applied

sciences
Article
Effect of Additional Shielding Gas on Welding Seam
Formation during Twin Wire DP-MIG
High-Speed Welding
Yu Hu, Jiaxiang Xue *, Changwen Dong, Li Jin and Zhanhui Zhang
School of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology,
Guangzhou 510641, China; scshuyu@163.com (Y.H.); d.changwen@mail.scut.edu.cn (C.D.);
jinli8756@163.com (L.J.); 201610100399@mail.scut.edu.cn (Z.Z.)
* Correspondence: mejiaxue@scut.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-020-2223-6360




Received: 4 August 2018; Accepted: 10 September 2018; Published: 14 September 2018


Abstract: For diminishing welding defects such as incomplete penetration, which may easily occur
during the twin wire Double Pulsed Metal Inert Gas (DP-MIG) high-speed welding, a novel method
using additional shielding gas is introduced in this paper. A branch for the additional shielding gas
was specially set near the back end of the protection hood for the DP-MIG nozzle. The constructed gas
branch was used for enabling manual intervention in the formation of a high-temperature solid–liquid
weld seam just emerging from the nozzle and also for secondary gas protection on the surface of the
weld seam. The butt welding test was carried out in the 2205 duplex stainless steel plate and the weld
seam was then characterized by a tensile test, metallographic analysis, X-ray non-destructive testing
(NDT), hardness analysis, and impact test. The results showed that the introduction of an appropriate
amount of additional shielding gas can effectively improve and diminish the unfused weld seam and
also improve the mechanical properties such as the tensile properties of the weld joint, the hardness
and toughness of the weld joints. Therefore, the introduction of additional shielding gas has further
research potential in theory and process practice.

Keywords: additional shielding gas; twin wire; DP-MIG; high-speed welding; welding seam
formation

1. Introduction
With the developments in marine engineering, aeronautics and aerospace, transportation and
other industries, welding technology has undergone continuous development. Improving the efficiency
of welding production, achieving welding automation, and improving welding quality have become
key issues in the development of welding technology [1]. Twin wire Double Pulsed Metal Inert Gas
(GMAW) welding technology can perform high-speed welding and achieve a high deposition rate
and is therefore considered a promising topic for research internationally [2–4] with many researchers
being actively involved in related studies.
Ueyama et al. studied the effects of the inclination angle between the leading and trailing wire,
the twin wire spacing and the welding current ratio on the formation of weld bead in the high-speed
welding process. With the basic requirements of avoiding undercut and hump bead, the best set
of parameters for high-speed welding was obtained with a welding speed up to 4.5 m/min [5];
Ueyama et al. investigated the effects of the distance between the leading and trailing wire and
the mixing ratio of gas on the abnormal arc voltage and arc interruption in twin-wire GMAW welding.
Additionally, the reasonable ranges for welding wire distance and gas mixing ratio were given [6].
Through pulse timing control and arc length control of the twin wire GMAW welding, Ueyama and other
researchers succeeded in minimizing the arc intervention, avoiding arc interruption, establishing stable

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658; doi:10.3390/app8091658 www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci

Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 2 of 13

control using arc length control and confirming that the stable control is not affected by the fluctuation
in the feeding speed and length extension of the wire [7]. Considering the steel plate welding process
applied in the shipbuilding industry, Sterjovski and other researchers investigated the formation
mechanism of solidified cracks in twin wire GMAW welding and proposed a solution to diminish
the crack generation [8]. Wu et al. studied the stability of three phase arcs: independent, alternating,
and independent of twin wire DP-GMAW welding and its effects on weld quality and microstructure [9].
Gery et al. predicted the transient temperature distributions and temperature variations of the welded
plates during welding [10]. Armentani et al. analyzed temperature distribution in butt weld joints,
and successive thermo-mechanical analyses were performed to evaluate resulting residual stresses [11].
Hazvinloo et al. analyzed the effects of various FCAW welding parameters on weld width and tensile
properties of weld metal extracted of butt joint [12]. Armentani et al. used a parametric model and
the elements birth and death in single-pass butt welded joint to simulate the weld filler variation with
time [13]. Somashekara et al. studied the effect of area-filling paths on the residual stresses developed
during twin-wire arc weld-deposition [14]. Hang et al. studied the bypass coupling technique which
was employed in twin-wire indirect arc welding (TWIAW) to improve its penetration [15]. Wen et al.
investigated microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of an ultra-high strength structural
steel welded joint at different heat inputs in the metal active gas arc (MAG) welding technique [16].
Ruan et al. studied the microstructures, penetration and mechanism of the welding joint by twin
wire Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding with Cr2 O3 activating flux [17]. Cai et al. investigated a three-
component shielding gas mixture used in tandem with narrow gap pulsed GMAW, and the effect of
its composition on arc behaviors and weld formation [18]. Reis et al. investigated the effects of arc
length, torch angle, and high-frequency current pulsing on the arc resistance to extinction in tandem
GMAW [19]. The researchers showed results that an increase in the welding speed brings to the fore
some issues that are different from those in conventional welding. For instance, incomplete penetration,
hump bead, bead discontinuity, and gas pore formation are the main defects that occur in the twin wire
GMAW welding [20–22].
Based on the twin wire pulsed MIG welding, a new method that involves introducing additional
shielding gas is proposed, which can extend the gas protection time for the weld seam and manually
intervene in the formation of the weld seam. Making use of the mechanical properties and air-shielding
characteristics of the gas jet, the two functions of shielding gas: manual intervention in the formation
of the weld seam and protection of the weld seam, can be achieved simultaneously. By studying the
effects of twin wire DP-MIG on weld formation, microstructure, and mechanical properties under the
supply of additional shielding gas, the welding defects in high-speed welding process like undercut
and hump weld can be reduced, and low cost gas shielded twin wire welding for high speed welding
can be performed.

