Submerged Arc Welding overview:

Submerged arc welding is a small different than most other forms of welding since the arc and the end of the electrode are not able to be seen to the operator. Both are kept below a pile of grainy flux. The majority ordinary use for this welding scheme is by machines, but there are semi automatic versions. The machine is used to start the arc and gives the electrode by feeding it to the weld region from approximately a spool. The flux is in a granule form and is dispersed in front of the weld pathway. The scheme is able to also be set up with two electrodes positioned vertically side by side, vertically one in frontage and one in backside, or in a v-shaped to speed the procedure up. Some of the flux is melted in the welding process which generates a slag that helps guard the weld from the surroundings and from cooling. A few joints up to 3" wide are able to be welded in one pass. This technique is regularly done in a flat position and is great for ships and bridges where extended welds are wanted.

The slag in this situation helps to generate a clean and strong weld. With the arc enclosed up, spatter and heat loss into the nearby surroundings is not a trouble. Alloy and metal powders are able to be added to the flux grains in order to assist fill the seam. Not a lot of smoke is created if any and no defense is wanted to shield from the light from an arc. The system is automatic simply and there is not a lot of talent wanted for the procedure. The slag generated limits submerged arc welding to simply to a flat position. The heat that is generated by the weld stays in the metal longer due to the flux covering which can boost distortion of the metals.