| Steel industries employ steel wires of different compositions in the production of wire mesh. Satisfying company objectives of increased productivity and power reduction have resulted in the application of a wider range of compositions, leading to welding of often incompatible pairs. Literature indicates that resistivity data could improve the application of materials used in wire mesh manufacture. Moreover, it was hypothesized by Gerdau Ameristeel Management that a resistivity prediction equation, if developed, would be able to guide material selection for welded fabric applications and also help optimize welding practices for cost reduction and weld quality improvement. Hence, an investigation is carried out to prove this theory.;The researcher studied resistivity variations in relation to chemical composition for ten grades of wire rod with varying chemical compositions, 1005 to 1030 (7/32"). Data were analyzed to assess wire composition and electrical resistivity as suitable predictors of weld quality. The research assistant applied regression analysis to derive the equation for resistivity prediction. C-program is compiled to effectively predict the electrical resistivity of the wire rod. The research assistant tested samples of welded wire fabric manufactured from grades AISI-SAE1006 and 1008 for weld shear strength and weld setdown percentage. The researcher analyzed microstructure of both wire rod and wire mesh specimens. |
