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When it comes right down to it, the strength, longevity and overall integrity of a weld depends largely upon the filler metal. Failing to select the right filler metal for your welding project promises to compromise the fortitude of your weld. OK, that totally makes sense, right? But how do you select the right filler metal? And what are the key elements you need to keep in mind in order to make the right choice? Good question, Im so glad you asked! Selecting the right filler metal for your welding projects breaks down to five key considerations: 1. Matching the base metal 2. Tensile strength 3. Welding position 4. Number of passes required to complete the weld 5. Cleanliness of the base metal So lets take a closer look at how each of these key elements relates to the filler metal selection process:
Tensile Strength
Selecting the right tensile strength is a almost as important as matching filler and base metal type, coming in a close second among key considerations in your filler metal selection process. Basically, you want the tensile strength of your filler metal to equal or exceed the tensile strength of your base metal if you cant match the base metals tensile strength exactly, its better to exceed than settle for a short fall. The logic here is also pretty elementary if youre bonding two pieces of base metal using a filler metal with a weaker tensile strength than that of your base metal, youre headed for trouble and will definitely end up creating a weld thats less than secure.
Welding Position
Filler metals designed for flat or horizontal welding positions are generally less prone to porosity and developing other inclusion related issues, in addition to possessing a faster speed of travel. That means nine times out of ten, your best bet with any welding project is welding in a flat position, i.e. on a work bench or welding table, preferable in a welding shop or some similar work environment. But hey, realistically speaking, that's not always possible whatre you gonna do, right? When youre making repairs in the field, however, and you dont have the luxury of a comfy cozy welding shop environment, you gotta do what you gotta do. And that means selecting an all welding position filler metal. All position filler metals offer a super solidification rate, ensuring the weld puddle remains intact.