Welders Handbook

For Gas Shielded Arc Welding, Oxy Fuel Cutting & Plasma Cutting

Published by: Air Products PLC

Designed and produced by: PDF Conceptual Design & Marketing

Copyright: Air Products PLC 1999 3rd Edition

Air Products Welders Handbook

CONTENTS

Introduction Fusion welding Why use welding? Arc welding processes Welding terms MIG/MAG welding TIG welding Plasma welding Welding sheet Welding plate Welding pipes Defects in welds The right gas: MIG/MAG welding TIG welding Welding data: MIG/MAG welding Flux cored electrodes TIG welding Oxy-fuel gas cutting Plasma cutting Safety always Conversion data 30 33 34 37 44 46 inside back cover 26 29 2 3 4 5 6 10 17 18 20 22 24

Air Products Welders Handbook

Fusion welding
The most widely used welding processes rely on fusion of the components at the joint line. In fusion welding, a heat source melts the metal to form a bridge between the components. Two widely used heat sources are:
electrode
high current low voltage supply

'T' joint

fillet weld

Butt joint

arc

butt weld

Electric arc

fuel gas flame

blowpipe

air must be excluded from heated area

Gas flame The molten metal must be protected from the atmosphere - absorption of oxygen and nitrogen leads to a poor quality weld. Air in the weld area can be replaced by a gas which does not contaminate the metal, or the weld can be covered with a flux.

INTRODUCTION

Why use welding?

Welding is used because it is: q one of the most cost-effective methods of joining metal components q suitable for thicknesses ranging from fractions of a millimetre to a third of a metre q versatile, being applicable to a wide range of component shapes and sizes The joints produced by welding are: q permanent q strong, usually matching the strength of the components, q leak tight, q reproducible, q readily inspected by nondestructive techniques. Welding can be used: q in the workshop q on site for q sheet q plate q pipe q sections

Which process?
A large number of welding processes and techniques are available. No process is universally best. Each has its own special attributes and must be matched to the application. Choosing the most suitable process requires consideration of a number of factors.

Factors in choosing welding process:

q type of metal q type of joint q production constraints q equipment availability q labour availability q health, safety and the environment q costs of consumables q labour costs q material thickness

Air Products Welders Handbook

ARC WELDING

Arc welding processes

Fabrications involving sheet metal, plate or pipes are commonly welded by an arc process.

Two of the most important processes use a gas shield to protect the weld metal from atmospheric contamination.

WELDING TERMS

Terms commonly used in gas shielded welding

arc length Distance between the tip of the electrode and the surface of the weld pool. base metal Incorrectly used to describe the metal from which the components of the joint are made. The correct term is parent metal. bead A single run of weld metal deposited onto the surface of the parent metal. burn-off rate The rate at which the wire is melted. Quoted as a linear measurement - m/min (metres per minute) or in/min. deposited metal Material which is added, either from the electrode or filler wire, to build up the weld profile. deposition rate The rate at which melted electrode metal is added to the weld pool. Quoted in kg/hr (kilograms per hour). Sometimes incorrectly used in reference to the ratio of metal deposited to the amount of electrode melted - this is the deposition efficiency. electrode The flux coated rod in manual metal arc welding, the tungsten in TIG and plasma welding and the consumable wire in MIG/MAG welding. The arc is formed between the parent metal and one end of the electrode.

filler metal Metal added to the weld pool during welding. For TIG it is supplied as cut lengths of wire. interpass temperature The temperature of the material adjacent to the joint between each run is the interpass temperature. In some applications, a maximum temperature is specified to avoid metallurgical changes in the metal. melt run Melting the parent metal by passing a TIG arc along the surface. Filler metal is not used. nozzle In TIG and MIG/MAG welding - A metal or ceramic tube which confines the shielding gas to the weld area. parent metal The metal which is to be joined by welding. Often incorrectly called the base metal. pass or run The metal deposited during one traverse of the joint by an arc. In TIG welding without a filler, the term melt run may be more correct. preheat temperature The temperature of the parent metal just before welding is started. With some metals the parent metal is heated before welding to avoid problems such as cracking or lack of fusion. root run The first run deposited in a joint where further runs are needed to fill the groove. sealing run A run of weld metal deposited on the reverse side of a butt joint, along the line of the root.

Air Products Welders Handbook

MIG/MAG welding principles

Gas shielded metal arc welding is a semi-automatic process which is suitable for both manual and mechanised operation. It is known by a variety of names: q MIG - Metal Inert Gas q MAG - Metal Active Gas q CO2 - carbon dioxide A low voltage (1840V), high current (60500A) arc between the end of a wire electrode and the work provides the heat needed for the welding operation. The arc and the weld are protected from atmospheric contamination by a gas shield.
drive rolls keep constant wire feed speed spool of wire

The shielding gas can be: q pure argon q argon mixed with small amounts of other gases q helium or q carbon dioxide according to the metal being welded. See pages 9 and 26.

nozzle to plate distance-kept at about 19-25mm

arc length

work

power supply unit keeps arc length constant

gas nozzle

shielding gas

MIG/MAG WELDING

Operation
An electric motor feeds the wire into the arc and the power source keeps the arc length at a preset value leaving the welder to concentrate on ensuring complete fusion of the joint. Power sources for MIG/MAG are called constant voltage or potential, known as the self adjusting arc, and constant current, known as controlled arc or drooping characteristic units. Modern power sources combine constant current and constant voltage (cc/cv) and are called inverters.

