Effects of Active Flux on GMAW Welding Applied to a Steel AISI/SAE 1020

GMAW is one of the most used welding processes in the industry. It is easy to use and to automate, and these characteristics allow high productivity and versatility. Currently, a process variant known as "A-GMAW" (Active flux Gas Metal Arc Welding) has a characteristic that has not been widely studied, it consists on the addition of a thin layer of oxides or halides in powder on the base metal surface. This research aims to evaluate the effects caused by the application of "CaCO3 and SiO2 fluxes on the morphology of the weld bead, operating parameters and process stability. This analysis was carried out in GMAW welding applied on an AISI/SAE 1020 steel. The results show the significant effects of CaCO3 and SiO2 fluxes. These additives influence the morphology, such as the penetration of the weld, and changes were also observed in the transfer modes that governed each of the welds, likewise the stability of the process also presents alterations.