A STUDY OF PFTIG AND FBTIG WELDING PROCESS ON BEAD MORPHOLOGY USING NANOPARTICLES ON 15CDV6 STEEL

This research work attempted a study regarding the effect of different nanoparticles on PFTIG (Powdered flux Tungsten inert gas) welding of 15CDV6 steel. The Nanopowders used for this work are TiO2, SiO2, Cr203, ZnO, and NiO. The analysis of bead morphology is conducted by using these nanoparticles and observed that all Nanopowders provide a better penetration except Cr203 flux. The TiO2 flux shows the maximum penetration compared to other fluxes and is evident from the macrostructure of the weldments. The measurement of arc voltage and arc divergent angles indicates that the phenomenon of arc constriction was strongly present while using TiO2 and SiO2 Nano fluxes. The constriction of arc provides deeper penetration and a higher aspect ratio compared to conventional TIG welding and other Nano fluxes. A variant of PFTIG welding process known as FBTIG is incorporated in this study using TiO2 flux and it shows a positive effect on bead morphology. The FBTIG bead on plate trials is conducted by using various flux gaps, and full penetration is achieved while using 3mm flux gap.