overhead

vertical

The appropriate technique for these types of joint is either Dip Transfer or Pulse Transfer. These two techniques are also used for welding sheet material. Synergic MIG/MAG is an advanced welding system which incorporates both spray and pulse transfer. Optimum conditions can be established for a range of applications which are readily reproduced by the welder. Special equipment is required for Synergic-MIG/MAG welding. Welding data for MIG/MAG applications are given on pages 30 to 33.

joints in flat position

The process can be operated at currents within the range 280500A for welding plates, thick walled pipes and sections in the flat position. The term Spray Transfer is used to describe this type of operation. Welds which are located in positions where the metal tends to run out of the joint under the action of gravity are welded at lower currents (60/180A).

MIG/MAG welding with a

Ferromaxxgas shield gives a low hydrogen content in the weld. This means that lower preheat levels are needed than with MMA welding.

Air Products Welders Handbook

Using MIG/MAG welding

With MIG/MAG, the wire is pointed in the direction of travel (forehand technique). This allows the arc to fuse the parent metal ahead of the weld pool and gives the best penetration. The welder controls the speed of travel to ensure that the weld pool does not run ahead of the arc as this would cause lack of fusion. Weld quality in MIG/MAG welding is critically dependent on the skill of the welder and selection of the welding variables.
-8 75
0

Voltage controls the profile of the weld. Inductance (in Dip Transfer) stabilises the arc and minimises spatter. Wire feed speed sets the welding current.
voltage

high correct low

Current controls: q heat input q size of weld q depth of penetration Wire diameter depends on the current required. The table gives a guide to the selection of wire diameter but the exact relationship depends on the material and the shielding gas.

450 - 550

Diameter (mm) 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

Current range (A) 40100 40150 100280 120350

Wire feed speed (m/min) 25 36 312 418

MIG/MAG WELDING

Flux cored wires

Wires for MIG/MAG welding are usually solid. For carbon, carbonmanganese, high strength low alloy steels and stainless steels, flux cored wires can be used. These offer the advantages of higher welding speeds and easier control of fillet weld profiles.
flux

joint

Air Products gases for MIG/MAG welding

Air Products welding gases enable the optimum results to be obtained with MIG/MAG welding of a range of metals. Pure argon is particularly effective for welding aluminium and its alloys. Also used for copper and nickel. Ferromaxx is a range of selected mixtures of argon, carbon dioxide and other gases to provide ideal arc conditions for spatter free welding of steels. Ferromaxx 7 is recommended for carbon, carbon-manganese and high strength low alloy steels up to 10mm thick in dip, spray and pulse transfer modes. Ferromaxx 15 is the choice for welding carbon, carbonmanganese, high strength low alloy steels and coated steels in dip, spray and pulse transfer modes for all thickness.

cross section of flux cored wires

Ferromaxx Plus is the multi-purpose gas for welding carbon, carbonmanganese, high strength low alloy steels and coated steels of all thickness with solid wires in dip, spray and pulse transfer and with metal and flux cored wires. Inomaxx is a range of gases specially designed for MAG and Pulse MAG welding stainless steels. Inomaxx 2 is recommended for welding ferritic and austenitic grades of stainless steel of all thicknesses in dip, spray and pulse transfer modes.

Faster travel speeds with Ferro-

maxx, Inomaxx and Alumaxx mean reduced welding costs.

Air Products Welders Handbook

Inomaxx Plus is the choice for welding all thickness of ferritic and austenitic stainless steels in dip, spray and pulse transfer and with metal cored wires. Alumaxx Plus is the high performance argon - helium shielding gas for MIG welding aluminium and its alloys of all thickness in spray and pulse transfer modes (Alumaxx Plus is also the recommended gas for TIG welding aluminium and copper). See pages 2628 for choosing the right gas.

Tungsten inert gas welding

Principles Tungsten inert gas shielded welding is usually called TIG welding. It uses an arc between a tungsten electrode and the work to fuse the joint. The electrode is not melted and any filler metal needed to build up the weld profile is added separately. Both the molten metal in the weld pool, the tip of the filler wire and the hot electrode are protected from atmospheric contamination by a shield of inert gas. Usually the gas is argon, but helium by itself or mixed with argon may be used for special applications. Argon - hydrogen mixtures can be used for stainless steel. See page 29.
tungsten electrode

weld pool

Air Products gases containing

helium give better penetration on metals with high thermal conductivity.

10

TIG WELDING

Operation
TIG welding is suitable for both manual and mechanised welding. In manual welding, the operator points the electrode in the direction of welding and uses the arc to melt the metal at the joint. If filler metal is required, for example when making a fillet weld, it is added to the leading edge of the weld pool. Filler is supplied as cut lengths of wire - usually 1 metre long. Arc length is controlled by the welder and is usually between 2mm and 5mm. Heat input to the arc depends on the current chosen by the operator. Travel speed is adjusted to match the time needed to melt the joint.

Using an arc starting device enables the arc to be struck without touching the electrode to the work.

