Cost Analysis Of FCAW And SMAW Welding On ASTM A36 Steel Plate Using Backing Ceramic Method At Company X

Abstract

Welding is a highly essential process in various industrial sectors, particularly in shipbuilding, general engineering, and other fields related to structural joining. Welding is a technique used to join two or more metal parts by melting a portion of the base material at the joint area using heat or pressure, with or without filler material. Once cooled, the molten metal solidifies and forms a strong bond. In product fabrication planning, several aspects must be considered, including design, cost, materials, and the mechanical strength of the structure. This study aims to compare and optimize the welding costs between two commonly used methods, namely Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), applied to ASTM A36 steel plates using the backing ceramic technique. The comparison focuses on identifying which method is more efficient in terms of cost, work time, and weld quality. Data were obtained through field observation, operational cost calculations, and weld quality evaluations based on industry standards. The results of the analysis indicate that the FCAW method combined with Backing Ceramic offers greater efficiency than the SMAW method, especially in terms of faster welding speed and reduced labor costs. Additionally, the use of Backing Ceramic helps minimize welding defects and reduces the need for rework. Therefore, the implementation of FCAW with backing ceramic is considered a viable alternative for welding projects in Company X to improve production efficiency and effectiveness.