Paper Contents
Abstract
Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding is a widely used arc welding process recognized for its high productivity and suitability for welding various types of steel. This project investigates the effect of activated fluxes on the tensile properties of mild steel (IS 2062 E250A) welded using the MAG process. Two types of fluxes were used: TiO (an oxygen-based flux) and MoS (a non-oxygen-based flux). Steel plates, each 3 mm thick, were prepared for welding under three conditions: with TiO flux, with MoS flux, and without any flux. A fourth specimen, consisting of the unwelded parent material, was also tested to serve as a reference. The fluxes were applied to the weld zone before welding to observe their influence on the joint's mechanical performance. Tensile testing revealed that both fluxes improved joint strength compared to welds without flux. Among them, TiO flux resulted in the highest tensile strength, likely due to enhanced arc stability and deeper weld penetration. MoS also improved strength, though to a lesser extent, indicating some beneficial metallurgical effects, possibly related to microstructural modifications. The results demonstrate that activated fluxes can positively influence weld quality in MAG welding by improving mechanical properties. This suggests a practical approach for optimizing welded joints in structural steel applications, particularly where higher joint efficiency is desired.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Arul Prakash R. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
