent) with oxides such as TiO₂ and Cr₂O₃ as the main constituents is dissolved by volatile solvent, such as methyl ethyl ketone and acetone and is applied using a brush, in advance, on the base metal surface which is then subjected to TIG welding.¹ A penetration depth of 2–3 times that of a conventional TIG weld can be obtained in the case of stainless steel by means of A-TIG welding, so A-TIG welding has attracted attention as a method to improve TIG welding workability.²