Submerged Arc Single-Wire Welding
A classical submerged arc welding process utilizing a single solid wire electrode beneath granular welding flux for superior weld qualities in heavy plate applications. It is characterized by a stable arc and smooth weld surfaces.
In submerged arc single-wire welding, you pull a single solid wire electrode through a granular flux bed. The flux melts partially and completely shields the weld pool from the air – so you don't need an extra shielding gas cylinder. The arc burns invisibly under the flux, making the weld very clean with almost no spatter.
This process is ideal for thick plate because you run high deposition rates. But make sure the flux is applied evenly and thick enough – if there's a gap or draft gets in, the arc becomes unstable and you get a porous weld. Set the voltage so the arc burns quietly and evenly under the flux, and adjust the current to the plate thickness. If you hit the parameters right, the weld is tight and has good impact toughness.