304 to A36 Weld 1

[jtw3]

I'm not a welding expert save to say that I observed a welder who was weldeding 314SS angles to A36 columns for some end connections of a beam - shear only. I asked him what electrode he had used - he was stick welding SMAW.

He stated E7018...for my own edification...is there an issue with this?

TIA

JTW3

 

[metengr]

Yes. Have the welder stop welding and use E309. Go back to the welds used with E7018 and remove the weld metal and re-weld.

 

[metengr]

jtw3;

Go back to the welds used with E7018 and remove the weld metal and re-weld.

Please note, my recommendation above only applies to the welds that joined the 304ss angles to the A36 columns.

The E7018 electrode should be used for joining A36 base materials.

 

[tab1999]

You should be able to request a copy of their welding Procedure for joining dis-similar alloys to ensure the proper filler is used. ( They are supposed to have one and it should have been submitted along with the Quality program )

 

[metengr]

tab1999;
I can't tell you how many times I have been on field jobs where contractors have a great looking and comprehensive Quality Manual (all qualified welding procedures) and when it comes time to execute in the field, I walk up and observe a welder using the wrong filler metal. The simple reason for this is that the welder was not given proper instruction by the contractor's Supt prior to the job. The bottom line is to always trust but verify the contractor is following their own Quality program.

 

[tab1999]

metengr,
You are absolutely correct.
It's very important to have that information in your hand when you have to confront a contractor about their Non-conformances.
It would be great if all companies would require a CWI in their RFQ, to ensure items like that are headed off & or corrected properly. ( Presence prevents a lot )

There is no shortcut to any place worth going!