The weldability of OPTIM 700 MC–St 37 steel materials with plasma transfer arc method

Welding, the importance of which has been accepted by a great part of the manufacturing sector, is a technology including numerous techniques. It takes its place as a scientific study in many research articles and dissertations. Since welded joints are durable and easy-to-apply, it is possible to see them as an essential joining method in every area of our life. Even though the gas metal arc welding (MIG-MAG), used for welding of automotive parts today, is appropriate for automation, additional metal residuals may remain after welding and it requires a final cleaning process. In order to minimize this disadvantage, the Plasma Transferred Arc welding was used in this study. The weldability of the materials St 37 and OPTIM 700 MC, which are among the material couples having an intensive working area in the production, by using the Plasma Transferred Arc welding method, a fusion welding method, was investigated. In the study, successful results were obtained in the samples welded at 110A for St37- St37 steel couples, 120 A for St 37 - OPTIM 700 MC steel couples, and 110A for OPTIM 700 MC-OPTIM 700 MC steel couples. Key Words: St37, OPTIM 700 MC, plasma transferred arc welding method, welding capability, material inspection.