{"id":10548,"date":"2023-02-08T15:34:13","date_gmt":"2023-02-08T15:34:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/?p=10548"},"modified":"2026-01-09T15:43:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-09T15:43:14","slug":"applications-of-submerged-arc-welding-benefit-from-this-easy-process-today","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/applications-of-submerged-arc-welding-benefit-from-this-easy-process-today\/","title":{"rendered":"Applications of Submerged Arc Welding. Benefit from this Easy Process Today!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you know the sub arc welding process (SAW) and what it&#8217;s used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Find out more about this unique process and it&#8217;s applications. As well as equipment, advantages and disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-offset-key=\"8rh1i-0-0\">What <\/span><span class=\"passivevoice\"><span data-offset-key=\"8rh1i-1-0\">is submerged<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"8rh1i-2-0\"> arc welding?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-offset-key=\"b4m3s-0-0\">Submerged arc welding is an arc welding process. Using an electrical current through wire to the workpiece, forming an arc. This creates the weld, joining two metal workpieces together. <\/span><span class=\"complexword\"><span data-offset-key=\"b4m3s-1-0\">However<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"b4m3s-2-0\">, unlike other arc welding processes such as MIG, the arc is &#8220;submerged&#8221; under a layer of flux.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Submerged arc welding applications.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"askps-0-0\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"askps-0-0\"><span class=\"hardreadability\"><span data-offset-key=\"askps-0-0\">Common in the welding of industrial cans and vessels, the saw welding process produces a strong, clean weld<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"askps-1-0\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-offset-key=\"askps-0-0\"><span class=\"veryhardreadability\"><span data-offset-key=\"9gsc3-0-0\">Materials include carbon steels (low and medium), high-strength, low-alloy steels and nickel based alloys<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"9gsc3-1-0\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-offset-key=\"askps-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"1i91f-0-0\">It&#8217;s an ideal process for heavy plate welding. <\/span><span class=\"hardreadability\"><span data-offset-key=\"1i91f-1-0\">As well as <a href=\"https:\/\/awo.aws.org\/glossary\/surfacing-weld\/\">surfacing applications<\/a> like weld overlay and hard facing of structural\/vulnerable metals<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"1i91f-2-0\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a sub arc welder?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\"><span class=\"hardreadability\"><span data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\">The process of submerged arc welding needs special equipment compared to other welding processes<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"efi57-1-0\">. A sub-arc welder needs to have a high duty cycle and output amperage to handle demand. Power sources are often in the region of 800 &#8211; 1200 amps! <\/span><\/div>\n<div data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"efi57-1-0\">You will also need a welding head\/torch holder to move along the workpiece and lay down the weld. Automatic submerged arc welding usually consists of a column and boom manipulator. As well as a welding tractor\/carriage. Manual SAW welding uses a power source and hand-held torch.<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-offset-key=\"efi57-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"9p1oa-0-0\">Finally, a flux hopper to distribute the flux over the weld bead is integral to SAW welding.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the function of flux in submerged arc welding?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-0-0\">Flux <\/span><span class=\"passivevoice\"><span data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-1-0\">is used<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-2-0\"> in submerged arc welding to provide a protective layer over the weld pool. Thus helping to prevent contamination, improving strength and integrity, and shaping the bead.<\/span><\/div>\n<div data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-0-0\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<div data-offset-key=\"dgeh0-0-0\"><span class=\"hardreadability\"><span data-offset-key=\"5jgk0-0-0\">It also helps in concentration of heat into the weld pool, enabling better penetration<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"5jgk0-1-0\">. As well as assisting with arc striking and stability.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Z0pBLODzFJU?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-GB&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-offset-key=\"5jgk0-0-0\">\n<h3 class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"487fo-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"487fo-0-0\">Why <\/span><span class=\"passivevoice\"><span data-offset-key=\"487fo-1-0\">is submerged<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"487fo-2-0\"> arc welding referred to as submerged?<\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"3bufh-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"3bufh-0-0\">Submerged arc welding <\/span><span class=\"passivevoice\"><span data-offset-key=\"3bufh-1-0\">is known<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"3bufh-2-0\"> as submerged due to the use of flux &#8220;submerging&#8221; the arc and weld zone. It&#8217;s applied using a flux hopper over the weld pool as the welding head moves across the workpiece.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Advantages of submerged arc welding.