Effect of Activated Flux on Properties of SS 304 Using TIG Welding

Abstract

In this experimental work, Manganese oxide (MnO2), Zinc oxide (ZnO), Iron oxide (Fe2O3) and Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) were used as activating flux to investigate the effects for SS 304 in tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. Ultimate tensile strength, percentage elongation, Penetration depth and width were studied of material SS 304. The experimental results indicated that the MnO2 and Fe2O3 fluxes increases the weld penetration depth and decrease the weld width but ZnO and MgCl2 fluxes shows a little effect on penetration depth and weld depth to width ratio compared with conventional TIG process. Since the activated TIG welding can increase the ultimate tensile strength and percentage elongation.