Abstract
The industrial mineral “fluorspar” is a key raw material in the production of welding consumables, whose quality significantly affects process stability and product properties. The aim of this work was to analyse fluorspar samples from various deposits and assess their suitability for welding consumable production.
From the originally examined 12 fluorspar samples, the three most promising ones (hereafter referred to as F1, F4, and F11) were selected and subjected to a comprehensive analysis. This included optical, chemical, and physical examinations as well as further tests in the production of stick electrodes and welding tests.
The results demonstrated that the grain size distribution has a significant impact on the required pressing pressure: While fine-grained fluorspar samples like F1 required higher pressing pressures than coarse-grained fluorspar samples like F4.
The welding tests confirmed F4 as the most promising material with optimal coating adhesion, stable arc guidance, and excellent slag removal. F11 showed potential for niche applications where a low content of process-damaging elements is required, but it needs optimizations.
The SEM and EDX analyses identified specific "fingerprints" that can serve as a reliable tool for quality assurance.
This work lays the foundation for quality requirements for flux and optimizations in welding filler production.
From the originally examined 12 fluorspar samples, the three most promising ones (hereafter referred to as F1, F4, and F11) were selected and subjected to a comprehensive analysis. This included optical, chemical, and physical examinations as well as further tests in the production of stick electrodes and welding tests.
The results demonstrated that the grain size distribution has a significant impact on the required pressing pressure: While fine-grained fluorspar samples like F1 required higher pressing pressures than coarse-grained fluorspar samples like F4.
The welding tests confirmed F4 as the most promising material with optimal coating adhesion, stable arc guidance, and excellent slag removal. F11 showed potential for niche applications where a low content of process-damaging elements is required, but it needs optimizations.
The SEM and EDX analyses identified specific "fingerprints" that can serve as a reliable tool for quality assurance.
This work lays the foundation for quality requirements for flux and optimizations in welding filler production.
Translated title of the contribution | Processing tests on fluorspar samples with a focus on welding electrode production |
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Original language | German |
Qualification | Dipl.-Ing. |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisors/Advisors |
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Award date | 11 Apr 2025 |
Publication status | Published - 2025 |
Bibliographical note
embargoed until 24-02-2030Keywords
- Mineral processing
- Fluorspar
- Raw material characterization
- Welding consumables
- Electrode manufacturing