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"3bufh-0-0\">\n<ul class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-ul\" data-offset-key=\"45g2v-0-0\">\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-reset public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"45g2v-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"45g2v-0-0\"><span class=\"adverb\"><span data-offset-key=\"45g2v-0-0\">Extremely<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"45g2v-1-0\"> high deposition rates for greater productivity<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"4tq1j-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"4tq1j-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"4tq1j-0-0\">Little to no fume, spatter or arc light, improving working conditions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"57rnn-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"57rnn-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"57rnn-0-0\">Simple operation, low skill <\/span><span class=\"complexword\"><span data-offset-key=\"57rnn-1-0\">requirement<\/span><\/span><span data-offset-key=\"57rnn-2-0\">.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"folq2-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"folq2-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"folq2-0-0\">Better quality, consistent welds with deep penetration<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"cun68-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"cun68-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"cun68-0-0\">An easy to automate process, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Disadvantages of submerged arc welding.<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-ul\" data-offset-key=\"7tc3l-0-0\">\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-reset public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"7tc3l-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"7tc3l-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"7tc3l-0-0\">Often limited to flat or horizontal welding positions<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"f2qac-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"f2qac-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"f2qac-0-0\">Best used on thicker steel\/stainless steel and a few nickel-based alloys<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"2ee5i-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"2ee5i-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"2ee5i-0-0\">Not renowned for it&#8217;s portability<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"fh9e6-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"fh9e6-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"fh9e6-0-0\">Most suited to large rotating pipes and vessels, as well as long, straight weld seams<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-unorderedListItem public-DraftStyleDefault-depth0 public-DraftStyleDefault-listLTR\" data-block=\"true\" data-editor=\"et8ht\" data-offset-key=\"ajjl3-0-0\">\n<div class=\"public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr\" data-offset-key=\"ajjl3-0-0\"><span data-offset-key=\"ajjl3-0-0\">Involves more post-process handling and cleaning, like slag removal and flux recovery. Although flux recovery can be automatic with extra equipment.<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For a real-life case study into the SAW process and how it benefits one of our clients, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/case-studies\/responsive-engineering-uk\">click here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on submerged arc welding systems for sale, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/submergedarcwelding.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">click here<\/a> to view our latest stock. Alternatively, we are always looking to buy submerged arc welding machines. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wanted.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"\">Send Peter and Bev details <\/a>for a valuation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"390\" src=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/lewj20150528b-036_c_l.jpg\" alt=\"Sell your welding equipment\" class=\"wp-image-10422\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/lewj20150528b-036_c_l.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/lewj20150528b-036_c_l-300x195.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">BUSINESS &#8211; Westermans International at Unit 4 Midland Distribution Centre, Markfield Road, Groby. The company buys and sells welding and cutting equipment all over the world and is doing really well. The founder is Peter Westerman \u2013 a very interesting 80-year-old who travels all around Europe on his BMW motorbike meeting clients.<br>0116 269 69 41<br>Reporter &#8211; Tom Pegden PICTURE WILL JOHNSTON<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do you know the sub arc welding process (SAW) and what it&#8217;s used for? Find out more about this unique process and it&#8217;s applications. As well as equipment, advantages and disadvantages. What is submerged arc welding? Submerged arc welding is &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/applications-of-submerged-arc-welding-benefit-from-this-easy-process-today\/\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9594,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[383,384,3],"tags":[632,634,635,636,543,11,22,545],"class_list":["post-10548","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-customer-resources-library","category-welding-cutting-processes-info","category-westermans-news","tag-saw-welding","tag-sub-arc-welding","tag-sub-arc-welding-applications","tag-sub-arc-welding-machine","tag-submerged-arc-welding","tag-welding","tag-welding-equipment","tag-welding-with-flux"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/04\/shutterstock_284239790-crop.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p2Ygth-2K8","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10548","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10548"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10548\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11118,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10548\/revisions\/11118"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9594"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10548"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10548"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.westermans.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10548"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}