esw welding
Electroslag welding (ESW) represents a highly efficient and specialized welding process designed for joining thick metal plates in a vertical position. This advanced welding technique utilizes electrical resistance heating and a molten slag bath to create high-quality, deep-penetration welds. The process begins with the establishment of a molten slag pool contained by water-cooled copper shoes on either side of the joint. As the welding progresses, the consumable guide tube feeds filler metal into the molten slag, where electrical current passing through the slag generates heat, maintaining the required welding temperature. The molten metal descends through the slag pool and solidifies to form the weld. ESW is particularly renowned for its ability to weld materials ranging from 1 to 12 inches in thickness in a single pass, making it exceptionally efficient for heavy industrial applications. The technology finds extensive use in the fabrication of heavy equipment, structural steel components, pressure vessels, and shipbuilding. Its automated nature ensures consistent weld quality while minimizing operator fatigue and reducing overall production time.