2. Experimental Methods and Materials

2.1. Experimental Equipment and Methods

The schematic diagram of the twin wire double pulsed MIG welding with additional shielding
gas is shown in Figure 1. The data acquisition platform for the welding test consists of a self-designed
integrated digital welding power source, an additional device to supply shielding gas, a Panasonic
wire feeder and a feeding device with water cooling box, an automatic screw travel control device,
Advantech industrial computer, Advantech signal acquisition card, and arc dynamic wavelet analyzer
that can acquire real-time signals such as current, voltage, energy input, and dynamic resistance.
Compared with the conventional shielding gas device, the additional shielding gas device supplements
a three-way adjustable valve, gas flow meters for branch B (branch for shielding gas entering into the
welding torch) and branch C (branch for supplementing shielding gas), an electric gas valve 2 and
a one-way valve, and the gas nozzle for additional shielding gas is close to the nozzle of the welding
torch. Integrated with the original welding equipment, the new device constitutes a new gas path
Appl.
Appl. Sci.
Sci.2018,
2018, 8,
8, x1658
FOR PEER REVIEW 14
3 of 13

new gas path system with an adjustable gas flow in every branch and the readable flow rate. The new
system
gas flowwith an adjustable
system works on the gasfollowing
flow in every branch
principle: theand
gas the readable
source of theflow rate.passes
cylinder The new gas flow
through the
system works on the following principle: the gas source of the cylinder passes
gas conduit into the electric gas valve 1 in the gas supply branch. Herein, the electric gas valve through the gas conduitis
into the electric
controlled by the gas valveat
button 1 in
thethe gas supply
torch handle.branch.
When the Herein, the electric
welding gas gas
starts, the valve is controlled
valve is opened byand
the
button
the at the gas
shielding torch handle.
enters When
the gas the welding
conduit starts,
in the wire the gas
feeder valve the
through is opened andgas
valve. The the circuit
shielding gas
passes
enters the gas conduit in the wire feeder through the valve. The gas circuit passes
through the wire feeder and is connected to the A end of the three-way adjustable valve. With a knob, through the wire
feeder
the and is connected
three-way to the valve
gas adjustable A endcanof the three-way
realize adjustable
the amount valve. With
distribution a knob,
of the the three-way
gas coming from the gas
main branch, and the B and C outputs allow appropriate amounts of gas through outlet pipes. TheB
adjustable valve can realize the amount distribution of the gas coming from the main branch, and the
andflow
gas C outputs allow appropriate
in C branch amounts of
is the newly-added gas through outlet
supplementing pipes.gas
shielding The gas flow
flow. in Cflow
The gas branch is the
outputs
newly-added supplementing shielding gas flow. The gas flow outputs from the three-way
from the three-way valve port C. The on/off state is controlled by the electric gas valve 2, and the gas valve port C.
The on/off state is controlled by the electric gas valve 2, and the gas flow
flow passes through the one-way valve, following which it is ejected from the nozzle for the passes through the one-way
valve, following
additional gas. The which it is ejected
gas flow ejected from
by thethe nozzle
nozzle for the
covers theadditional
weld seamgas. The gasjust
excluding flowtheejected
arc zone by
the nozzle covers the weld seam excluding just the arc zone and provides
and provides a stable, continuous gas protection to the weld seam that would otherwise be exposed a stable, continuous gas
protection
to air. to the weld seam that would otherwise be exposed to air.

Wire Wire
Electric gas feeder feeder Electric gas
Conduit
valve 3 valve1

Shielding Shielding
gas
B gas
A
C Three-way valve
Welding Welding
power Electric gas power
Welding valve 2
direction
Welding
wire
shielding gas Additional
Molten pool shielding gas

Figure1.
Figure Schematicdiagram
1.Schematic diagramof
ofthe
thetwin
twinwire
wirepulsed
pulsed MIG
MIG welding
welding under
under additional
additional shielding
shielding gas.
gas.

2.2. Experimental Materials and Processing

2.2. Experimental Materials and Processing
The base metal is a 2205 duplex stainless steel plate, with dimensions of 250 × 100 × 3 mm.
The base metal is a 2205 duplex stainless steel plate, with dimensions of 250 × 100 × 3 mm. ER2009
ER2009 weld wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm is adopted. Their chemical compositions are shown in
weld wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm is adopted. Their chemical compositions are shown in Table 1.
Table 1. The peak and base current of the leading and trailing wire are 350 A and 120 A. The weld
The peak and base current of the leading and trailing wire are 350A and 120A. The weld frequency
frequency is 3 Hz, and the other weld parameters such as the flow rate of additional shielding gas,
is 3 Hz, and the other weld parameters such as the flow rate of additional shielding gas, and weld
and weld speed are shown in Table 2.
speed are shown in Table 2.
Table 1. Chemical compositions of 2205 and ER2209.
Table 1. Chemical compositions of 2205 and ER2209.
Materials C Mn Si Cr Ni Mo N S P
Materials C Mn Si Cr Ni Mo N S P
22052205 0.0240.024≤2.0 ≤ 1.0
≤2.0 ≤1.0 22–23
22–23 4.5–6.5 3.0–3.5 0.15–0.2 ≤ 0.02
4.5–6.5 3.0–3.5 0.15–0.2 ≤0.02 ≤0.03≤0.03
ER2209 0.025 1.6 0.3 22.5 9.5 3.1 0.16 0.01 0.025
ER2209 0.025 1.6 0.3 22.5 9.5 3.1 0.16 0.01 0.025

Table 2. Main processing parameters of weld process.

Table 2. Main processing parameters of weld process.
Flowrate of
Flowrate of Additional
AdditionalShielding
ShieldingGas
Gas WeldWeld
SpeedSpeed
Sample Number
Sample Number L/min cm/min
L/min cm/min
1 0 160
1 0 160
2 12 160
2 3 012 180 160
3 4 120 180 180
4 5 012 200 180
5 6 120 200 200
6 12 200
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 4 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 4 of 14

