Influence of Weaving Speed and Torch Height on the Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Orbital Pipe Welded in 316L Stainless Steel Pipe

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Eko Prasetyo, Ario Sunar Baskoro, Agus Widyianto, Gandjar Kiswanto, Muhammad Fikri, Junaidi Syarif

2026 Transactions of the Indian Institute of Metals Vol. 79 Issue 3 Article Cited by 0

Abstract

Orbital pipe welding (OPW) is critical for SS316L piping systems, but achieving consistent quality is challenging due to gravity and parameter sensitivity. This study evaluates the influence of weaving speed and torch height on the mechanical properties and microstructure of SS316L OPW joints. Welding was performed using weaving speeds of 0.150, 0.155, and 0.161 mm/s with torch heights of 2 mm and 3 mm. Weld bead width, tensile strength, and microstructure were analyzed at four pipe positions (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°). A weaving speed of 0.155 mm/s produced the most uniform bead width. A speed of 0.161 mm/s at 0° yielded the ultimate tensile strength of 489.2 MPa (76.6% of base metal). The 90° position exhibited the most stable microstructure. Precise control of weaving speed and torch height is essential to optimize the structural integrity of orbital-welded joints. © The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM 2026.

Affiliations

Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Indonesia, Kampus Baru UI, Depok, 16424, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Faculty of Vocational, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Kampus UNY, Wates, 55652, Indonesia; Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Sharjah, PO Box:27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates