Abstract :
SMAW welding is commonly used in the construction industry to form strong metal
structures. In applications such as airport baggage carts, weld quality is critical to ensure the
strength and durability of the structure against varying load loads. With good welding, the
baggage cart can carry out its function effectively. The aim of this research is to determine the
effect of shielded metal arc welding current on the characteristics of SS 400 steel welded joints
for airport baggage cart applications. This research uses varying welding currents of 80 A, 90 A,
and 100 A. After analyzing the tensile test results on SS 400 steel with various heat input
variations in the SMAW welding process, it can be concluded that changes in heat input have a
significant effect on the tensile strength of each -each variation. The data shows that the highest
tensile strength value was detected in welding with a current of 100 A, reaching 45.019
Kgf/mm2. On the other hand, the lowest tensile strength value occurred in welding with a
current of 80 A, namely 40.666 Kgf /mm2. By increasing the current in the welding process, the
rate of corrosion in the material slows down. The highest corrosion rate was recorded in
welding with a current of 80 A, around 18,129 mpy, while in welding with a current of 100 A, the
lowest corrosion rate was observed, namely around 14,307 mpy. Increasing the current results
in a simultaneous increase in the size and number of ferrite grains. As a result, in welding with
the highest current level, the highest tensile strength and the lowest corrosion rate are obtained.