The effect of welding fixtures on welding distortions

Abstract

AbstrAct Purpose: of this paper is to examine the effect of welding fixture used to prevent the distortions during cooling process utilizing a robot controlled gas metal arc welding method on cooling rate and distortions of welded structures. Design/methodology/approach: Using a specially designed welding fixture for a welded steel structure, six different types of AISI 1020 steel specimens are tested in three different welding speeds and two different cooling conditions either at fixture or without using fixture. Findings: designed fixture is reduced amount of distortions. The preheating effect of previous weld on the next weld has increased distortions on the other side of part. Increase in distortions is directly proportional to the increase in welding speed which affects the weld heat input. Research limitations/implications: the study can be repeated on more complex structures and fixtures. Practical implications: the study has shown that the fixture design has an important effect on cooling rate of the welded parts.