Choice of current
Both direct current (dc) and alternating current (ac) can be used with TIG welding. Direct current with the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the power source is used for: q carbon steels q copper and its alloys q stainless steels q nickel and its alloys q titanium and its alloys q zirconium and its alloys Alternating current is used for welding: q aluminium and its alloys q magnesium and its alloys q aluminium bronze

25mm

11

Air Products Welders Handbook

Power sources for TIG

Power sources for use with TIG welding must be capable of delivering a constant current at a preset value. They are often called drooping characteristic units. Rectifier units are commonly used for dc welding although motor generators may be more suitable for site use. Single phase transformer units are almost universally used for welding aluminium. Modern power sources have square waveform.

Crater filling Automatic gradual reduction of the current at the end of a weld run avoids the formation of a crater.
welding current
welding current

arc extinguished

time

crater crater or ofhole holeat at end end of of weld weld

Combined ac/dc power sources can be used where there is a mix of work. Modern power sources combine constant current and constant voltage (cc/cv) and are called inverters. The power source should be equipped with: q foot operated on/off switch q remote control for the current q crater filling device q an arc starting device q gas control valves q water control valves - for nozzle cooling at high currents. Welding data for TIG applications are given on pages 34 to 36.

current reduced in steps

weld surface smooth at end of weld run

Use stainless steel wire brushes

and wire wool to clean aluminium before welding.

12

TIG WELDING

Electrodes for TIG welding

Pure tungsten electrodes can be used for TIG welding. Thoriated and zirconiated types give easier starting and better arc stability and are generally preferred. Thoriated tungsten electrodes contain 2% thoria (thorium oxide) and are used for dc welding. Zirconiated tungsten electrodes contain 2% zirconia (zirconium oxide) and are recommended for ac welding of aluminium. The diameter of the electrode is chosen to match the current. The minimum current depends on arc stability. The maximum current a given diameter of electrode can carry is determined by the onset of overheating and melting.
Electrode diameter mm Maximum operating current (A) Direct Current (dc) Alternating Current (ac)

Before use, the end of the electrode is ground on a silicon carbide wheel to give the most appropriate profile. Contamination with other metals must be avoided as this lowers the melting point of the electrode. For dc welding a sharp point is required. For ac welding only a small bevel is needed as the end of the electrode becomes rounded when the arc is operated.

1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 4.8

60150 170250 225330 350480 500675

60125 120210 150250 240350 330460

Do not completely empty a

cylinder of gas. Always close the valve before returning a used cylinder to the stores.

Taken from BS EN26848:1991

13

Air Products Welders Handbook

Torches for TIG welding

TIG torches are rated according to the current they can carry without overheating. At currents above 150A the torch body and possibly the nozzle are water cooled. At lower currents, the flow of shielding gas provides sufficient cooling. An advantage of the TIG process is the availability of a range of torches which enable welds to be made even on small components. The efficiency of the gas shield is critically dependent on the design of the nozzle.

A gas lens can be used to stabilise the gas shield. With this, the electrode can project further from the end of the nozzle, giving better visibility of the arc and the weld pool.
torch body

ceramic nozzle gas gas gas lens

tungsten electrode uniform laminar gas flow

Gases for TIG welding

Pure argon Suitable for all metals. Alumaxx Plus. An argon-helium mixture which allows faster welding and deeper penetration on aluminium and its alloys and copper and its alloys. Inomaxx TIG. An argon - helium hydrogen mixture which gives lower ozone emissions, less surface oxidation, improves the weld profile, welding speed and penetration on stainless steel, cupro-nickel and nickel alloys. See page 29 for choosing the right gas.

pencil torch pencil torch

swivel swivelhead headtorch torch

14

TIG WELDING

Pulsed TIG
At low currents, a TIG arc becomes difficult to control. Pulsing the current gives stable operation at low heat input levels. The arc is operated at a low current onto which pulses of high current are superimposed. The frequency of the pulses and their duration are set by the operator to the required heat input and degree of weld pool control. Conventional torches are used but the power source must be either specially designed for Pulsed TIG or in older equipment supplemented by an adaptor which supplies the pulses.

weld consists of overlapping circular weld pools

direction of welding

high level pulse

pulse duration

conventional TIG - welding speed progressively increased from A-B pulsed TIG - constant travel speed

current amps

pulse height

mean pulse

low level time pulse

Pulsed TIG is particularly suited to the welding of sheet less than 1mm thick as it reduces the risk of burn through. Pulsed TIG is also used to weld cylindrical components as it avoids the need to increase travel speed to keep the weld width uniform. This is of great advantage in mechanised welding.

waveform for pulsed TIG welding

15

Air Products Welders Handbook

TIG spot welding

TIG spot welding provides an alternative to resistance spot welding where access is from one side only or it is not possible to fit the component between the arms of the spot welder. In this technique, the electrode is held at a fixed distance above the surface of a lap joint. The arc melts a circular weld pool which penetrates through the interface between the sheets. After a pre-determined time, usually from 0.4 to 1 second, the current is reduced progressively to allow the weld to solidify without a crater.

