Tech Insights

Submerged Arc

Last updated May 16, 2025, generated by Sumble

What is Submerged Arc?

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a welding process where the electric arc is submerged under a blanket of granular flux. This flux prevents spatter and fumes and also acts as an insulator, maintaining heat and promoting deeper weld penetration. SAW is commonly used for welding thick plates, often in shipbuilding, pressure vessel fabrication, and structural steel construction, due to its high deposition rate and efficient heat usage.

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What other technologies are related to Submerged Arc?

Submerged Arc Competitor Technologies

Gas-Tungsten Arc

Gas-Tungsten Arc (GTAW), also known as TIG welding, is a competing arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It is often chosen for its precision and ability to weld a variety of materials, similar to submerged arc welding, but is generally used in applications requiring higher quality welds on smaller parts or in situations where precise control is important.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 48% (201) of relevant job posts

Flux-Cored Arc

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a competing arc welding process. Both are used for welding thick materials, but FCAW is more portable.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 58% (164) of relevant job posts

Shielded Metal Arc

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is a competing arc welding process that is commonly used for general fabrication and repair work. While submerged arc welding is typically used for high-volume production, SMAW is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of applications. Often SMAW is used where the quality of the weld is less important than cost.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 44% (201) of relevant job posts

Gas-Metal Arc

Gas-Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as MIG welding, is a competing arc welding process that is commonly used for high-volume production and automated welding applications. While submerged arc welding is typically used for thicker materials, GMAW can be used for a wider range of material thicknesses and joint configurations.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 43% (201) of relevant job posts

Stick

Stick welding is another name for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), which is a competing technology.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 2% (79) of relevant job posts

MIG

MIG welding is another name for Gas-Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), which is a competing technology.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 0% (106) of relevant job posts

TIG

TIG welding is another name for Gas-Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), which is a competing technology.

mentioned alongside Submerged Arc in 0% (104) of relevant job posts