InInthis
thispaper,
paper,flatflatbutt
buttwelding
weldingisisused,
used,and andthe thegapgap between
betweentwo twoplates
platesisis 11 mm.
mm. The Thedraft
draftof of
plate and all dimensions are shown in Figure 2a. The additional shielding
plate and all dimensions are shown in Figure 2a. The additional shielding gas is argon (Ar) with a gas is argon (Ar) with
a purity
purity of 99.99%
of 99.99% andand a flow
a flow raterate
of 12ofL/min.
12 L/min.BeforeBefore the welding
the welding test, thetest, the surface
surface of the sample
of the sample is first
grounded with sandpaper to remove the oxide deposits, and the surface of the sample is wiped cleanis
is first grounded with sandpaper to remove the oxide deposits, and the surface of the sample
wiped
with clean with
alcohol. alcohol. The
The welding startswelding
after the starts
surfaceafteristhe surface
dried. Theisself-developed
dried. The self-developed
wavelet analyzer wavelet is
analyzer
used is usedvoltage
to acquire to acquire
andvoltage
currentand current
signals during signals during the
the welding welding
process. The process.
waveforms The waveforms
of current
of current
and voltageand voltage areanalyzed.
are statistically statistically
Afteranalyzed.
welding,After a sparkwelding,
dischargea spark discharge
wire cutter wire
is used to cutter
removeis
used
20 mmtofrom remove both20ends
mm fromof theboth
weld,endsand of samples
the weld,for andthesamples
tensilefor
test,themetallographic,
tensile test, metallographic,
and impact
and impact
samples are samples
cut fromare thecut from
weld as the weldsections.
vertical as vertical Thesections.
dimensionsThe dimensions of the test
of the test samples aresamples
shown are in
shown in Figure 2b,c. The metallographic test specimens are prepared
Figure 2b,c. The metallographic test specimens are prepared using standard metallographic using standard metallographic
procedures. The
procedures. Themicrostructure
microstructureofofthe thewelded
weldedjoint jointisisobserved
observedand andanalyzed
analyzedusing using an an Olympus
Olympus
optical microscope (OM) (Olympus, Shibuya, Japan) and scanning electron microscopy(Hitachi,
optical microscope (OM) (Olympus, Shibuya, Japan) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (SEM)
Tokyo, Japan).
(Hitachi, Tokyo, The Rockwell
Japan). Thehardness
Rockwell test is performed
hardness onperformed
test is the polishedonand theetched specimens
polished by the
and etched
Rockwell hardness
specimens test machine
by the Rockwell hardness (Buehler, Lake Bluff,
test machine IL, USA).
(Buehler, For each
Lake Bluff, test point,
IL, USA). the test
For each test time
point,is
15 s, with a load of 150 kg and a step size of 1 mm. The tensile test is conducted
the test time is 15 s, with a load of 150 kg and a step size of 1 mm. The tensile test is conducted on the on the test machine
(INSTRON,
test machineBoston, (INSTRON,MA, USA)Boston,at room
MA, temperature.
USA) at room Tensile test specimens
temperature. Tensileare test
produced following
specimens are
ASTM E8 following
produced at the crosshead
ASTMspeedE8 at 3themm/min,
crosshead and 3 specimens
speed 3 mm/min, are tested for each welded
and 3 specimens joint.for
are tested In order
each
to evaluate
welded joint.theIn impact
order totoughness
evaluate theof the welded
impact joint, the
toughness of Charpy
the weldedimpactjoint,test
the(with
Charpya test specimen
impact test
thickness
(with a testof specimen
3 mm) is carried out,of
thickness and3 the
mm)Chary impactout,
is carried testand
samples are prepared
the Chary impactintestaccordance
samples with are
prepared in accordance with ISO 5173:2000. After the tensile test and the impact test, the fractureis
ISO 5173:2000. After the tensile test and the impact test, the fracture morphology of the welded joint
observed by of
morphology SEM.
the welded joint is observed by SEM.

(a) (b) (c)

Figure
Figure 2. Dimensionsofof
2. Dimensions testtest specimens
specimens (unit:(unit:
mm):mm): (a) of
(a) Draft Draft
plateofand
plate and all dimensions,
all dimensions, (b)
(b) Specimen
Specimen
for tensilefor tensile
test, test, (c) Specimen
(c) Specimen forimpact
for Charpy Charpy impact test.
test.

