Development of welding gun utilizing welding stabs for tack welding using shielded metal arc welding (smaw) process/
Jhon Loyd S. Cabasag, Sharlene F. Dela Torre, Jhon Pol P. Fajardo, Janfer F. Gonzales, John Gilbert B. Gutlay, and Jan Rey S. Santos.--
- xii, 70pages: 29cm.
Bachelor's thesis
College of Industrial Technology.--
Includes bibliographic references and index.
The Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) process is widely used in welding shops for a variety of fabrication and repair tasks, including tack welding. However, the traditional SMAW tack welding method can be labor-intensive and prone to inconsistencies, leading to potential productivity challenges and increased electrode waste. This study investigated the impact of SMAW tack welding practices on electrode waste and explored the advantages of implementing a cartridge-type welding gun system that utilized pre-loaded welding stabs. The research was conducted with a focus on welding shops located in the Sta. Mesa area of Manila, a hub for fabrication and repair services. The study quantified the amount of electrode waste generated during typical SMAW tack welding operations through a combination of on-site observations, surveys, and interviews with welding professionals. The findingsreveal that the manual nature of the process, along with the need to repeatedly strike and retract the electrode, can lead to significant material losses and increased operational costs. To address these challenges, this study introduced an innovative welding gun system designed to enhance efficiency and precision in welding operations. The system features advanced, ergonomically designed pre-loaded welding stabs and is accurately positioned. The study introduces a Cartridge-type welding gun that uses a shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) equipment to increase the efficiency of tack welding. By enabling faster and more dependable tack welds, the design enhances productivity, weld quality, and material efficiency while lessening the physical strain on welders. Suitable for materials such as galvanized iron and stainless steel, the prototype successfully identifies and weldstwo stacked thin metal sheets with a thickness limit of 0.5 mm. Based on a demonstration film, the prototype, which was built using the proper equipment and materials, was assessed by 20 experts, including professors and welding specialists. With a high mean rating of 4.776 and a classification of "Highly Acceptable," it demonstrated its promise in the thin sheet metal production, welding, and automotive industries.