electroslag and electrogas welding
Electroslag and electrogas welding are advanced vertical welding processes that revolutionize the joining of thick metal plates. These processes use electrical resistance heating and molten slag or gas shielding to create high-quality, continuous welds. In electroslag welding, an electrically conductive slag bath generates heat, while electrogas welding employs a gas shield to protect the weld pool. Both methods excel in single-pass welding of thick materials, typically ranging from 1 to 12 inches. The processes utilize a water-cooled copper shoe on each side of the joint to contain the molten metal and shape the weld bead. The welding head moves vertically upward as the process continues, creating a continuous weld seam. These methods are particularly valuable in industries requiring thick-section welding, such as shipbuilding, pressure vessel fabrication, and heavy structural steel construction. The automated nature of these processes ensures consistent weld quality and reduces operator fatigue. Both techniques offer exceptional penetration capabilities and can significantly reduce welding time compared to traditional methods.