3.3.Results
Results

3.1. Formation of the Weld Seam

3.1. Formation of the Weld Seam
It can be seen from Table 3 that at the same weld speed and weld current, the weld seam obtained
It can be seen from Table 3 that at the same weld speed and weld current, the weld seam obtained
with additional shielding gas has larger width and deeper penetration. With the increase in welding
with additional shielding gas has larger width and deeper penetration. With the increase in welding
speed, both the penetration depth and weld width decrease. In this paper, D is weld depth, W is weld
speed, both the penetration depth and weld width decrease. In this paper, D is weld depth, W is weld
width, D/W is the ratio of weld depth and weld width. The lower D/W ratio than the weld formed
width, D/W is the ratio of weld depth and weld width. The lower D/W ratio than the weld formed
without the additional shielding gas as shown in Figure 3a. It can be seen from Figure 3b,c that Sample
without the additional shielding gas as shown in Figure 3a. It can be seen from Figure 3b,c that
1 has obvious unfused defects and Sample 2 is completely penetrated. This comparison indicates that
Sample 1 has obvious unfused defects and Sample 2 is completely penetrated. This comparison
without changing the welding current and welding speed, adding only one branch for the additional
indicates that without changing the welding current and welding speed, adding only one branch for
shielding gas can effectively improve and diminish the unfused defects of the weld. The shape of
the additional shielding gas can effectively improve and diminish the unfused defects of the weld.
the obtained welds varies greatly and the morphologies of welds formed with additional shielding
The shape of the obtained welds varies greatly and the morphologies of welds formed with additional
gas are obviously superior to those without shielding gas. Similarly, Sample 3 has obvious unfused
shielding gas are obviously superior to those without shielding gas. Similarly, Sample 3 has obvious
defects as shown in Figure 3d, and Sample 4 is completely penetrated in Figure 3e. In contrast to
unfused defects as shown in Figure 3d, and Sample 4 is completely penetrated in Figure 3e. In
Figure 3b,d, the penetration depth and weld width decreases with the increase of welding speed. It can
contrast to Figure 3b,d, the penetration depth and weld width decreases with the increase of welding
be seen from Figure 3f,g that Sample 6 has slightly larger width and deeper penetration than Sample
speed. It can be seen from Figure 3f,g that Sample 6 has slightly larger width and deeper penetration
5, but both samples have unfused defects. As the welding speed increases, the heat transferred will
than Sample 5, but both samples have unfused defects. As the welding speed increases, the heat
transferred will decrease synchronously, and the heat input will decrease significantly if the effective
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solve
solve the gas:
the
problemgas:
of(1) (1)
the
the
problem of the
weldimpact
of impact
unfused
unfusedbead. force force
After
defects generated
generated
the
defects by
additional
causedcaused by by
the
by the
gas
shieldinggas
flow
insufficient
insufficient
formation of the weld bead. After the additional shielding gas is introduced, the surface of the weld flow
can
gas
heat can
is
heat significantly
significantly
introduced,
input.input. It It
can change
the
can
be change the
surface
be the
concluded
concluded of original
original
the
from weld
from
bead, withwith
bead,
formation,
formation,
can improve larger
and larger
and
part width
theofthetheand
width
weld weld
weldis deeper
and isdeeper
narrow penetration.
narrow
formation penetration.
and
andand Thispenetration
stirthe
the is
it attributed
This
penetration
pool, is attributed
cannot depth to is
depththe
completely two
is actions
toinsufficient,
the two actions
insufficient,
solve the of the
of additional
the
ofadditional
indicating
indicating
problem poor
unfused poor
natural
natural
seam
Figure
Figure
seam is3h is3h solidification
solidification
relatively
that
relativelythat the
thesmooth
part mode
smooth
part
ofmode
and ofand
of
the of
the
the
weld
uniform.the
weld
uniform.
weld weld
bead pool
bead
The Thepool
without
weld metal,
metal,
weld
without surface resulting
resulting
additional
additional
surface in an
exhibits
exhibits in obvious
the
shielding the
an
shielding improvement
improvement
obvious
gas gas
is
fish isfish
unevenlyof ofcurved
the the
scale-like
unevenly
scale-like weld weld
curved
shielding
shielding
formation
formation
defects gas:
of the
caused (1)
gas:
of the the
(1)
weld
by impact
the
weldbead. impact
insufficientbead. force
Afterheat generated
force
After
the the generated
input. by
additional
additional
It can the
by
be gas
the
shielding
shielding
concluded flow
gasgas gascan
flow
from significantly
can significantly
is introduced,
is introduced,
Figure 3h the the
that change
thechange the
surface
surface part original
the
of the
of of the
the original
weld
weldweld
formation
formation
bead,
withwith
formation,
formation,
bead, andand
largerand
larger
andthestirring
stirring
width width
the
weldof
and of
the
weld andthe
molten molten
isdeeper
isdeeper
narrow pool;
narrow pool;
(2)
penetration.
and and
penetration. (2)
thethethe the
gasisgas
This flowisflow
penetration
penetration
This hood hood
attributed
attributed depth depthisformed
formed
to the during
toinsufficient,
the
is
two twoduring theof
actions
insufficient,
actions the
gasofgas
indicating
the the impact
impact can
additional
indicating poor
additional can
poor
natural
seam
Appl.natural
seam
bead solidification
iswithout
Appl.
Sci. solidification
is 2018,
relatively
relatively
Sci.
2018, 8, x smooth
8, x FOR FOR
PEER
additional mode
smooth
PEER mode
and
REVIEW ofand
REVIEW
shielding the
uniform. weld
of uniform.
the
gas weld
is pool
The The
weld
unevenly metal,
pool metal,
weld
surface
curvedresulting
surface resulting
exhibits in an
exhibits
formation, the
inand improvement
the
an
obvious improvement
obvious
the weldfishfish of the
of and
scale-like
isscale-like
narrow 6weld
theof 156weld
of 15
the
effectively
effectively
shielding
formation
formation
shielding extend
of the
gas: extend
gas:
of(1)thethe
(1)weld
weld
the the
the
bead.
impactshielding
shielding
impact
bead.
After time
After
force time
force
the for
the for
the
generatedthe
additional
additional
generated surface
surface of of
the
byshielding
the
gas gas
by shielding
the the
weld weld
gasflow
flow gas
is
canseam
can
is seam and and
feed
significantly
introduced,
introduced,
significantly feed
the
the
thechange the
heat
changeheat
back
surface
surface back
the
of the
the to
of the to
the
original
weld
original the
weld
formation
bead,formation
bead,
withwith
penetration and
larger stirring
and
larger
depth stirring
width width
is of
andthe
of
and molten
the
deeper
insufficient, molten
deeper pool; (2) the
pool;
penetration.
penetration.
indicating (2)
This
poor gas
the
Thisflow
isgas isflowhood
attributed
attributed
formation of formed
hood
to the
the formed
to
weld the
twoduring
twoduring the
actions
actions
bead. Aftergas
ofthe of
the impact
gas
the the impact can can
additional
additional
additional
seammolten
molten
seam
natural ispool
natural ispool
relatively
solidificationdirectionally.
directionally.
solidification
relatively smooth smooth
mode mode
and of and of the
uniform.
uniform.
the weld weld
The The
pool pool
weld metal,
weld surface
surface
metal, resulting
exhibits
exhibits
resulting in in obvious
an
the the
an improvement
obvious
improvement fishfish of of the
scale-like
scale-like
the weld weld
effectively
effectively
shielding
shielding
shielding extend
gas:
gas extend
gas:
(1) the the
(1)
the shielding
the
impact
is introduced, impact Table
shielding
force
the Table
time 3.
force The
for
time 3. The
weld
the
for
generated
generated
surface of weld
the shape
surface
theby shape
by
the
weld and
surfaceof
the
gas
seam and
section
the
ofgas
flow
is section
weld
the of
weld
flow
canjoints.
of
seam
can
relatively joints.
seamand
significantly
smooth feedand
and
significantly the
feedchangeheatheat
the
change
uniform. back
the tooriginal
back
the
original
The the
to the
weld
formation
bead,
bead, with
formation with
larger
and and
larger stirring
width
stirring width and
of of
theand the
deeper
molten molten
deeper pool;
penetration.
penetration.
pool; (2)
(2) the the
Thisgasisgas
This isflow
attributed
flow hood hood
attributed to the
formedformed
to the
two twoduring
actions
during theofthe
actions ofgas
the
gas the impact can can
additional
additional
impact
molten
molten
natural
natural
surface
No. pool
No. directionally.
pool
solidification
exhibits directionally.
solidification mode
an obvious mode of
fish of
the the
weld
scale-like
Weld weldpool
weld
Weld
Shape pool metal,
metal,
bead,
Shape with resulting
resulting
larger in
width in and
the the improvement
improvement
deeperSection of Joints
of Joints
penetration.
Section the the
Thisweld
weld is
effectively
shielding
shielding
effectively gas:
extendextend
gas: (1) the
(1) the the
impact
shielding Table
shielding
impact force Table
time 3. The
time
force 3.
generated
for The
weld
for
generated
the weld
theshape
surface shape
bysurface
by
the and
the
gas
of and
section
of
the gas
flowsection
the
weld of
weld
flow
can of
can
seam joints.
joints.
seam
significantly
and and
feedfeed
significantly change
the heatof
the
changeheat
the of
back back
the
original to the
tooriginal
the
formation
formation
attributed and toandthe stirring
stirringtwo of of the
the
actions ofmolten
molten the pool; pool; (2)shielding
(2) the
additional the
gas gas
flowflow hood
gas: hood
formed
(1) theformed during
impact during
force the
gas gas
the generated
impactimpact
bycan can
the
molten
natural
natural
molten
No. pool
No. pool
solidificationdirectionally.
solidification
directionally. mode mode of
Table
of
the 3.
the
Table
weld
Weld
The
weld
3.Weld
pool
Shape
weld
The
pool
Shape
shape
weld
metal,
metal,and
shape section
and
resulting
resulting in
of seam
section joints.
in the
the
of seam
joints.
improvement
improvement SectionSection of of Joints
of Joints
the
of the
weld weld
effectively
effectively
gas flow canextend
extend the the
significantly shielding
shielding changetime time
for
the for
the the surface
surface
original of the
natural ofsolidification
the
weld weld and
mode and
feedoffeed
the
the the
heat
weldheat
back back
pool to the
tometal,
the
formation
formation andand stirring
stirring of theof the
molten moltenpool; pool; (2) the
(2) the gas gas
flowflow hood hood
formedformed duringduring the thegas gas impact
impact cancan
molten
molten
resulting
No. poolpool thedirectionally.
indirectionally.
improvement of the weld
Weld formation
Shape and stirring of the molten pool; (2)
Section the gas flow
No.
effectively
effectively extendextend the the shielding
shielding Table Table
time time
3. The
for3.Weld
The
for
weld
the Shape
weld
theshape
surface shape
surface
and and
of theof the
sectionsection
weld weld of seam
of seam joints.
joints. andand feedfeed heatof
theSection
the heatJoints
ofback
back Joints
to the to the
hood1 formed
1 during the gas impact can effectively extend the shielding time for the surface of the
molten
molten pool pool directionally.
directionally.
No.No.
weld seam and feed the heatTable backTable Weld
3.toThe3.Weld
the Shape
The
weld
moltenShape
weld
shapeshape
pool and section
anddirectionally.
section of joints.
of joints. SectionSection of Joints
of Joints
1 1
No.No. Table 3.Weld
Table The3.Weld
Shape
The
weld Shape
weld
shapeshape
andand sectionsection of joints.
of joints. SectionSection of Joints
of Joints
1 1 Table 3. The weld shape and section of joints.
No.No. Weld Weld
Shape Shape SectionSection of Joints
of Joints
1 1No. Weld Shape Section of Joints

