What characterizes agglomerated flux in submerged arc welding?

Agglomerated flux in submerged arc welding is characterized as a granular flux that has been baked to remove moisture and achieve a specific particle size. The process of baking the flux serves to enhance its stability and performance during the welding process. This results in improved flow characteristics and better coverage of the molten weld pool, which is crucial for providing the shielding necessary to protect the weld from contaminants in the environment.

The particle size achieved through this baking process plays a significant role in ensuring optimal fluidity and adherence to the weld area, which contributes to the overall quality and integrity of the weld. This attention to the physical properties of the flux allows for effective fusing of the materials being welded.

Understanding this aspect of agglomerated flux is critical in submerged arc welding applications, as it directly affects not only the performance but also the final quality of the welded joint.