Analysis of Heat Input in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Based on Tensile Strength and Impact of Environmental Improvement

Abstract

Sustainable development is a concept that considers the needs of future generations. In the industrial field this concept has been applied such as saving energy, as well as in the field of welding. The aim of this study is welding applications by analyzing heat input on tensile strength and efforts to improve the environment for sustainability. The material used is SS400 Steel. SS400 steel is a material used for the construction of buildings and structures, industrial equipment, industrial machinery, and transportation. The transportation industry, especially Railways, is related to the joining process on each of its components. The method used in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) with current of 150 A and a voltage of 7.3V, then the welding time is calculated. The further stage is to determine of Heat Input and tensile testing. The welding variable uses a protective gas flow rate of 10 liters/minute and 15 liters/minute. The welding time of 10 liters/minute takes 122 seconds and 180 seconds at 15 liters/minute. Heat Input of 10 liters/minute is 0.60 KJ/mm and 0.83 KJ/mm at 15 liters/minute. The resulting tensile strength at the 10 liters/minute variation is 469.07 MPa and 15 liters/minute is 455.67 MPa. These results show that with welding that takes a shorter time and lower Heat Input, the mechanical strength (tensile strength) produced is still better, thus is one of the advantages of GMAW that can minimize Heat Input for sustainable activities such as of estimated welding time to save energy for environmental improvement.