Radiation Emission during SMAW Applications on SS304 and A36 Steels*

Abstract High energy radiation is produced during arc welding applications. For this reason, it is important to investigate the process in detail with respect to the welding technique, electrical current and materials. In this study, the SMAW (shielded metal arc welding) technique was used to weld specimens made of stainless steel SS304 and of low carbon steel A36. Welding currents of 90, 105, 120 and 135 A were selected. The radiation types and luminosities were measured for each material as well as the respective magnitude of electrical current. During the welding applications, UV radiation was mostly observed. In addition, visible light and IR radiation in the range of 200 to 1000 nanometers on the optical scale were recorded. The effects of electric currents on the photon energy rates were clearly pronounced. A larger radiation energy was observed for the UV band for welding both materials at all parameters.