Which of the following welding processes is referred to by the acronym SAW?

The welding process referred to by the acronym SAW is Submerged Arc Welding. This process is characterized by the arc being submerged under a layer of granular flux, which provides several benefits including shielding the weld area from contamination, minimizing spatter, and allowing for deeper penetration into the base materials.

Submerged Arc Welding is highly efficient and is particularly effective for welding thick materials. It often produces high-quality welds with minimal post-weld cleaning required, given that the flux protects the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. The process also allows for the use of multiple wires and can be automated, which contributes to its popularity in industrial applications for joining structural steel and other heavy materials.

Understanding the nuances and applications of Submerged Arc Welding is important for anyone involved in structural welding practices, particularly in environments that prioritize quality and efficiency in heavy fabrication tasks.