No Root Cap Horizontal Butt-welding with MAG Process

It has been used many kinds of horizontal butt-welding methods at block-to-block erection stage in shipbuilding companies. For examples, some companies use conventional FCAW process with one side or both sides groove joint welding, others use carriage with torch holder type mechanized welding method. Although lots of efforts were done until now, some problems in quality and productivity still remain in ship's hull welding. In this study, we have attempted to raise productivity and quality on horizontal position of welding with following 3 items. 1) Prepare groove condition with no root gap for making easy fit-up work. 2) Develop improved MAG (100% $CO_2$ gas shielding) welding process with solid wire for making sound root bead from one side. 3) Develop and apply quite new automatic welding carriage. The stability of new welding process was confirmed by conducting mechanical tests of weldments to verify the soundness of weldments.