Influences of weaving parameters on dynamic characteristics and stability control of the droplet transfer in arc-weaving P-GMAW process

The dynamic characteristics of droplet transfer are extremely complicated with the combined effects of gravity force and weaving motion during the weaving vertical-up welding on thick plate. In this paper, we firstly observed the droplet transfer behavior under various weaving parameters with high-speed photography and electrical signals during pulsed gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW). Then, we investigated the influences of different weaving parameters on the arc shape and molten pool as well as droplet characteristics. By establishing a novel weaving-force model based on state force balance theory (SFBT), we further revealed the drop transfer mechanism in weaving P-GMAW process. Extensive experimental results demonstrated that the suitable weaving parameters could effectively improve the droplet transfer stability and suppress welding defects including incomplete root penetration and lack of sidewall fusion. The findings of this paper will provide a basis for enhancing the welding process stability and obtaining a high-quality weld joint.