Tag: blacksmithing

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Heat input and Weld size (leg-length)

Amarine Antonio

Heat input from welding is important because it has an effect on cooling rates which in turn can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the weld and heat-affected zone. It also plays a role in susceptibility to distortion. High heat input can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others. A common misconception is that as long as amperage and voltage remain the same heat input doesn’t change. This is wrong because travel speed is also a factor. Heat input is a function of three essential variables: amperage, voltage, and travel speed. Change one and heat input changes. The formula for … Continue reading Heat input and Weld size (leg-length)

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How to control distortion in welding?

Amarine Antonio

Distortion caused by the heating and cooling cycles of welding is extremely problematic. It can place structures out of dimensional tolerance creating costly rework. In some cases, parts need to be scrapped. Understanding the causes of distortion is an absolute necessity for those managing welding operations. Three mistakes account for the vast majority of distortion problems. These are: Over-welding One of the things you may hear most often when it comes to reducing or eliminating distortion from welding is to pulse weld. Pulse welding is done by switching back and forth between a peak (high) and a background (low) current. Manufacturers of welding … Continue reading How to control distortion in welding?