What happens to the SAW flux when it is molten?

What happens to the SAW flux when it is molten?

• A. Remains non-conductive
• B. Becomes highly conductive
• C. Vaporizes
• D. Becomes magnetic

Answer: (B)

In submerged arc welding, the electrical current must flow through the molten flux to reach the weld pool. The flux is designed so that, once it melts, it becomes a conductive liquid slag. This molten slag contains dissolved salts and oxide compounds that allow ions to move easily, so it provides a good electrical path from the electrode to the workpiece while also shielding the weld. If the flux remained non-conductive, the current couldn’t reach the weld; vaporizing would waste flux and isn’t how the process is intended to work; becoming magnetic isn’t relevant to carrying the current. So, the molten flux becoming highly conductive best describes how SAW flux functions.

In submerged arc welding, the electrical current must flow through the molten flux to reach the weld pool. The flux is designed so that, once it melts, it becomes a conductive liquid slag. This molten slag contains dissolved salts and oxide compounds that allow ions to move easily, so it provides a good electrical path from the electrode to the workpiece while also shielding the weld. If the flux remained non-conductive, the current couldn’t reach the weld; vaporizing would waste flux and isn’t how the process is intended to work; becoming magnetic isn’t relevant to carrying the current. So, the molten flux becoming highly conductive best describes how SAW flux functions.