Submerged Arc Welding Fluxes - A Review

Submerged arc welding, because of its inherent benefits such as higher metal deposition rate, good strength of the joint and good surface appearance, is extensively used in the fabrication of pressure vessels, pipe lines and off-shore structures. Welding flux constitutes nearly half of the cost in SAW process. Over the years, development of better welding flux compositions in terms of mechanical properties and productivity, which are economically cost effective too, has caught the eye of many researchers. In the present paper research work carried out by various researchers in the field of welding flux development has been reviewed.