Different Metals in Welding
Sacramento Sparks Reno Welding Supply
Welding is fun as you can make almost anything you put your mind to. It takes practice and experience but pro welders fascinate with what they can do. That being said, a big component to successful welding is knowing which metals to use for different projects. There are many complications that can arise with different metals and using the wrong metal could possibly lead to weld failure. Today we are going to go over some of the best metals for welding and what you should be cautious of with each kind.
Low carbon mild steel is one of the most, if not the most, weldable metals. Low carbon mild steel is more ductile than any other types of steel. This is because it has very low amounts of carbon and only trace amounts of other alloying elements. These things prevent the formation of brittle and microstructures such as martensite. All of these things combined eliminate the risks of certain types of weld failures, such as hydrogen cracking.
Stainless steel is best for welders who know what grade is being welded and know how to weld properly with that grade. For example, many ferritic stainless steels are very weldable. Austenitic stainless steels can be welded pretty easily as well while martensitic stainless steels are generally more difficult due to their high hardness and their propensity to crack.
Aluminum can be welded without much difficulty as long as you have the experience and proper techniques. Again, the concern with welding aluminum is making sure that the proper grade is selected. Welding aluminum also comes with an understanding of material strength. For example, some aluminum alloys, such as those with a T6 designation, have been artificially aged to increase the strength. This means that they have been heated to a certain temperature for a specific amount of time so that intermetallic precipitates are the proper size and shape to increase the strength of the aluminum.
All three of these metals are common in many welding projects. What makes it tricky is knowing how to handle these different metals and knowing the weldability of each of them. Pay attention to what metals you are using as a wrong metal can lead to a failed project.
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