Welding is a fundamental part of the manufacturing industry – it’s used widely in the automotive, shipbuilding and construction sectors, and even in the medical field. Over the years, the welding process has become increasingly efficient and precise, with the introduction of new technologies that up the standard of quality. One such technology is saw welding, which has grown in popularity due to its effectiveness and the ease of use that it provides.
In fact, the saw welding industry is estimated to have reached a value of over $2 billion in 2021, providing over 10,000 jobs in professional welding.
In this article, we will uncover what saw welding is and the various applications it is used in, as well as its advantages and disadvantages.
What is SAW Welding?
SAW welding is a type of arc welding process that utilizes a continuously fed electrode, usually made of metal, to join two pieces of metal together.It is also known as submerged arc welding (SAW) or arc welding process. SAW welding is usually performed in an industrial setting due to its high productivity compared to other arc welding processes.
How Does SAW Welding Work?
SAW welding works by employing a mechanism in which a continuously fed electrode is submerged within a pool of molten metal and an electric current is passed through it. This produces an electric arc between the electrode and the base metal being welded, which melts the metal and causes it to coalesce into a single piece. The molten metal is then cooled by water or gas to create a strong joint.
Advantages of SAW Welding
- High productivity: SAW welding is highly productive compared to other arc welding processes, due to its continuous-feed electrode.
- Bevel angle: A typical bevel angle of 6-8 degrees makes it ideal for joining thicker metals.
- Low costs: SAW welding has relatively low costs compared to other processes due to its materials and consumables.
- High quality: The quality of the welds produced by SAW welding is much higher compared to other welding processes.
Disadvantages of SAW Welding
- High equipment costs: SAW welding requires specialized equipment that is relatively expensive when compared to other arc welding processes.
- Specialized Training: SAW welding requires specialized training and licensure in order to use the equipment.
- Reduced portability: Due to the size and weight of the equipment, the process is not as portable as electric arc welding.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SAW welding is a useful arc welding process that is capable of producing high-quality welds in an efficient manner. It has its advantages and disadvantages, however, the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages if the process is utilized properly. Citation URLs:- https://www. lincolnelectric. com/en-us/support/welding-how-to/arc-welding/what-is-saw-welding/
- https://www. weldstar. com/what-is-saw-welding. html