The article describes a replacement and benefits between manual gas metal arc welding (GMAW) with solid wire and semi-automatic flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) with metal flux-cored wire for a specific application of a welded steel compensator used for connecting piping systems to form larger units. For the replacement of the technologies and improvement of the welding efficiency and productivity a specific type of carbon steel mounting insert, DN300 PN16, was selected. Since these pressure parts are subject to the directive 2014/68/EU, both the welding processes have to meet the same welding quality requirements. In particular, they are the welding procedure qualification report (WPQR) and the welder’s or welding operator’s qualification in accordance with valid European standards. Based on this requirement, a sample was selected so that it would cover the widest possible range of carbon steel mounting inserts produced. This article describes the whole experiment including the selection of the right equipment and filler material, finding the ideal welding parameters, and the subsequent qualification of the welding procedure and the operator with emphasis on the largest possible increase in the welding speed and productivity for these specific weldments.
Science Journal 