Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
(OP)
Dear Forum
We're doing gas metal arc welding of structural steel parts with copper backing and fear that we get copper into the weld. I'm looking for a chemical spot test to find copper contamination in the welds. Does anybody know about such a test?
Any help is highly appreciated.
Michael
We're doing gas metal arc welding of structural steel parts with copper backing and fear that we get copper into the weld. I'm looking for a chemical spot test to find copper contamination in the welds. Does anybody know about such a test?
Any help is highly appreciated.
Michael





RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
I am not aware of any copper contamination of the repair area (weld built-up spots) that has ever caused problems either during later machining, NDE, or later operation.
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
Thanks for the help.
We're using a non-plated wire to prevent copper inclusions.
If I can't find an easy chemical test for copper contaminations (spectrometry is too expensive) we'll try the ceramic backings.
Michael
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
RE: Copper contamination in weld - spot test?
If you were to have a problem with copper contamination, it would most likely be evident by very small cracks in the contaminated area. A dye penetrant test or fluorescent wet magnetic particle test with an AC yoke will provide a positive means of locating cracks caused by the copper or other means.
You could also polish the area of concern and etch the weld (root). If copper is present, it will be obvious once the area is etched. AWS B2.1 can be used as a source of information of the types of etchants to be used with different metals.
Best regards - Al