ENHANCEMENT OF PRODUCTIVITY BY ELIMINATING BACK CHIPPING

Abstract

In back chipping, the backside of the butt weld is cleaned mechanically for better penetration and weld quality. This is called as root weld. This consumes time, material, labor, and cost. Literature review demonstrates various attempts to eliminate back chipping. In this study, Zero Gap welding is introduced, to eliminate the back chipping. Here, Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) was performed with zero gap under the combination of various parameters like Current, Voltage, Weld head travel speed, Wire feed speed and Heat input. Welded joints were tested radiographically to investigate penetration, fusion and other defects. Tensile and bend test was also performed. Thus Grinding process for back chipping and manual welding for root run was eliminated to save time and cost.