International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 07 | July 2024
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p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Comparative Analysis of Regulated Metal Deposition (RMD) and FluxCored Arc Welding (FCAW) on 316LN Stainless Steel: Effects of Welding Parameters on Weld Bead Characteristics Ravi Dave1,2, Indravadan B. Dave3*, Jay J. Vora4*, Subhash Das5, Sonam Patel2 1Research Scholar, Gujarat Technological University, Ahmedabad, India 2Metallurgy Engineering Department, Dr. S. and S. S. Ghandhy College of Engineering and Technology, Surat, India. 3Metallurgy Engineering Department, Government Engineering College, Sector 28, Gandhinagar, India 4Mechanical Engineering Department, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, India, 5ITW India Private Limited, Vadodara, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract: This study aims to systematically investigate and compare the effects of key welding parameters on weld bead characteristics in regulated metal deposition (RMD) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) processes when applied to bead-on-plate welding on 316LN stainless steel. This research focuses on understanding the relationships between welding parameters such as current, voltage, and heat input and weld bead dimensions such as bead width, height, depth of penetration, and width of the heataffected zone for both techniques. The overall quality of the welds produced by each technique is examined through visual inspection, liquid penetrant testing, and macroscopic and microscopic examinations. Through this comparative analysis of the RMD and FCAW processes, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the selection of welding parameters for 316LN stainless steel, thereby improving weld quality and efficiency in industrial applications. The results indicate that in both RMD and FCAW, a higher current increases bead dimensions and penetration, whereas a higher voltage produces wider beads but reduces height and penetration. In FCAW, the higher heat input produces a wider HAZ than RMD does. Keywords: regulated metal deposition (RMD) technique, flux cored arc welding (FCAW), 316LN, bead-on plate trials, governing variables, weld bead dimensions
1.
Introduction:
Stainless steels enriched with nitrogen possess a special combination of properties that make them ideal in various industries where strength, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature mechanical performance are crucial. The use of these materials as cost-effective alternatives to other materials further enhances their value in engineering and manufacturing applications [1, 2]. 316LN is a variant of low-carbon austenitic stainless steel that plays an important role as an essential structural component in various sectors, including chemical processing, transportation, storage, and nuclear industries, owing to its advantageous high-temperature mechanical properties, compatibility with liquid sodium, good weldability, good irradiation resistance, and adequate experience in the use of these materials in sodium-cooled reactors [3–5]. The 316LN material demonstrates favorable plasticity and relatively high impact toughness, particularly under cryogenic conditions. In the context of joining these structural materials, arc welding is the preferred technique because of its compatibility with their properties [6, 7]. SMAW and TIG welding are commonly used for the initial root pass in a weld joint. However, these methods have certain limitations, including time-consuming procedures and inconsistent weld characteristics [8, 9]. On the other hand, GMAW, which is suitable for filling, faces challenges in the root pass because of issues such as spatter formation [10]. In this context, the introduction of a modified short-circuiting process represents an exciting opportunity to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of root-pass welding [11, 12]. Regulated Metal Deposition (RMD), introduced by Miller Electric in 2004, is an advanced short-circuiting arc welding process that involves managing welding during each short-circuit phase and adjusting the waveform on the basis of material properties [13, 14]. Precisely regulated metal transfer ensures the consistent deposition of droplets, greatly simplifying the
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