High Temperature Alloy Welding
High temperature alloy welding is a process of joining two metals at high temperatures, usually performed in a controlled environment. By utilizing this process, thermally-stress areas of metals can be joined together without applying too much pressure, resulting in a stronger joint. As the name implies, high temperature alloy welding is carried out using the elevated temperatures found in the high temperature alloys, some of which are better suited for certain applications than others. This article outlines the basics of high temperature alloy welding and provides an overview of some of the different high temperature alloys used for this purpose.
High temperature alloys, being made of different material combinations, are suited for high temperature welding because of their ability to withstand high heat levels. This makes it possible to join together components that would other not be able to do so because of their thermo-mechanistic characteristics. The welding process itself involves heating and melting the two metals together at a set temperature, while a filler material may be used to control the chemical composition of the weld. The weld is then cooled prior to inspection, where air bubbles and other defects can be identified.
In terms of applications, high temperature alloy welding is often used in aviation and aerospace industries, but is also utilized in a wide range of other fields. The medical industry, industrial and automotive manufacturing, and fuel-cell technology all benefit from the use of high temperature alloy welding processes. High temperature alloys are used in the high temperature welding process for several reasons, such as increased strength and reduced weight, which enables them to be used in applications that other types of materials would not be able to perform.
Certain alloys are more suited to specific applications than others, and the type of alloy used will depend on the application in which it is needed. For example, niobium alloys are typically used in the welding process of materials such as stainless steel, titanium and aluminum, while super alloys are ideal for use in power plants and chemical plants, where extreme temperatures and chemicals are present. The welding process for each of these different alloys may also differ, using specific gas and arc welding processes as well as brazing and soldering.
When selecting the high temperature alloy for use in a welding application, it is important to account for several factors. This includes the operating temperature of the application, the alloy’s strength-to-weight ratio, and corrosion resistance. It is also important to take into consideration the type of gases and shielding used, as certain types of gases and shielding can alter the properties of the welded alloy and may require different furnace temperatures for certain applications.
High temperature alloy welding is an important process for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. By understanding the differences between each alloy and the welding processes used, it is possible to optimize the strength of individual welds and produce higher quality welds and products. Ultimately, this provides greater efficiencies and improved safety in many applications.
