A Review on Shielded Metal ARC Welding

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is the world's most popular welding process. In this process consumable electrode is used for generating arc. The electrode is coated with a shielding flux. The flux melts with the electrode metallic core, forming gas and slag, shielding the arc and the weld pool. The flux cleans the metal surface and protects the molten metal from oxidation and stabilizes the arc. The molten electrode metal then fills the weld gap and joins work pieces. This is the most popular welding process having ability to produce a great variety of welds using variety of metals, welding positions and electrodes. SMAW equipment is simple, portable, inexpensive and suitable for outdoor applications. SMAW is generally used to weld carbon steel, low and high alloy steels, stainless steel, cast iron, and ductile iron. While less popular for nonferrous materials, it can be used on nickel and copper and their alloys and, in rare cases on aluminium. This paper reviews based on SMAW process, Mechanical properties, Microstructural properties and Corrosion of the joints.