Control of droplet transfer using a filler-wire in tandem arc welding

Abstract

In this paper, the tandem flux-cored arc welding process was enhanced to improve weld productivity. Additional filler-wire of opposite polarity was used to prevent deterioration of weld quality that occurred due to arc interaction at two electrodes. Droplet transfer is one of the main factors which determine the quality of the weldment. In the tandem process, it is difficult to control droplet transfer due to arc interaction. In the hybrid welding process developed for stabilising the molten pool, the arc interaction and droplet transfers of the two electrodes in the hybrid process were investigated according to the feeding location and applied current of the filler-wire. This presented a method for improving the penetration depth and bead appearance of the weldment.