12 12

21 21 1

2 2

2 2

23 23 2
32 32

3 3

3 33

34 34
43 43

4 44

4 4

45 45
54 54 5

5 5

5 5

56 56 6
6 6
5 5
6 6

6 6

6 6

6 6
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 6 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 14

D
0.55
W
10 W/D 0.50
0.45

weld depth and width (mm)

8 0.40

weld D/W ratio

0.35

6 0.30

0.25

4 0.20

0.15

2 0.10

0.05

0 0.00
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Sample number
(a)

(b) (c)

(d) (e)

(f) (g)

Figure 3. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 14
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 7 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 7 of 14

(h)
Figure 3. Morphology of the weld seam: (a) Penetration (h) depth and width/depth, (b) The cross-
section of joint of Sample 1, (c) The cross-section of joint of Sample 2, (d) The cross-section of
Figure
Figure 3.Sample
joint of3. Morphology
Morphology of
3, (e)ofThethe
the weld
weld seam:
seam: (a) (a)
cross-section Penetration
Penetration
of joint depth
depth
of Sample and and width/depth,
4, width/depth,
(f) The (b)cross-section
(b) The
cross-section The cross-
of joint of
section
of joint of
of joint
Sample of
1,Sample
(c) The 1, (c) The cross-section
cross-section of joint of of
Samplejoint
2, of
(d) Sample
The 2, (d) The
cross-section
Sample 5, (g) The cross-section of joint of Sample 6, (h) the comparison before and after the of cross-section
joint of Sample of
3,
(e) The
joint ofcross-section
Sample
introduction of joint
3, (e) Theofshielding
of additional Sample 4,gas.
cross-section(f) The cross-section
of joint of Sample of joint of The
4, (f) Sample 5, (g) The cross-section
cross-section of joint of
of joint of5,Sample
Sample (g) The6, cross-section
(h) the comparison before
of joint and after6,the
of Sample (h)introduction of additional
the comparison before shielding
and aftergas.
the
introduction of additional shielding gas.
After welding, X-ray NDTs are employed to examine the defects in the weld. As the weld shapes
After welding, X-ray NDTs are employed to examine the defects in the weld. As the weld shapes
are similar when the samples are welded at 160, 180 and 200 cm/min, we only carry out X-ray NDT
are similar
After when theX-ray
welding, samples areare
welded at 160, 180 and 200 cm/min, wethe
only carry out
theX-ray
weldNDT at
at the weld speed of 160 NDTs employed
cm/min. The resultsto ofexamine the
X-ray NDT defects
testing in weld.
of Sample 1As
and Sample shapes
2 are
the
are weld speed
similar of 160
when4.the cm/min.
samples The results
are welded of
at isX-ray
160, NDT testing of Sample 1 and Sample 2 are shown
shown in Figure When the welding speed 1.6180 and 200
m/min, cm/min,gas
no obvious wepores
only are
carry out X-ray
found in the NDT
weld
in Figure
at the weld4. When
speed the
of welding
160 speed
cm/min. is 1.6
The m/min,
results of no obvious
X-ray NDT gas pores
testing of are found
Sample 1 in the
and weld seams
Sample 2 are
seams with and without additional shielding gas, indicating that both welds have good compactness.
with
shown and
in without
Figure 4.additional
When the shielding gas, indicating
welding speed thatno
is 1.6 m/min, both weldsgas
obvious have good
pores arecompactness.
found in the weld
seams with and without additional shielding gas, indicating that both welds have good compactness.

