Optimization of Cold Metal Transfer Welding Parameters for a New Hard-facing Material

Wear is a severe problem for drilling equipment used in the oil and gas industry. In this project one of the possible solutions, the application of a new hard facing cladding material is studied with deposition via a state-of-the-art welding process, Cold Metal Transfer (CMT). CMT welding is multi variable and optimisation of CMT is complex. This project will seek to establish the optimum process parameters for effective deposition of the newly developed hard facing alloy. Investigations are performed to optimise CMT weld cladding process, examining the effect of process parameters on the clad bead geometry, level of the particulates, generation of the spatter and the clad integrity. Integrity of the as-clad material is examined for identification of the cladding defects. Dependence of the geometrical features like clad penetration, height and width on the process parameters was studied and the process parameters were optimised to successfully create hadtic clads free from cracks with, low particulate emissions, low level of spatter and low dilution levels on the mild steel plate.