Effects of overlap and deposition technique on weld-bead shape

Abstract

While the effects of welding parameters on the shapes of single weld beads have been extensively studied, less is known about how bead shape and penetration alter in multipass welding. In this paper are described studies on the shapes of overlapping beads in manual metal arc cladding of ferritic steel by austenitic stainless steel. Different deposition techniques were used to vary bead positioning and the degree of overlap, and the effects on bead height, width, penetration, and dilution were determined. It is shown that various changes in these parameters occur when weld beads are overlapped. The most important effect is a reduction in penetration and dilution, which is especially marked when the position of arc impingement is on the previous weld bead rather than the base plate. The implications for ultrasonic inspection of clad components, and for weld modelling, are discussed.