Gas backing
When the weld metal penetrates through the root in a butt joint, it is exposed to air and may become oxidised. This is not normally a problem with aluminium and its alloys, but can cause poor quality welds in steels, especially stainless steel and reactive metals (such as titanium). Contamination can be avoided by providing a gas backing.

clamp

joint line

clamp

nozzle placed in contact sheet to give correct arc length

work piece copper backing bar with holes at 5mm intervals argon flows through holes to protect underside of weld

Removable plugs or dams in a pipe confine argon to weld areas

TIG spot welding is not recommended for aluminium

16

TIG WELDING

Plasma arc welding

The arc used in TIG welding can be converted to a high energy jet by forcing it through a small hole in a nozzle. This constricts the arc and forms the plasma jet.
plasma gas shielding gas tungsten electrode

Plasma arc welding relies on a special technique known as keyholing. First a hole is pierced through the joint by the plasma arc. As the torch is moved along the joint, metal melts at the front of the hole, swirls to the back and solidifies.

work piece

arc plasma jet

Plasma arc welding is mainly used for butt joints in plates and pipes. Its principal advantage is that it gives controlled penetration.
keyhole

The gas surrounding the electrode is usually argon. Either argon or an argon-hydrogen mixture can be used for the shielding gas. The plasma arc process is also used for cutting. See page 44.

direction of weld

17

Air Products Welders Handbook

TIG and MIG/MAG welding of sheet

Both TIG and MIG/MAG processes can be used to weld sheet material. With MIG/MAG, dip or pulse transfer techniques must be used.

'T' joint

Corner joint

no gap

The edges of the sheet are cut square, with no burrs.

Butt joint

gap not greater than half sheet thickness

Butt joints in sheet less than 1mm thick are TIG welded. The edges of the sheet can be flanged to avoid the need to use filler metal.

The gap between the edges depends on the joint type and sheet thickness.

18

WELDING SHEET METAL

The sheets must be held in alignment, preferably by clamping against a backing bar.

Control of the angle between the gun and the surface of the sheet is critical in MIG/MAG welding.
75
0

0 -8

copper backing bar

450 - 550

If this is not possible, tack welds about 10mm long should be placed at 50mm intervals. The tacks are melted into the main weld.

10

mm

50

mm

75

_ 80

See page 31 for welding conditions.

19

Air Products Welders Handbook

MIG/MAG welding of plate

Spray transfer can be used for butt joints in the flat position and for T-joints in both flat, horizontal and vertical positions. All vertical and overhead welding needs a low current technique dip or pulse transfer. Up to 3mm thickness, the edges of the plate can be cut square. A single or double bevel is used for greater thicknesses. The dimensions of the edge preparation depend on thickness and type of material.
Double 'V'
Single 'V'

Type Square edge

Thickness

Low carbon steel and stainless steel

Aluminium

t g
Single V A
g

Up to 6mm 6mm to 18mm Above 18mm

g = 1/2t A = 60 Rf = 1.5mm max g = 1mm max A = 50 Rf = 1 to 2mm g = nil

g = 1/2t A = 65-70 Rf = 1.5mm max g = 1.5mm max A = 80-90 Rf = 1.5mm max g = 1.0mm max

Rf

Double V

Rf

20

WELDING PLATES

The number of runs needed to fill the groove depends on the thickness.

Alternatively, the underside of the root run can be supported by a backing bar which is removed after welding or a backing strip which is left in place.

filling passes

capping pass

tack weld to hold backing strip

root run

The deep penetration characteristic of spray transfer makes it difficult to control the molten metal in a root run. The root run can be deposited with dip, or MMA welding can be used.

root-run root run fixed into fixed into backing strip backing strip

See page 32 and 33 for welding conditions.

root-run supported by groove in bar

Improved metal transfer with

copper backing bar

argon based gases, as compared to pure carbon dioxide, makes root run control easier.

21

Air Products Welders Handbook

Pipe and tube joints

There are three main types of welded joint used in pipework. q butt q branch q flange

roller manipulator

one driven unit and one idler

flat

butt

vertical

branch

overhead
Before welding, the pipes can be clamped or tack welded to maintain alignment.

flange

If possible, during welding the pipe should be rotated so that the weld is made in the horizontal position - use spray, dip or pulse transfer for MIG/ MAG. If the weld must be made in a fixed position and changes from flat to vertical to overhead as the weld progresses round the joint - use dip or pulse transfer for MIG/MAG.

leading and trailing edges, tack welded and ground

tack weld

22

WELDING PIPES

Root runs can be made by TIG or MIG/ MAG with dip or pulse techniques or by MMA welding. With TIG welding the bore of the pipe can be filled with argon or nitrogen to protect the penetration bead and to control its profile.
Unbacked butt joint

Flange joints are either fillet or butt welded.

uniform root gap

fillet

butt

The edge preparation is chosen to suit the process.

