Welding Filler Metals
Welding Filler Metals
(OP)
I have a WPS with the filler metal specification 4130, manufacture Techalloy, F-No. A & A-No. 11. Testing of this procedure had Charpy Impact testing at -20C. Is it acceptable for me to use filler metal from another manufacture other than Techalloy as long as the specification is 4130, F-No. A & A-No. 11?





RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
I usually consider your answers simple, clear, concise and extremely pertinent. This one is the finest yet.
Tom
Thomas J. Walz
Carbide Processors, Inc.
www.carbideprocessors.com
Good engineering starts with a Grainger Catalog.
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
We see it often, we will quote both of the options, the brand that they stated and a technical alternate.
This is what UNS numbers are for, to prevent these kinds of questions.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Plymouth Tube
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
I must second Steve's comment. Not all manufacturers' filler metals trade designations for a given classification are created equal. I have experienced many such instances when trade name purchase changes provided unaceptable welds (X-ray quality) or welds with unacceptable mechanical properties. I have also seen these types of problems from the same manufacturer's trade designations manufactured at different locations.
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
Best regards - Al
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
QW-442 is for A-Numbers - not F Nos; furthermore, the chemistry of 4130 low alloy steel does not meet the requirements for A No. 11, as I had previously stated.
RE: Welding Filler Metals
Also note that QW-404.4 states "A change from one F-Number in Table QW-432 to any other F-Number or to any other filler metal not listed in Table QW-432; the 4130 filler metal is not listed in Table QW-432.
Based on your own stated problems regarding hardness (strength/ductility) issues, it would appear axiomatic that you would qualify a procedure using a different manufacturer's 4130 filler metal.
RE: Welding Filler Metals
Steve Jones
Materials & Corrosion Engineer
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/8/83b/b04
RE: Welding Filler Metals
As I read more of this thread from others that have contributed good comments, it appears you have a very serious problem with how your filler metal was originally specified versus worrying about purchasing this same filler metal from another supplier.
There seems to be significant confusion regarding the chemical composition of the filler metal, and if it was custom made to match 4130. Weld procedures can be qualified with coat hanger wire and as long as you have some specification or nominal composition and another supplier can provide their product to this specification you do not need to requalify the procedure. This is purely administrative.
Your problem as I now see it seems to be what you have in terms of actual welding consumables. If need be have this filler metal analyzed after welding bead on plate. You may be surprised as to what was supplied.
Welding 4130 can be done with several recognized filler metal specifications from E 7018 to E8018 B2. The selection of the filler metal is based on desired strength/hardness level.
RE: Welding Filler Metals
RE: Welding Filler Metals
That said, there is often a difference between welding consumables, especially with covered electrode, in operability and properties. But I have to say some criticism of products is generated by welders having a bad day. ('It is a poor workman who blames his tools'.)
A final saying (one I made up) is: 'when welding on alloy steels, don't always assume your filler metal composition needs to match that of the base metal'.
I'm out of sayings at this point and will shut up.
;)