Review of Factors Influencing Particulate Fume Emission During Arc Welding

TWI Industrial Member Report Summary 257/1984

By G J Carter and D A Worrall

Background

A review of the literature relating to factors influencing the rate of fume production during welding is presented. Fume formation mechanisms are described with reference to manual metal arc, flux-cored arc, metal inert gas, metal active gas and tungsten inert gas welding processes. The effect of welding parameters and consumable formulation on fume emission rate and composition is shown and the particular importance of the role of flux composition indicated. The feasibility is examined of reducing both fume emissions and the toxicity of the fume from manual metal arc and flux cored arc processes by modifying flux formulation.