·                    Carbon steels (structural and vessel construction)

·                    Low alloy steels

·                    Stainless steels

·                    Nickel-based alloys

·                    Surfacing applications (wear-facing, build-up, and corrosion resistant overlay of steels)

Advantages of Submerged Arc Welding:

·                    High deposition rates (over 100 lb/h (45 kg/h) have been reported).

·                    High operating factors in mechanized applications.

·                    Deep weld penetration.

·                    Sound welds are readily made (with good process design and control).

·                    High speed welding of thin sheet steels up to 5 m/min (16 ft/min) is possible.

·                    Minimal welding fume or arc light is emitted.

·                    Practically no edge preparation is necessary.

·                    The process is suitable for both indoor and outdoor works.

·                    Low distortion

·                    Welds produced are sound, uniform, ductile, corrosion resistant and have good impact value.

·                    Single pass welds can be made in thick plates with normal equipment.

·                    The arc is always covered under a blanket of flux, thus there is no chance of spatter of weld.

·                    50% to 90% of the flux is recoverable.^[3]

^{Limitations of Submerged Arc Welding:}

·                    Limited to ferrous (steel or stainless steels) and some nickel-based alloys.

·                    Normally limited to the 1F, 1G, and 2F positions.

·                    Normally limited to long straight seams or rotated pipes or vessels.

·                    Requires relatively troublesome flux handling systems.

·                    Flux and slag residue can present a health and safety concern.

·                    Requires inter-pass and post weld slag removal.