Submerged Arc Welding

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is a high-productivity arc welding process where the arc is shielded by a blanket of granular flux. This technique delivers exceptional deposition rates and deep penetration, making it the preferred choice for heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, pressure vessels, and large structural applications.

In SAW, a continuous wire electrode is fed into the weld zone beneath a layer of granular flux. The electric arc forms between the electrode and the workpiece, completely submerged under the flux layer, which protects the weld from atmospheric contamination. As the flux melts, it forms a protective slag over the weld pool.

SAW Configurations

Single Wire

Standard configuration for most applications

Tandem Wire

Two wires for higher deposition rates

Multi-Wire

Three or more wires for maximum productivity

Key Parameters

Welding Current

300 - 2,000 A

Voltage

25 - 45 V

Travel Speed

0.3 - 3 m/min

Deposition Rate

Up to 45 kg/hr

SAW Productivity Comparison

SMAW (Stick)

1-5 kg/hr

Relative Productivity: 1x

MIG/MAG

3-12 kg/hr

Relative Productivity: 3x

SAW

15-45 kg/hr

Relative Productivity: 10x

Advantages of Submerged Arc Welding

SAW offers unmatched productivity for heavy fabrication and thick-section welding.

High Deposition Rate

Up to 10 times higher deposition rates than manual welding processes.

Deep Penetration

Excellent penetration for single-pass welding of thick materials.

Minimal Spatter

Arc shielded by flux eliminates spatter and produces clean welds.

High Quality

Consistent, porosity-free welds with excellent mechanical properties.

Efficient Flux Use

Unfused flux can be recovered and reused, reducing costs.

Low Smoke

Submerged arc produces minimal fumes for improved working conditions.

Applications

SAW excels in applications requiring high deposition rates and deep penetration on thick materials.

Pressure vessel fabrication
Shipbuilding and offshore
Pipe and tube manufacturing
Structural steel construction
Bridge fabrication
Wind tower production
Heavy equipment manufacturing
Railway tank cars

Industries

Heavy industries rely on SAW for efficient, high-quality welding of large structures and thick materials.

Shipbuilding

Oil & Gas

Power Generation

Heavy Industry

Construction

Transportation

Related Products

SVS Maverick supplies components and consumables for submerged arc welding systems.