Optimization of the Plasma Arc Welding Process Weld quality is significantly affected by the shape of the plasma formed at the constricting orifice

As a result of an investigation of the technological characteristics of a plasma welding arc and the heat and mass transport in the weld pool during welding, the role of the plasma-forming constricting orifice was shown to be of decisive importance for weld quality. The procedure for calculating optimum conditions for plasma arc welding was developed, enabling the sphere of applications for the process to be extended. Parameters that increase the reliability of the process are discussed.