Copper Cracking of Welds
Copper Cracking of Welds
(OP)
I have been told that copper contamination can be the cause of cracks in welds. Is this true? Is this specific to a type of metal? If it does cause cracks why is copper used so commonly around welded components? I.e., GTAW collets, GMAW contact tips and nozzles, pipeline backup shoes for the root-pass. Is there any type of copper alloy that is better to use than another to stop the cracking?





RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
Generally OFHC (Oxygen Free High Conductivity} Copper is better for use around electrical systems. Oxygen is one of the primary causes of cracking in Copper.
so you have a specific application in mind?
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
Is this true? Is this (cracking) specific to a type of metal (only carbon steel or only stainless steel)? If it does cause cracks why is copper used so commonly around welded components? I.e., GTAW collets, GMAW contact tips and nozzles, pipeline backup shoes for the root-pass. Is there any type of copper alloy that is better to use than another to stop the (copper contamination of the bevel) cracking?
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
A common problem is copper plated, SAW weld wire that was used to prevent light rusting and binding in welding machines but created problems with copper contamination in welds.
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
meteng will remember when the use of Copper coater wire, both Tig and Mig, was prohibited due to concern of this type cracking.
a couple of reasons that Copper coatings don't cause cracking is due to ammount present and Copper's affinity for O2. If a metal has a tendency to crack a little O2 can be added to the shielding gases to take care of any possible Copper cracking. It all ends up in the typical light scale on the weld metal are in the dust.
Copper will also cause cracking in SS.
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
We do use Cu containing tooling, we are just very careful with all contact points.
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Plymouth Tube
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
Author Morrison .J.D
NCRA REP; PP 58; REPORT NO INCRA PROJECT NO. 84; 1966
Copper Data Centre.
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"The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually." Martin Luther King Jr
RE: Copper Cracking of Welds
There are grades such as weathering steels that contain up to about 0.5% copper without cracking issues. I am not sure what your concern is, but obviously you want clean, bright bevel surfaces before all welding, but particularly on the less forgiving, more exotic grades such as P-91.
Heat treatment and high temperature service conditions (e.g., copper contamination in boilers) are a different matter.