Design and Development of Welding Electrode for Structural Steel

Abstract

This M.E. Dissertation aims to obtain fundamental knowledge about development of rutile electrodes for structural steel, of which information is scarce in international welding literature. In this work six rutile coated electrodes were prepared by increasing calcite (natural calcium carbonate — CaCO3), at the expense of cellulose and Si-bearing components like Mica and China Clay, in the fluxes. This modification produced an increase in the slag basicity, which caused a marked increment in all-weld-metal toughness and modifications in operational behavior with a decrease in penetration and width of the weld bead, while maintaining the typical excellent operational characteristics of rutile electrodes. All-weld-metal hardness, tensile properties and Impact toughness were measured and metallographic studies were undertaken. the chemical Composition on analysis of the weld was also undertaken by making weld pads. Qualitative measurements of porosity, slag detachability, arc stability and smoke level (opacity) measurements were also carried out.