Droplet temperature measurement in GMAW

Abstract

This work presents measurements of the droplet temperature for the Gas Metal Arc Welding process. Four different aluminium electrodes were used for experiments performed under the same conditions. The approach used yielded higher droplet temperatures than were obtained in previous experiments with the same raw data because the energy balance approach differed. However, trends were similar, with a minimum value close to the transition current and a tendency to increase with the current. Anode fall voltages behaved similarly, increasing with the current. Differences in temperature were found between the four electrodes. This can be explained by the different alloying elements present on the electrodes, which evaporate and take energy out of the droplet.