Backed butt joint

For ease of welding flanges, the axis of the pipe should be vertical and the flange rotated.

backing strip

Protect the underside of the weld

with Air Products argon or nitrogen See page 16
flange rotated

23

Air Products Welders Handbook

Defects in welds
Porosity q gas flow too high q blocked nozzle q draughty conditions q moisture on work or filler q paint or grease on surface of metal

Lack of fusion q arc length too short q current too low q travel speed too slow in MAG welding q incorrect inductance setting (MAG)

A A B B
A-lack of inter-run fusion B-lack of side fusion

Lack of penetration q current too low q root gap too small q root face too thick q poor technique q misaligned joint

Undercut q travel speed too high q current too high q poor technique

24

WELDING DEFECTS

Spatter q insufficient inductance (MAG) q short arc length q voltage too low (MAG) q rusty plate

Tungsten inclusions TIG welding q electrode tip touching weld pool q current too high for electrode diameter q using thoriated electrode for ac

Centre line crack q low voltage, high current q high sulphur in steel q incorrect filler (stainless steel and aluminium) q incorrect use of preheat q high restraint

Acceptance levels for defects are

given in British Standards. Check the Standards before you start to weld.

25

Air Products Welders Handbook

Gases for MIG/MAG welding

Carbon , carbon-manganese and high strength low alloy steels Ferromaxx 7, Ferromaxx 15, Ferromaxx Plus and carbon dioxide (CO2) are used to weld these steels. The choice depends on the composition of the steel and the operating requirements. General guidelines: q Penetration increases with the addition of helium. Penetration also increases with higher carbon dioxide contents. q Choose Ferromaxx 7 if work is wholly thin material. Ferromaxx 15 gives better results on a wider range of material thicknesses with the benefit of reduced ozone emissions. It can be used successfully on thin materials but penetration in butt joints may be more difficult to control. q Ferromaxx Plus is the multipurpose high performance shielding gas which can be used in place of Ferromaxx 7 or Ferromaxx 15 and which also gives exceptionally low ozone emissions. q Carbon dioxide can be useful for fillet welds in thickplate. q Spatter increases with increase in carbon dioxide content.

q Ferromaxx gases give a smoother weld surface. q Steel which contains chromium needs special consideration. There is a danger that carbon dioxide in the gas will react with the chromium to form a carbide. This renders the chromium in the steel less effective. The amount of carbon dioxide which can be tolerated depends on the chromium content.

Ferromaxx Plus

CO2

Reduce spatter and improve

profile with Ferromaxxand minimise post weld grinding.

26

THE RIGHT GAS

Gases for MIG/MAG welding

Type of steel Carbon, Carbon-manganese Structural Carbon-molybdenum 1.5%Cr 0.5%Mo 2.5%Cr 1%Mo 5%Cr 1%Mo Ferromaxx 7 Ferromaxx 15 Ferromaxx Plus Carbon dioxide

4 4 4 4
See Note

4 4 4 4 8

4 4 4 4
See Note

4 4 8 8 8

Notes: In many applications Argon-2% oxygen is preferred for the welding of steels containing 5% Cr. Always seek technical advice before recommending a gas for these steels.

Benefits of Ferromaxx

less spatter smooth surface better profile stable arc gives uniform width

27

Air Products Welders Handbook

Gases for MIG/MAG welding Stainless steel

Inomaxx Plus

Inomaxx Plus = 63% argon, 35% helium, 2% CO2 Inomaxx 2 = 98% argon, 2% CO2 Alumaxx Plus = argon 70%, helium 30%

Recommended for all material thickness on dip, spray and pulse transfer. Stable arc conditions offer all-positional capability. Solid and metal cored wires. Excellent weld bead profiles and appearance with very little oxidation. Suitable for manual, automated and robotic welding. Recomended for materials up to 10mm thick on dip, spray and pulse transfer. Offers all-positional capability with solid wires. Suitable only for spray transfer.

Inomaxx 2 argon + 1% to 3% oxygen

Aluminium and alloys

Alumaxx Plus Recommended for all material thickness on spray and pulse transfer. Higher arc temperatures promotes better penetration and increased welding speeds. Produces less porosity. Suitable for manual, automated and robotic welding. Suitable for very thick sections. Stable and controllable arc. Suitable for pure alluminium and all alloys.

argon + 75% helium argon

Copper and alloys

Alumaxx Plus Recommended for all material thickness in spray and pulse transfer. Improved welding speeds and penetration profiles. Suitable for manual, automated and robotic welding. Spray transfer only. Use for sheet and metals up to 9mm thick.

argon + 15% to 25% nitrogen argon

Nickel and alloys

Alumaxx Plus Recommended for all material thickness in spray and pulse transfer. Enhanced weld bead profiles and increased penetration. Suitable for manual, automated and robotic welding. Use for sheet and plate up to 9mm thick. Suitable for pulse techniques.

argon

28

THE RIGHT GAS

Gases for TIG welding Shielding gas

Pure argon Alumaxx Plus

Metal
All commercially fabricated metals. Aluminium and alloys - all thickness Copper and alloys - all thickness Nickel and alloys - all thickness Stainless steels - all thickness Suitable for manual, automated, orbital and robotic welding. Thick section aluminium and alloys Thick section copper and alloys. Austenitic stainless steel - all thickness Nickel and alloys - all thickness Suitable for manual, automated, orbital and robotic welding. Austenitic stainless steels Nickel and alloys. Austenitic stainless steels - automated, orbital welding Nickel and alloys - automated, orbital welding.

