| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2024 AWS Professional Program
|
| Symposium
|
2024 AWS Professional Program
|
| Presentation Title |
Simplified Precision Welding Technique |
| Author(s) |
Jim Hansen, Paul Blomquist |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Jim Hansen |
| Abstract Scope |
Precision tacking process is needed to support precision fillet welding of ship panel structures. Precision welding is also needed to repair pits and scars that occur during ship construction or sustainment. In some cases, these defects may compromise plate design thickness or otherwise not comply with applicable ships specifications and must be repaired. Corrosion pits and plate scars are encountered throughout shipbuilding due to the outdoor storage of materials and in-process assemblies.
Semi-automatic flux core (FCAW) or gas metal arc welding (GMAW) procedures deposit oversized tacks that are difficult to consume in precision 4-5mm fillet welds. FCAW and GMAW process deposits are also too large to repair plate corrosion where the deposits exceed repair cavity volume requirements. In addition, excess heat input may damage back side coatings, cause distortion, and require additional correction work to accept repair.
This project evaluated semi-automatic gas tungsten arc welding (SA-GTAW), the TigSpeed process supplied by EWM. SA-GTAW procedures were developed for a range of tack welds and pit size repairs. The process was found quick to set up and use to make precision tack welds or repair individual pits or scars with minimum over welding and minimum time to finish to surface requirements. By using a timer, procedures were developed that generate both tacks and corrosion pit repairs with a one-button process that significantly reduces the skill required to execute a tack weld or pit repair. This presentation will cover the developed parameters as well as the pathway to implementation of these procedures in a shipyard environment. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Undecided |