Watch the Mesmerizing Process of Submerged Arc Welding

The act of welding is one that is irritating to the eyes as the bright, blinding light leaves your sight temporary impaired. However, a different welding method known as submerged arc welding (SAW) is something that you can thoroughly watch without getting your vision blurred. This sub arc welding video shows us a pipe being doubly joined using the technique.

The sand-like material that you see is called granular fusible flux that is a mixture of lime, silica, manganese oxide, calcium fluoride, and other compounds. This mixture is used to "submerge" the molten weld and the arc zone in order to protect them from atmospheric contamination. After the first joint weld, a second joint layer is welded to secure the pipe in one.

SAW is used over other welding techniques as it is a practical method and no edge preparation is required. The process is also ideal for indoor and outdoor works as the granular flux prevents weld spatters. Moreover, 50% to 90% of the flux can be recovered and used again for a different job. Despite having numerous advantages, the SAW process also has some limitations like in the material thickness it can weld. The granular flux system needs to be handled in a specific, troublesome way and the slag and flux residue can have health and safety implications.

As you watch the video, it's cool to see the random flashes from the welding tip, they make you blink involuntarily. And the perfect, smooth welding strip it produces is so satisfying.

Via xAZAZELx13