In submerged arc welding (SAW), a continuous
wire electrode is fed into a mound of granular flux that covers the joint. The
welding head is traversed mechanically along the joint and flux is added
continuously. The arc causes the base metal,
electrode, and flux in the immediately vicinity to melt. The
malted base material and filler flow together in the joint. At the same time,
the melted flux floats on the surface, forming a protective slag. Since the arc
runs beneath the flux covering without sparks, smoke, or flash, the operator
needs little protective equipment.