Estudo exploratório da soldagem MIG/MAG com duplo arame empregando corrente alternada

Abstract

The use of alternating current (or variable polarity) on the tandem GMAW process was investigated experimentally. Bead-on-plate test, in flat position, were carried out using a 1.2 mm diameter on mild steel sheet (3mm-thick). The level of welding current, waveform type applied in alternating current tandem GMAW: alternating-continuous current (AC-CC) and alternating-pulsed current (AC-PC), the percentage of alternating current in the negative polarity (% DCEN), the displacement direction of electrode applied related to waveform type. It was also carried out a comparative study between variable polarity and pulsed current in tandem GMAW and, a comparative study about the arrangement of electrodes in respect to the welding direction (tandem and side-by-side). The effects on welding geometric characteristics (penetration, reinforcement and width), weld dilution, electrode fusion rate and microstructure on coarsened grain heat affected zone (CG-HAZ) were evaluated. The experiments revealed that as current level increase, the geometrics characteristics, dilution and electrode fusion rate increased accordingly. The application of variable polarity in tandem GMAW process resulted in an increase on electrode fusion rate, reinforcement and, reduction of dilution and width of weld bead. Increasing % DCEN resulted in increase reinforcement and electrode fusion rate, reduction of dilution and width and, a refinement of microstructure. By applying variable polarity waveform on the trailing electrode, dilution is reduced and reinforcement is increased. Comparing welds made with pulsed current, the use of variable polarity in tandem GMAW process resulted in increase of reinforcement, electrode fusion rate and, reduction of width and dilution.