Helium 75% argon 25% Inomaxx TIG

argon + 1% to 3% hydrogen argon + 5% hydrogen

Alumaxx Plus = argon 70%, helium 30% Inomaxx TIG = argon 68%, helium 30%, hydrogen 2%

Benefits of Alumaxx Plus gases q enhanced heat transfer q suitable for use on metals with a high thermal conductivity especially in thick sections q deeper penetration q faster welding speeds q lower ozone emissions

Benefits of Inomaxx TIG gases q increased welding speed q improved penetration q less surface oxidation q lower gas consumption and overall costs q less post-weld cleaning q lower ozone emissions

29

Air Products Welders Handbook

Useful data for MIG/MAG welding

Optimum current ranges for steel wire Electrode diameter (mm) 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.6 Length of electrode wire per kilogram Current range (A) 40100 40150 100280 120350 150450

Electrode diam mm
0.8 1.0 1.2 1.6

Approximate length per kilogram (metre) Carbon steel Stainless steel Aluminium
125 95 55 30 122 93 54 29 364 276 160 87
m/min
18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
350 400

Melting rate of carbon steel filler wires

700 600

Wire feed speed in/min

500
m m 0. 8

400 300 200 100

1.0

m m

mm 1.2

m 1.6 m

50

100

150

200

250

300

450

Welding current A

30

WELDING DATA

Typical conditions for MIG/MAG welding sheet

Sheet thickness mm swg in Carbon steel 0.9 1.2 1.6 2.0 3.2 4.0 6.0(2) 20 18 16 14 10 8 4
1 3 1 5

Joint Electrode gap mm dia mm

Current A

Voltage V

Gas (1)

/32 /64 /16 /64 /8

0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.2 1.6

0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0 1.0 1.0

55 - 65 80 - 100 90 - 110 110 - 130 180 - 200 180 - 200 180 - 200

16 - 17 17 - 19 17 - 19 18 - 20 20 - 23 20 - 23 20 - 23

Ferromaxx Plus Ferromaxx Plus Ferromaxx Plus

1 5

/32 /4

Ferromaxx Plus Ferromaxx Plus Ferromaxx Plus Ferromaxx Plus

Stainless steel 1.6 2.0 3.2 6.0(2) 16 14 10 4

1 5

/16 /64 /8 /4

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.6

0.8 1.0 1.0 1.2

70 - 90 75 - 95 90 - 130 180 - 240

19 - 20 19 - 20 18 - 21 22 - 26

Inomaxx Plus Inomaxx Plus Inomaxx Plus Inomaxx Plus

1 1

Aluminium and alloys 1.6(3) 2.0(3) 3.2 6.0(2) 16 14 10 4

1 5

/18 /64 /8 /4

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.6

1.0 1.0 1.2 1.2

70 - 100 70 - 100 100 - 130 150 - 200

17 - 18 17 - 18 19 - 20 26 - 29

Alumaxx Plus Alumaxx Plus Alumaxx Plus Alumaxx Plus

1 1

Notes: (1) Gas flow rate: 14 to 16l/min (higher flow rates may be required with gases containing helium) (2) Welded from both sides (3) Pulsed transfer

31

Air Products Welders Handbook

Typical conditions for MIG/MAG welding plate

Butt joints in flat position
Run Wire dia mm Current A Voltage V

Fillet welds in flat position

Leg length mm Wire dia mm Current A Voltage V Number of runs

Carbon steel Ferromaxx Plus or Ferromaxx15 Root Second Filling Root Second Filling Root Second Filing 1.0 1.2 1.2 0.8 1.6 1.6 1.0 1.6 1.6 90100 260270 280300 8085 220230 265275 8595 210220 230240 1719 2931 3133 1921 2224 2527

6 10 12

1.2 1.2 1.2

300320 3133 290310 3032 290310 3032

1 2 4

Stainless steel Inomaxx Plus

Aluminium & alloys Alumaxx Plus 2022 2426 2426

1

4 2 3

Butt and fillet welds in vertical position

use a triangular weave ensure fusion in the root

mm

mm

6 10 12 (1) 12 (2)

1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0

8095 70180 8095 70180

1718 1920 1718 1920

1 1 2 2

(1) Root run deposited vertical-down (2) Filling run deposited with weave moving up the joint.

32

FLUX CORED WIRES DATA

Useful data for flux cored wires

Wire dia mm 1.2 1.6 2.0 Current range A 100 - 280 140 - 350 200 - 425

Optimum current ranges for steel electrodes Wire dia mm 2.4 3.2 Current range A 300 - 525 400 - 650

Current ranges vary according to cored wire type.

