Effect of plasma transferred arc with powder cladding process parameters on the bead morphology of Inconel 625
摘要
In the absence of literature establishing the effects and relationships between different variables and parameters of the plasma transferred arc with powder process—which would enable a better understanding of its behavior for more efficient application—the present study aims to understand the main variables and parameters and to correlate their effects with weld bead morphology under the same welding and equipment operational configuration. For this purpose, different values are applied to the following variables/parameters: stand-off distance (7–13 mm), carrier gas flow (0.5–2.0 L/min), plasma gas flow (1.0–3.0 L/min), electrode setback (1.4–3.0 mm), powder feeding rate (0.5–1.5 kg/h), and welding current (80–180 A). The results show that the stand-off distance and the carrier gas flow have a significant effect on powder deposition efficiency. When employing a low plasma gas flow, the electrode setback does not affect the deposit morphology. Furthermore, the powder feeding rate has a noticeable influence on weld bead dilution. Additionally, the optimized plasma transferred arc with powder settings (stand-off distance 10 mm, carrier gas flow 1.0 L/min, plasma gas flow 1.0 L/min, electrode setback 2.2 mm, powder feeding rate 1.0 kg/h, welding current 130 A) achieved a dilution index of 9% when depositing Inconel 625 alloy onto ASTM A36 carbon steel.