(a) (b)

Figure 4. X-ray NDT photograph:

(a) (a) X-ray NDT for weld seam in Sample(b)1, (b) X-ray NDT for weld
Figurein4.Sample
seam X-ray NDT
2. photograph: (a) X-ray NDT for weld seam in Sample 1, (b) X-ray NDT for weld
seam in Sample 2.
3.2. Results
Figure 4.of X-ray
Metallographic Tests
NDT photograph: (a) X-ray NDT for weld seam in Sample 1, (b) X-ray NDT for weld
seam inofSample
3.2. Results 2.
Metallographic Tests
There are 6 samples selected to analyze the fusion zone, heat-affected zone, and base metal of the
weld seam. of
There
3.2. Results The
are 6microstructure
samples selected
Metallographic of the
Tests to heat-affected
analyze the fusionzone iszone, observed under a magnification
heat-affected zone, and base of metal
50 times.of
The Figure 5a–f is corresponded to the Sample 1–6 respectively. The
the weld seam. The microstructure of the heat-affected zone is observed under a magnification of 50matrix is ferrite, while the strip
and
times.There
block are 6 samples
Thestructures
Figure 5a–f selected The
areisaustenite.
corresponded to analyze the fusion
microstructure
to the Sample zone,
of the
1–6 heat-affected
heat-affected
respectively. Thezone zone,
matrix and
has is basewhile
irregular
ferrite, metaland
strip of
the
the weld
block-like seam. The
features,
strip and block microstructure
and the are
structures of
characteristicsthe
austenite. The heat-affected
of two-phase
microstructurezone is observed
are interpenetrated under
of the heat-affected a magnification
distribution.
zone has In Sample of
irregular 50
1,
times.
astrip The Figure
heat-affected 5a–f
zone of is corresponded
200–1600 µm to
widththe isSample
shown 1–6
in respectively.
Figure 5a, while The
and block-like features, and the characteristics of two-phase are interpenetrated distribution. In matrix
the is ferrite,
heat-affected while
zone the
with
strip
150–1000
Sampleand1,µm
block structures
width of Sample
a heat-affected are 2austenite.
zone of shownThe
as200–1600 inμm microstructure
Figure
width5b is narrower
shown of the heat-affected
in than
Figure that the zone
5a,ofwhile the has
heat-affected irregular
zone
heat-affected
strip
in and
Sample block-like
1. In Samplefeatures,
3, a and the
heat-affected characteristics
zone of of
200–1200 two-phase
µm are
width
zone with 150–1000 μm width of Sample 2 as shown in Figure 5b is narrower than that of the heat- interpenetrated
is shown in Figure distribution.
5c, while In
the
Sample
affected1,
heat-affecteda heat-affected
zone zone 1.zone
with 300–800
in Sample ofµm
In Sample 200–1600
width ofμm width4 zone
Sample
3, a heat-affected is
asshown
shown in
in Figure
Figure
of 200–1200 μm 5a, while
5dwidth
is isthe
narrower heat-affected
shown than that of
in Figure
zone
the with 150–1000
5c, heat-affected μm width
zone in Sample
while the heat-affected of Sample
zone3. with
In Sample2 as
300–800 shown
5, a μm in Figure
heat-affected
width of zone 5b is
Sample narrower
of 500–600
4 as shown than
µm widththat of the heat-
is shown
in Figure 5d inis
affected
Figure zone
5e, in
while Sample
the 1. In
heat-affectedSample zone3, a heat-affected
with 150–400 zone
µm of
width 200–1200
of Sample
narrower than that of the heat-affected zone in Sample 3. In Sample 5, a heat-affected zone of 500– μm 6width
as is
shown shown
in in
Figure Figure
5f is
5c,
600 while
narrower the heat-affected
than
μm width isthat of the
shown zone 5e,with
in heat-affected
Figure 300–800
zone
while μm width
theinheat-affected
Sample of
5. This
zoneSample
is with
because 4 astheshown
150–400 fluidity
μm widthin of
Figure
the 5d is
molten
of Sample
narrower
pool than
metal in
6 as shown that
inthe of the
presence
Figure heat-affected
of additional
5f is narrower zone
thanshieldingin Sample
that of the 3. In
gasheat-affected Sample
is better thanzone 5,
thatina heat-affected
without
Sampleadditional zone
5. This is gas of 500–
due
because
600
to μm
the width
action ofis shown
external in
gasFigure
flow. 5e,
The while
better the heat-affected
fluidity provides zone
more with 150–400
driving
the fluidity of the molten pool metal in the presence of additional shielding gas is better than that force μmfor width
the of Sample
diffusion of
6without
as shown in Figure 5f is narrower than that of the heat-affected zone
additional gas due to the action of external gas flow. The better fluidity provides more in Sample 5. This is because
the fluidity of the molten pool metal in the presence of additional shielding gas is better than that
without additional gas due to the action of external gas flow. The better fluidity provides more
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 8 of 14
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 8 of 13
driving force for the diffusion of the metal and a shorter residence time in the liquid state, and so the
extent of its heat-affected zone is smaller than that of the weld seam without additional shielding gas.
the metal and a shorter residence
The microstructure of the fusion timezonein the is liquid
observed state, and so
under the extent of
a microscope atits heat-affected zone
a magnification of 500is
smaller than that of the weld seam without additional shielding gas.
times. The fusion zone exhibits an as-cast dendritic crystal structure, which is mainly austenite. It can
be seen Thethat
microstructure
a large number of the fusion zone
of austenite is observed
segments under
precipitate witha microscope
the feather and at a dendritic
magnification shapes of
500 times. The fusion zone exhibits an as-cast dendritic crystal
distributed in the grain boundaries and crystals of ferrite and form a relatively obvious boundary structure, which is mainly austenite.
It canthe
with be base
seen that
metala large2205 as number
shownofin austenite
Figure 5g. segments
The coarseprecipitate
and large with Widmanstatten
the feather and structure dendritic
shapes distributed
appears in the fusioninarea, the grain
indicating boundaries
that theand crystals
hardness andoftoughness
ferrite andofform a relatively
the metal becomeobviouspoorer
boundary with the base metal 2205 as shown in Figure 5g.
while the brittleness of the weld pool metal increases. The grain size in the weld fusion zone inThe coarse and large Widmanstatten
structure
Sample appears
1 is obviously in the fusion
coarser andarea, indicating
larger than that that
of the
the hardness
Sample 2,and toughness
as shown of the5g,h.
in Figure metal The become
grain
poorer while the brittleness of the weld pool metal increases. The
size in the weld fusion zone in Sample 3 is obviously coarser and larger than that of the Sample grain size in the weld fusion zone
4, asin
Sample 1 is obviously coarser and larger than that of the Sample
shown in Figure 5i,j. The grain size in the weld fusion zone in Sample 5 is obviously coarser and 2, as shown in Figure 5g,h. The grain
size inthan
larger the weld
that of fusion zone in Sample
the Sample 6, as shown 3 is obviously
in Figure coarser
5k,l. This andislarger
becausethan thatisofno
there theadditional
Sample 4,
as shown in Figure 5i,j. The grain size in the weld fusion
shielding gas, the metal has poorer fluidity and the liquid metal has a longer residence time.zone in Sample 5 is obviously coarser
As a
and larger than that of the Sample 6, as shown in Figure 5k,l. This
result, the austenite in the fusion zone continues to increase, which increases the brittleness of the is because there is no additional
shielding
weld poolgas, the thereby
metal, metal hasindicating
poorer fluidity that the andhardness
the liquidand metal has a longer
toughness residence
obtained time. As
in Sample a result,
1 are less
the austenite
favorable. in the fusion zone continues to increase, which increases the brittleness of the weld pool
metal,
The thereby
Rockwell indicating
hardness that the
test hardness
results and toughness
of Samples obtained
1–6 are shown in in Sample
Figure 6. It1can
are be
lessobserved
favorable. that
The Rockwell hardness test results of Samples 1–6 are shown
the hardness of the heat affected zone (HAZ) metal is higher than that of base metal (BM) and weld in Figure 6. It can be observed that
the hardness of the heat affected zone (HAZ) metal is higher
metal (WM), and the hardness of weld metal is higher than that of base metal. The reason may bethan that of base metal (BM) and weld
metal
that (WM),
the HAZand is thethejunction
hardnessofofBM weld
andmetal
WM,isthe higher
grainthan that of base
distribution metal.
is not The reason
uniform, and itmay be that
is easy to
form welding residual stress in the welding process, resulting in the increase of hardness. form
the HAZ is the junction of BM and WM, the grain distribution is not uniform, and it is easy to The
welding residual
hardness of Samples stress2, 4in the6welding
and is generally process,
higher resulting
than that in of
theSamples
increase1,of hardness.
3 and The hardness
5, respectively, which of
Samples 2, 4 and 6 is generally higher than that of Samples 1, 3 and 5,
indicates that the introduction of the additional shielding gas is beneficial for enhancing the hardness respectively, which indicates that
thethe
of introduction of the additional
joint. The phenomenon may shielding
due to thegas is beneficial
introduction of for enhancing
additional the hardness
shielding of the joint.
gas increasing the
The phenomenon
temperature gradient mayofdue the to the and
joints introduction
accelerating of additional shielding gas
the heat dissipation increasing
at the the temperature
joints. With the increase
gradient
in welding ofspeed,
the jointsthe and accelerating
hardness of Samples the heat dissipation
1, 3 and 5 increases at the joints. With
gradually. Becausethe increase in welding
the transformation
time of ferrite decreases and austenite formation decreases with the increase in welding time
speed, the hardness of Samples 1, 3 and 5 increases gradually. Because the transformation speed, of
ferrite decreases
relatively and austenite and
fine microstructures formation
increased decreases
hardness withoccur.
the increase in welding speed, relatively fine
microstructures and increased hardness occur.