Typical welding conditions for flux cored wires

Steel plate - Ferromaxx Plus shielding gases at 20 l/min Butt welds - flat position Run Root Second Filling Run Root Second Filling (weaved) Leg length mm 4.5 6.0 10.0 Wire dia mm 1.2 2.4 2.4 Wire dia mm 1.2 1.2 1.2 Wire dia mm 2.0 2.4 2.4 Current A 140 - 180 350 - 430 350 - 430 Current A 130 - 165 150 - 170 170 - 200 Current A 325 - 375 400 - 450 450 - 525 Voltage V 18 25 25 Voltage V 18 18 20 Voltage V 25 30 32

All welds - vertical position all runs

Fillet welds - flat and horizontal - vertical positions; single pass

Note: 10mm leg length fillet weld flat position only

33

Air Products Welders Handbook

Typical conditions for TIG welding Butt Joints

Recommended joint preparation
o 65 - 75 o

removable backing up to 3.2mm

no sheet root gap gap=half thickness

up to 3.2mm

1mm

1.6mm

4.8mm and thicker

Metal thickness mm 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0

Electrode diameter mm

Filler rod diameter mm 1.6

Welding current A 60 80 125 145 180 220 235 275 60 70 70 95 100 120 135 160 60 70 75 95 110 130 155 175

Shielding gas flow l/min 6 7 10 12 5 6 7 8 5 6 7 8

Aluminium alternating current zirconiated electrode 3.2 4.0 4.8 1.6 2.4 2.4 3.2 1.6 1.6 or 2.4 2.4 3.2 2.4 3.2 4.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8

Stainless steel direct current thoriated electrode

Carbon steel direct current thoriated electrode

34

TIG WELDING DATA

Typical conditions for TIG welding T Joints - fillet welded

ensure surface along joint line is free of oxides and grease

up to to 3.2 3.2mm - no gap up mm - no gap 4.8mm - 0.8mm over 4.8 m - 0.8 mm gap gap

Metal thickness mm 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0

Electrode diameter mm 2.4 3.2 3.2 or 4.0 4.0 or 4.8 1.6 2.4 2.4 3.2 1.6 1.6 or 2.4 2.4 3.2

Filler rod diameter mm 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8

Welding current A 60 80 130 160 195 230 260 295 50 70 85 105 120 145 165 180 50 70 90 120 135 175 170 200

Shielding gas flow l/min 5 6 7 10 5 5 6 7 5 5 6 7

Aluminium alternating current zirconiated electrode

Stainless steel direct current thoriated electrode

Carbon steel direct current thoriated electrode

35

Air Products Welders Handbook

Typical conditions for TIG welding Corner joints

no gap

1mm gap 4.8mm and thicker

up to 3.2mm thickness

Metal thickness mm 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0 1.6 3.2 4.8 6.0

Electrode diameter mm 2.4 2.4 or 3.2 3.2 or 4.0 4.0 or 4.8 1.6 2.4 2.4 3.2 1.6 1.6 or 2.4 2.4 3.2

Filler rod diameter mm 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.0 1.6 2.4 3.2 4.8

Welding current A 50 70 100 120 175 210 220 260 40 55 50 75 90 110 125 150 40 60 70 90 110 130 155 175

Shielding gas flow l/min 6 7 10 12 6 7 8 10 6 7 8 10

Aluminium alternating current zirconiated electrode

Stainless steel direct current thoriated electrode

Carbon steel direct current thoriated electrode

36

OXYGEN CUTTING

Oxygen-fuel gas cutting

Principles Oxygen-fuel gas cutting is widely used to cut: q straight lines and shapes in plates q pipe end in preparation for welding q scrap metal It can produce a variety of edge profiles on plates, pipes and sections
nozzle

Metal Mild and low carbon steels

Cutting response Very good Must use flux in oxygen jet. Poor quality cut Unsuitable

preheat flame

cutting oxygen jet

Stainless steel
molten slag and metal ejected from cut

cut face

Aluminium, copper etc

The cutting action depends on a chemical reaction between oxygen and hot iron or steel. A preheat-flame is used to raise the surface of the metal to the temperature at which the reaction takes place. The heat from the reaction melts the metal which is blown from the cut by the oxygen jet.Metal

Air Products oxygen has the right

purity for fast cutting. Do not use damaged nozzles if you want the best results.

37

Air Products Welders Handbook

Equipment
The essential equipment for cutting comprises: q cutting and torch hoses q oxygen regulator (14 bar max output) q fuel gas regulator (2 bar max output) Oxygen and fuel gas for the preheat flame are mixed in the nozzle. The type of nozzle is matched to the fuel gas.

For safety, hoses must be fitted with hose protectors at the torch.
nut to connect to torch

flow

disk valve closed when gas flow reverses

Witt Super 78 and Air Products Flashback arrestors.

head assembly cutting oxygen pre-heat oxygen pre-heat fuel seatings nut

nozzle

38

OXYGEN CUTTING

Preheat flame
The preheat flame: q heats the metal to start the cutting action q heats the surface along the line of the cut to keep the cutting action going q disperses residual paint and oxide on the surface Fuel gas can be: Apachi+ propylene based gas, exclusive to Air Products PLC. Acetylene colourless unsaturated hydrocarbon. Propane liquified petroleum based gas.

Choice of fuel gas depends on: Factor for choice Time to start cut Cutting speed Fuel gas cost Heating oxygen cost Ease of handling
q q q = best choice

Apachi+ qq qqq qq qq qqq

q = worst choice

Acetylene qqq qqq q qqq q

Propane q qq qqq q qqq

39

Air Products Welders Handbook

Quality of cut
The aim is to produce a cut with: q a uniform gap (kerf) q clearly defined edges q smooth faces q no adhering slag

kerf width sharp edge smooth face

no slag bridge

The quality of a cut surface depends on a number of variables Variable Nozzle-to-plate distance Cutting oxygen pressure Cutting speed Condition too low too high too low too high too low too high Preheat flame too small too big Effect top edge rounded undercutting cutting stops irregular face variable width excessive melting; slag adheres to face undercut; slag bridges bottom cutting stops top edge very rounded

edge rounded

undercut

slag adhering to face slag adhering to bottom edge

40

OXYGEN CUTTING

Operating techniques
Manual cutting is used for short cuts and the removal of defective parts. It is difficult to achieve a uniform cut with manual techniques. Variations in travel speed and nozzle-to-plate distance give irregular cut faces.

