• Journal of Welding and Joining
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.54-58
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• 2012

Al-coated steel sheets with excellent heat and corrosion resistance are widely used in various applications. In welding of thin plate, some defects such as unmelted zone and metal-through occur easily in the beginning and ending of welding line. In the study, the welding defects in Al-coated steel sheets were investigated with respect to plasma arc current, height between Cu block and base metals, and using a roller to align the height of the base metal. Full penetration and voids free welds were obtained with a plasma arc current 52A and weld speed 2.3m/min. An unmelted zone increased and Ericshen rate decreased as the height between Cu block and base metal increased from 0 to 0.6mm. Using a roller moving ahead of the plasma arc, the length of unmelted zone decreased from 1.7mm to 0.5mm.