Development of Coated Electrodes with Solid Wire and Flux-Cored Alloyed Wire for Microalloyed Steel Welding

In this paper, we will present our investigation of the quality of J55 microalloyed steel welds that were formed by a basic flux-cored wire electrodes that were of appropriate quality and alloyed with Ni and Mo. Based on the comparison and analysis of the obtained results related to the testing of the chemical composition, mechanical properties, toughness at test temperatures, and the microstructure of welding joints formed by a classic and specially coated rutile flux-cored electrode, we assessed the justification to switch from solid wire electrodes to flux-cored alloyed wire electrodes of appropriate quality. The research aim for the application of flux-cored wire electrodes instead of solid wire electrodes is based on the advantages pertaining to a flux-cored wire: molten metal from electrode wire is transferred in the form of fine droplets, easy welding and maximum productivity within all spatial positions related to welding, improved properties of welding joints, and increased productivity when compared to a classic solid wire. Our research encompasses the development of the experimental production at the Research and Development Center IHIS Belgrade (Development Institute for Chemical Power Sources), Serbia, of the new type of a coated electrode with improved welding properties when compared to a classic electrode intended for microalloyed steel welding.