WE Colloquium: Badri Narayanan, Consumable-Process interactions and delivering advantages in productivity and performance

Abstract

Advances in welding process technology in conjunction with consumable development for specific material grades is a fast evolving area for innovation today. The ability of combining the understanding of material, welding process, and automation to achieve key advances in productivity, performance and safety will be delivered through three case studies. The case studies will illustrate the power of being able to develop the appropriate filler metal that works well with unique waveforms to achieve a step-change in productivity or performance. The first case study is a process called HyperFill. This is a twin wire GMAW-P process that utilizes two electrically conductive wires, energized by a single power source. The second case study is an automated FCAW-S solution for circumferential welding of line pipe without the need for shielding gas. Lastly, the third solution is a specifically alloyed filler metal in conjunction with an advanced power source to deliver unique performance improvements. This will be illustrated with two unique filler metals designed for the automotive and heavy fabrication segments. The key technological and practical challenges in mainstreaming each of these technologies will be covered.

Bio

Badri is responsible for Lincoln Electric’s global consumable product portfolio strategy, and technology development. He has been with Lincoln Electric for 20 years and involved in commercialization of a wide range of consumable materials and advanced joining processes. He holds 12 patents in the field of arc welding and advanced manufacturing processes and is also responsible for managing the relevant consumable patent portfolio for Lincoln Electric. He has a Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering from The Ohio State University and holds an adjunct faculty position in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Case Western Reserve University.