High speed TIG-MAG hybrid arc welding of mild steel plate

A TIG-MAG hybrid arc welding process was proposed to achieve high speed welding. The influences of hybrid arc welding parameters on welding speed and weld appearance were studied through orthogonal experiment and the microstructures and mechanical properties of weld were tested and compared with that of the conventional MAG weld. The TIG-MAG hybrid arc welding speed could reach up to 3.5 m/min for bead-on-plate welding of 2.5 mm thick mild steel plate under the condition of high quality of weld appearance and 4.5 m/min for butt welding of 2 mm thick mild steel plate, respectively. The mechanical properties of hybrid arc weld were not lower than that of the conventional MAG weld. The assistant TIG arc could effectively stabilize the MAG welding current and MAG arc voltage in high speed TIG-MAG hybrid arc welding process. The stable hybridization obtained by balance between TIG and MAG welding current and proper wire-electrode distance was a key factor to stabilize the welding process.