Proposal of welding methods in terms of the amount of oxygen

Purpose: Purpose of this paper is to remind proposals for welding processes classification in terms of oxygen in WMD (weld metal deposit), and confirmation of that concept after further 12 years of new research and results. Design/methodology/approach: Welds were obtained with various oxygen content. There were investigated properties of WMD, especially metallographic structure, toughness and fatigue strength of welds with various oxygen amount. The connection between the properties of welds with the content of oxygen in WMD were carried out. Findings: Demonstrated that oxygen content in WMD has an important influence on metallographic structure, especially on the percentage of acicular ferrite in weld. The preferred structure improves the mechanical properties of welded joints. Research limitations: The research results indicate that oxygen content in steel welds should be limited. Subsequent researchers could find more precisely the most beneficial oxygen amount in the welds in terms of the amount of acicular ferrite in welds. Practical limitations: To obtain welds with the best properties should be chosen suggested low-oxygen process. It is therefore suggestion to use much more basic electrodes than rutile for steel welding. Originality/value: Proposal of welding methods in terms of oxygen content in welds was given 12 years ago, however still it is not very popular. New researches and results could prove that it is very important and original proposal.