Authors :
Wahyujaya Akhir Candra; Bagiyo Suwasono; Mochamad Zaed Yuliadi
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/3neyj4vh
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun1706
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
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Abstract :
The competition in the shipyard industry is becoming increasingly intense, where more efficient processes are
required not only to compete in terms of cost but also in the quality of the final product. Welding is a critical process in
ship construction, where the quality of weld joints significantly affects the safety and durability of the ship’s structure—
especially in the welding of block joints (Erection Joint Block). Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) technology, besides
improving productivity and reducing operational costs, enables the development of supporting technologies that reduce
operator dependency and enhance the overall weld quality. Numerous studies have highlighted the influence of welding
parameters such as current, voltage, and travel speed on joint quality, while the skill level of welders also has a significant
impact on the quality of the weld. Given the large volume of welding tasks that must be completed simultaneously, the use
of automated technologies such as Mechanized Automatic Welding (MOW) can be an effective solution.Therefore, this
study aims to analyze the impact of technology and determine the optimization of FCAW welding on ship block joints
using MOW technology. Experiments involved applying MOW in three flat position welding variants with alternatives:
100% welder, 100% MOW, and combinations of 80% MOW, 50% MOW, and 20% MOW. Experimental data were
analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Expert Choice 11 to identify patterns and influences,
followed by determining optimal alternatives and comprehensive solutions that meet the acceptance criteria for welding
inspection. The results are expected to contribute significantly to the development of welding technology and enhance the
competitiveness of the shipyard industry.
Keywords :
FCAW Welding, Mechanized Automatic Welding, Weld Quality, Erection Joint Block, AHP Expert Choice 11, Acceptance Welding.
References :
- Reddy, K. S. G., Rao, M., & Prasad, K. (2020). Effect of welding defects on structural integrity in shipbuilding. Ocean Engineering Journal, 198, 106937. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2020.106937
- Smith, J., Patel, R., & Evans, D. (2019). Impact of welding parameters on joint quality in shipbuilding applications. Welding Journal, 98(4), 105–112.
- Gupta, R. K., Sharma, V., & Mehta, R. (2022). Advancements in FCAW process parameters and their influence on weld quality: A review. Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 75, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmapro.2022.01.001
- Tanaka, H., Kobayashi, Y., & Fujimoto, M. (2021). Operator competence and weld quality: A case study in Japanese shipyards. Welding in the World, 65, 947–957.
- Ibrahim, M. H., Noor, M. F. M., & Yusof, F. (2020). The impact of welding automation on shipbuilding productivity. Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 14(2), 45–54.
- Kusnadi, A., & Wibowo, S. (2022). The implementation of robotic welding systems in Indonesian shipyards. Journal of Marine Engineering and Technology, 21(4), 220–230.
- Suharto, H., & Wibowo, S. (2022). Travel speed optimization for FCAW in outdoor ship construction. Indonesian Journal of Marine Engineering, 14(1), 33–40.
- Rahman, F., & Nugroho, T. (2023). Influence of FCAW parameters on tensile strength and fracture toughness. Journal of Welding Technology and Materials, 4(1), 50–58.
- Lancaster, J. F. (1999). Metallurgy of Welding (6th ed.). Woodhead Publishing.
- Kumar, P., Singh, R., & Thakur, A. (2021). Enhancing welding performance through structured skill development. Procedia CIRP, 99, 488–492.
- Johnson, D., & Lee, C. H. (2020). Improving weld quality through workforce development programs. International Journal of Welding Science and Technology, 8(3), 120–128.
The competition in the shipyard industry is becoming increasingly intense, where more efficient processes are
required not only to compete in terms of cost but also in the quality of the final product. Welding is a critical process in
ship construction, where the quality of weld joints significantly affects the safety and durability of the ship’s structure—
especially in the welding of block joints (Erection Joint Block). Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) technology, besides
improving productivity and reducing operational costs, enables the development of supporting technologies that reduce
operator dependency and enhance the overall weld quality. Numerous studies have highlighted the influence of welding
parameters such as current, voltage, and travel speed on joint quality, while the skill level of welders also has a significant
impact on the quality of the weld. Given the large volume of welding tasks that must be completed simultaneously, the use
of automated technologies such as Mechanized Automatic Welding (MOW) can be an effective solution.Therefore, this
study aims to analyze the impact of technology and determine the optimization of FCAW welding on ship block joints
using MOW technology. Experiments involved applying MOW in three flat position welding variants with alternatives:
100% welder, 100% MOW, and combinations of 80% MOW, 50% MOW, and 20% MOW. Experimental data were
analyzed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with Expert Choice 11 to identify patterns and influences,
followed by determining optimal alternatives and comprehensive solutions that meet the acceptance criteria for welding
inspection. The results are expected to contribute significantly to the development of welding technology and enhance the
competitiveness of the shipyard industry.
Keywords :
FCAW Welding, Mechanized Automatic Welding, Weld Quality, Erection Joint Block, AHP Expert Choice 11, Acceptance Welding.