Oxygen Affinity Coefficient in the Arc
The oxygen affinity coefficient in the arc indicates how strongly a metal reacts with oxygen. A high coefficient means stronger oxidation and lower weld strength.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The oxygen affinity coefficient in the arc measures a metal's attraction for oxygen molecules. The higher the coefficient, the stronger the metal reacts with oxygen and forms oxides.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A high oxygen affinity coefficient can cause severe burnout of alloying elements, which impairs the strength and mechanical behavior of the weld. This increases the risk of cracking and reduces the component's service life.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To minimize burnout, the oxygen affinity coefficient in the arc should be below 0.5. This can be achieved by carefully selecting the welding consumable and using shielding gases. For high affinity, it's advisable to control the welding process and speed up cooling after welding.