KTIG–MIG hybrid arc welding process

Abstract

Metal-inert gas welding is an important welding process but the process instability easily induces spatter and undercut defects. To improve the welding process stability, a new hybrid arc welding process, named KTIG-MIG, was proposed in this paper. Arc characteristics were preliminarily studied. It is found that in KTIG-MIG hybrid welding, MIG arc is stable even it is shielded with pure argon gas; stable spray transfer is easily achieved in a much wider process window, especially the lowest voltage to achieve spray transfer is greatly reduced; KTIG arc voltage decreases than that in single KTIG arc, and MIG arc current is higher than the pre-set value. Cooling state of the KTIG tungsten plays a key role in slowing tungsten erosion.