Welding Processes 39

Table 1.5 Comparison of different parameters of energy welding processes and TIG
welding (plate thickness 6 mm)
Parameter Laser TIG Plasma EB
Power absorbed 4 kW 2kW 4kW 5kW
by work piece.
Total power used 50kW 3kW 6kW 6kW
Traverse speed 16 mm/s 2 mm/s 5.7 mm/s 40 mm/s
Positional welding yes; but requires serious serious yes; but requires
optics to move penetration penetration mechanisms to
the beam move the gun

Distortion
axial minimum significant significant minimum
shrinkage small yes yes minimum
angular minimum yes, in yes, in parallel
V- V- sideness
shaped weld shaped

Surface profile very fine underside weld under ruffled

defects flow lines protrusion side swarf on
held in by protrusion back
surface held in by face
tension surface
tension
Special safety interlock normal light normal light vacuum
requirements against screening screening chambers, X-ray
for process misplaced beam screening
reflection
End defect slight surface smooth slight surface slight surface
Start protrusion protrustion protrusion
finish smooth -do- -do- -do-

Fig. 1.21 Explosive welding parameters