Publications

Abstract : TIG welding is most common welding process to weld highly reactive materials like aluminum alloys, magnesium alloys, stainless steels etc. However the process is not cost competitive due to low penetration potential. Generally work pieces thicker than 3 mm cannot be welded autogenously by TIG welding. Hence after joint preparation, multipass welding is done to weld plates of higher thickness. To improve penetration capability of TIG process, flux assisted TIG welding has been developed and this has drawn the attention of researchers in the recent past. This review attempts to present the current understanding in the development of flux assisted TIG welding. In this paper ATIG (Activated Flux TIG) and recently developed FBTIG (Flux Bounded TIG) processes, weld pool convection, the mechanism of penetration, fluxes for welding different alloys are discussed. Aluminum alloy is the preferred material in aerospace technology, due to its high strength to weight ratio. The flux assisted TIG welding of aluminum alloys is presented in detail due to its aerospace application. The effects of different modes of current namely, alternating current (AC), direct current electrode negative (DCEN) and direct current electrode positive (DCEP) on aluminum alloy welds are also presented. The aim of this paper is to highlight the recent progress in flux assisted TIG welding and provide a basis for follow-on research.