(a) (b)
Figure 5. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 9 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 14

(c) (d)

(e) (f)

(g) (h)

(i) (j)

Figure 5. Cont.
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 10 of 13
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 14
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 14

(k) (l)
(k) (l)
Figure 5. Metallographic
Figure 5. Metallographictest results: (a) Metallographic
test results: (a) Metallographic image of HAZofin HAZ
image Sample in 1,Sample
(b) Metallographic
1, (b)
Figure
image of5.
HAZMetallographic
in Sample
Metallographic image 2,of(c)test results:
in Sample(a)2,image
Metallographic
HAZ Metallographic
(c) image
of HAZ in Sample
Metallographic image 3,of(d)
of HAZ
HAZ in in Sample
Metallographic
Sample (d)1, (b)
3, image of
Metallographic
HAZ Metallographic
in Sample 4, image
image
(e) ofofHAZHAZinin Sample
Metallographic Sample
image of 2, (c) Metallographic
4, HAZ
(e) Metallographic
in Sample 5, (f) image
image of of
HAZ HAZ
Metallographic in
in SampleSample
image (f)3, (d)
5, HAZ
of in
SampleMetallographic
Metallographic imageofof HAZ
image
6, (g) Metallographic HAZ in
inSample
image Sample 6, (g)
of fusion Metallographic
4, zone in Sampleimage
(e) Metallographic 1, (h)of fusionofzone
image HAZ
Metallographic in Sample
in 1,of
Sample
image (h)fusion
5, (f)
zone Metallographic
Metallographic
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image ofHAZ
fusioninzone
2, (i)ofMetallographic of in
Sample Sample
6,
image(g) of 2,fusion
(i) Metallographic
Metallographic
zone inimageimage
Sample of (j)
fusion
of fusion
3, zoneininSample
zone
MetallographicSampleimage
1, (h)
3, (j) Metallographic image of fusion zone in Sample 4, (k) Metallographic image of fusion zone in
Metallographic
of fusion zone inimage
Sample of fusion zone of in Sample
4, (k) Metallographic 2, (i) of
image Metallographic
fusion zone in image
Sample of fusion zone in Sample
5, (l) Metallographic
Sample 5, (l) Metallographic image of fusion zone in Sample 6.
3, (j) Metallographic
image of fusion zone in image
Sample of fusion
6. zone in Sample 4, (k) Metallographic image of fusion zone in
Sample 5, (l) Metallographic image of fusion zone in Sample 6.

Figure 6.6.Rockwell
Figure Rockwell hardness distributioninin
hardness distribution welded
welded joints.
joints.

