Minimized risk for release of harmful substances from welding fume in FCW stainless steels
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB - Swerim AB, Kista |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 139 545 |
| Project duration | August 2018 - June 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
Purpose and goal
The project´s objective has been to reduce the risk of exposure to hexavalent chromium (carcinogenic) when arc welding stainless steel with flux cored wire. This objective has been reached. A new flux-cored wire has been developed and is ready for implementation. Results have been presented and articles have been published both in scientific journals and in easier-to-read journals. The interdisciplinary approach between welding technology, chemical analyzes and medical analyzes as well as the collaboration between research performers and industry has been very successful.
Expected results and effects
The project´s objective, to reduce the risk of exposure to hexavalent chromium (carcinogenic) in arc welding of stainless steels with flux-cored wire, has been achieved by changing the wire composition. The same concept can also be used for materials with a higher chromium content than stainless steel of type 316. This can contribute to improved working conditions when welding stainless steels where high productivity and good weldability are required. The response from presentations and publications has been great.
Planned approach and implementation
The project has been carried out in collaboration between voestalpine Böhler Welding, Linde Gas, Outokumpu, the Welding Commission, the Swedish Work Environment Authority and research performers Kungliga Tekniska Högskolan, Karolinska Insitutet and Swerim. The form of collaboration has been very successful and the relation between generation of welding fume to the medical effect of fume has been very fruitful and resulted in interesting and rewarding discussions.