abstract
This paper presents the effect of each welding parameter on the weld bead geometry, and then sets out to
determine the optimal process parameters using the Taguchi method to determine the parameters. Three
kinds of oxides, Fe2O3, SiO2, and MgCO3, were used to investigate the effect of activating flux aided gas
metal arc welding (GMAW) on weld bead geometry, angular distortion and mechanical properties in AISI
1020 carbon steel. During welding, a charge coupled device (CCD) camera system was used to observe
and record images of the welding arc and analyze the relationship between penetration increase and
arc profile. The experimental results showed that activating flux aided GMAW increased the weld area
and penetration and tended to reduce the angular distortion of the weldment. The MgCO3 flux produced
the most noticeable effect. Furthermore, the welded joint presented better tensile strength and hardness.