Improved results can be obtained by the use of guides for straight lines . . .
fixed template

. . . and radius bars for circles.

constant distance

41

Air Products Welders Handbook

Operating techniques
Mechanised cutting produces a superior finish to manual operation. A variety of mechanised traversing systems are available or the torch can be moved along a straight line or by hand to produce a complex shape.

leading trailing nozzle nozzle

Mechanised systems can be used to prepare the edges of plate prior to welding.

More than one cut can be made at the same time.

42

OXYGEN CUTTING

Typical operating conditions

Plate thickness mm Nozzle size - in Cutting speed in/min mm/sec Cutting oxygen pressure bar pressure psi flow rate l/hr Preheat gas pressure bar pressure psi flow rate l/hr Apachi+ oxygen Acetylene oxygen Propane oxygen .14 2 250 900 310 340 255 1080 .21 3 260 950 320 355 265 1125 .21 3 295 1025 340 375 300 1275 .21 3 295 1025 340 375 300 1275 .30 4 340 1150 400 440 350 1475 .30 4 400 1350 430 475 400 1720 .30 4 400 1350 430 475 400 1720 1.8 25 650 1.8 25 950 2.1 30 1150 2.1 30 1600 2.8 40 2000 3.2 45 2500 3.2 45 3300 6 1/32 24 10.2 9 1/32 22 9.3 12 3/64 21 8.9 18 3/64 15 6.3 25 1/16 13 5.5 35 1/16 12 5.1 50 1/16 11.5 4.9

Note: These conditions provide a starting point. Precise settings depend on the type of nozzle, nozzle-to-plate distance and the condition of the plate surface.

43

Air Products Welders Handbook

Plasma arc cutting

Accurate cuts can be made in stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminium by plasma arc cutting. The cuts are made by a high temperature, high velocity gas jet generated by constricting an arc between a tungsten electrode and the component. The heat from the arc melts the metal and the gas jet removes the molten metal from the cut.

The arc operates in an inert inner shield, whilst an outer shield provides protection for the cut surface. Argon, helium, nitrogen and mixtures of these gases are used for both the inner and outer shields. Plasma arc cutting is characterised by fast cutting speeds and is mainly used in mechanised systems. The cutting is accompanied by a high noise level which can be reduced by operating the torch under water.

ceramic shroud tungsten electrode plasma gas shielding gas plasma (arc) stream

44

PLASMA ARC CUTTING

Hytec 35
Hytec 35 is a gas mixture which has been specially formulated for plasma arc cutting. It contains 65% argon and 35% hydrogen. Hytec 35 is used as the plasma gas. The shielding gas can be nitrogen or argon.

Benefits of Hytec 35
q Increased cutting speed q Reduced oxidation q Narrow kerf less metal wastage q Clean cut surface q Handles thicker section material

Hytec 35 - plasma cutting parameter guide Plate Speed thickness mm mm/min 6 12 Aluminium 25 50 75 100 12 Stainless Steel 25 50 75 100 7607 2536 1268 507 380 304 2536 1268 507 406 203 Orifice size mm 3 3 4 4 5 5 3 4 4 5 5 Power kW 60 70 80 80 90 90 60 80 100 100 100 Flow rate l/min 82.6 82.6 94.4 94.4 94.4 94.4 70.8 80.2 94.4 94.4 94.4

For specific parameters and gas flow rates consult your equipment manual.

45

Air Products Welders Handbook

Golden rules for safe handling of welding and cutting gases

Safety always accidents never

Always understand the properties and hazards associated with each gas before using it. Always wear suitable eye and face protection when dealing with gas. Always store cylinders in the vertical position, and ensure that they are properly secured. Always protect your hands! Wear stout gloves when handling gas cylinders. Always use a proper trolley for moving cylinders, even for a short distance. Never attempt to repair or modify cylinder valves or safety relief devices. Never remove or obscure official labelling on a gas cylinder and always check the identity of a gas before using it. Never smoke when dealing with gas. Never use direct heat on a cylinder. Keep cylinders cool. Never allow oil or grease on cylinders and valves and always close the valve when not in use. Never lift a cylinder by its cap, guard or valve. Always replace caps and guards.

46

Air Products Welding Specialists provide technical advice to companies and individuals in the welding industry throughout the UK and Ireland. Why not let our team of experts assist you with your welding queries. Our trained staff are on hand to provide the answers you need, ensuring you get the best weld every time.

DIRECT

Air Products

0800 389 02 02

Air Products PLC 1 Millennium Gate, Westmere Drive, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6AP Air Products Ireland Ltd Unit 950, Western Industrial Estate, Killeen Road, Dublin 12, Republic of Ireland

www.airproducts.com/maxx