3.3. Mechanical Properties

3.3. Mechanical Properties
The The
tensile test test
tensile results of the
results joints
of the areare
joints shown
shown in in
Figure
Figure7. 7.The
Thetensile
tensileproperties
properties of
of the
the joints
joints were
Figure 6. Rockwell hardness distribution in welded joints.
were significantly
significantly improvedimproved by introducing
by introducing the additional
the additional shielding shielding
gas. Thegas.maximum
The maximumtensile tensile
strengths
strengths of the samples 1–6 were 648 MPa, 776 MPa, 716 MPa, 775 MPa,
of the samples 1–6 were 648 MPa, 776 MPa, 716 MPa, 775 MPa, 694 MPa and 773 MPa, respectively, 694 MPa and 773 MPa,
3.3. Mechanical
respectively, Properties
whichwithindicates that with the same welding current, the introduction of additional
which indicates that the same welding current, the introduction of additional shielding gas
shielding
The the gas
tensile increases
test resultsthe maximum
ofstrength
the jointstensile strength of the joint by 19.7%, 8.2% and 11.3% when the joints
increases maximum tensile of are
the shown
joint byin Figure
19.7%, 8.2% 7. The tensilewhen
and 11.3% properties of the
the welding speed
were welding speed
significantly was 1.6,
improved 1.8 and
by 2.0 m/min,
introducing respectively.
the The
additional fracture cross-sections
shielding gas. The are shown
maximum intensile
was 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 m/min, respectively. The fracture cross-sections are shown in Figure 8. The fracture
Figure 8. The fracture section of sample 1 shows a transgranular fracture along the cleavage plane
strengths
section of of the samples
sample 1 shows 1–6 were 648 MPa,
a transgranular 776 MPa, 716the MPa, 775 MPa, 694 MPa and 773brittle
MPa,
because of the brittle fracture; the fracture fracture
section ofalong
Sample 2 cleavage plane
shows a large because
number of the
of irregular
respectively, which indicates that with the same welding current, the introduction
fracture; the fracture section of Sample 2 shows a large number of irregular dimples, and the inclusion of additional
shielding
of gas increases
second-phase particlesthe maximum
can be observed tensile strength
at the bottomofofthethejoint by 19.7%,
dimple, 8.2%that
indicating andthe
11.3%jointwhen the
fracture
welding
is ductile.speed was 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 m/min, respectively. The fracture cross-sections are shown in
Figure 8. The fracture section of sample 1 shows a transgranular fracture along the cleavage plane
because of the brittle fracture; the fracture section of Sample 2 shows a large number of irregular
 Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 14

dimples,
Appl. Sci. 2018, and the inclusion of second-phase particles can be observed at the bottom of the dimple,
8, 1658 11 of 13
indicating that the joint fracture is ductile.

70000

60000

50000

Tensile force (N)

40000

30000

20000 Base metal

Sample 1
Sample 2
10000

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Displacement (mm)

(a)
Tensile strength
900

800

700

600
Strength(MPa)

500

400

300

200

100

0
1 2 3 4 5 6
Sample number

(b)

Figure 7.Figure 7. Tensile

Tensile properties
properties ofofthe
the base
basemetal
metalandand
welded joint: (a)joint:
welded Tensile(a)
curves, (b) Result
Tensile of tensile
curves, (b) Result of
tests.
tensile tests.

The Charpy impact test results of the joint and base metal are shown in Table 4. It can be seen from
Table 4 that the average absorbed energy of the base metal is 54 J, while the average absorbed energy
of the joints without the additional shielding gas ranges from 12 to 18.2 J, amounting to approximately
22.2–33.7% of the absorbed energy of the base metal. After introducing the shielding gas, the absorbed
energy of the joints ranges from 27 to 30 J, amounting to approximately 50–55.6% of the absorbed
energy of the base metal. At the same weld current and weld speed, the joint with additional shielding
gas has a higherAppl.
absorbed energy,
Sci. 2018, 8, x FOR and hence, better toughness.
PEER REVIEW 12 of 14

(a) (b)

Figure 8. Photographs of fractured tensile samples: (a) Sample 1, (b) Sample 2.

Figure 8. Photographs of fractured tensile samples: (a) Sample 1, (b) Sample 2.

The Charpy impact test results of the joint and base metal are shown in Table 4. It can be seen
from Table 4 that the average absorbed energy of the base metal is 54 J, while the average absorbed
energy of the joints without the additional shielding gas ranges from 12 J to 18.2 J, amounting to
approximately 22.2%–33.7% of the absorbed energy of the base metal. After introducing the shielding
gas, the absorbed energy of the joints ranges from 27 J to 30 J, amounting to approximately 50%–
55.6% of the absorbed energy of the base metal. At the same weld current and weld speed, the joint
Appl. Sci. 2018, 8, 1658 12 of 13

Table 4. Charpy impact test results of joint and base metal.

Absorbed Energy (J)

Sample Number
1 2 3 Average Value Standard Deviation
Base Metal 53.5 53.8 54.7 54 0.5
1 17.9 18.1 18.6 18.2 0.3
2 29.7 30.1 29.6 29.8 0.2
3 11.8 11.8 12.4 12 0.3
4 30 29.9 30.1 30 0.1
5 17.5 17.3 16.8 17.2 0.3
6 26.8 26.9 27.3 27 0.2

4. Conclusions
The introduction of additional shielding gas in twin wire double pulsed MIG high-speed welding
can provide the following beneficial effects:

(1) The welding process is more stable; the weld width is more uniform; the unfused defects of the
weld can be effectively improved and diminished.
(2) Due to the action of the external gas flow, the fluidity of the molten pool metal is better than that
formed without additional shielding gas. The heat-affected zone is smaller than that of the weld
seam formed without the additional shielding gas.
(3) The tensile properties of the welded joints are significantly improved. When the welding speed
was 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 m/min, the maximum tensile strength of the joints increased by 19.7%,
8.2% and 11.3%, respectively.
(4) At the same welding current and welding speed, the absorbed energy of the joint without the
additional shielding gas ranges from 12 to 18.2 J (22.2–33.7% of the base metal), while the absorbed
energy of the joint with the additional shielding gas ranges from 27 to 30 J (50–55.6% of the base
metal), indicating that the joint with additional shielding gas has higher absorbed energy and
better toughness.

Author Contributions: In this paper, J.X. gave guidance and advice about how to analyze the results of
the research. Y.H. did the main writing of this paper. C.D., L.J. and Z.Z. provided considerable help with
the experiment.
Funding: This research received funding from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant
No. 51875213), High-level Leading Talent Introduction Program of GDAS (Grant No. 2016GDASRC-0106),
Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong (Grant No. 2016A030313117), Natural Science Foundation of Fujian
(Grant No. 2018J01503), and Natural Science Foundation of Hainan (Grant No. 317288).
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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