The Effect of the Use of PTFE as a Covered-Electrode Binder on Metal Transfer

A Influência do Emprego de PTFE como Aglomerante em Eletrodos Revestidos sobre a Transferência Metálica

Abstract

Studies have shown that when used as binders for basic covered electrodes, polymers produce a weld metal microstructure with a high acicular ferrite content. The reasons identified for this behavior include changes in the shielding atmosphere and metal transfer mode. To investigate the effect of polymers on metal transfer, voltage oscillograms and high-speed films were recorded during welding with standard-binder and polymer-binder E7018 electrodes using different welding currents. Electrodes tips collected after the arc had been abruptly interrupted were examined metallographically. For electrodes with a polymer binder, the short-circuit frequency was lower regardless of the welding current used and decreased as welding current increased. In many events characterized as short circuits in the voltage oscillograms for polymer-binder electrodes, metal transfer in fact occurred without any arc interruption. The angle between the outer edge of the metal drop and the inner edge of the coating crater showed that the polymer increased the intensity of the plasma jet, and the pinch effect observed during welding using the polymer-binder electrode indicated that there were changes in surface tension and electromagnetic force.

Key-words: Polymer; Covered electrodes; Metal transfer