Weld process for fillet welded lap joints in sheet steel 3

[trainguy]

All,

I often have spec'd fillet welds on the edges of 0.094 and 0.125 steel sheet, such as in ring or slot welds. I have also often regretted specifying these due to the poor observed results (too much weld, distortion, burned edges)

AWS D15.1 mentions that various processes are acceptable for these types of welds.

Shouldn't these always be GTAW? Is any guidance available on this practice?

tg

 

[vanci]

How long/ diameter are the welds?

GTAW process is widely known to cause distortion. If you are set on using GTAW start trying pulse. Based on the info above, I do not see any reason GMAW or SMAW would not work here. Either process should produce less distortion.

 

[metengr]

Use GMAW, this welding process would be ideal for thin gauge product forms and is easy to use.

 

[kingnero]

I don't know the proper english name, but you can also use something very alike silver solder (brazing?), but using the GMAW equipment and special wire.
as this doesn't melt the base metal, but gives good tensile results, it might be worth looking into?

 

[berkshire]

Kingnero,
I suspect the name you are looking for is everdur . ( silicon Bronze )
B.E.

 

[Ron]

Agree with metengr. GMAW is a good process for this application. Welders should be qualified in accordance with AWS D1.3 "Structural Welding Code-Sheet Steel". Selection of the proper filler metal is important when welding sheet steel. Electrodes that "dig in" (such as E6011, E6013) should be avoided. A common sheet steel electrode is E6022. E7024 can also be used.

 

[trainguy]

The ring welds are 5/8 diameter on 3.5 inch centers.

Thanks everyone- I will use GMAW with the guidelines that Ron provided.

I'll confirm with a welding eng. buddy as well.

Out of curiosity, if our drawings typically specify "All welding to comply with AWS D1.1", doesn't that imply that sheet steel welding will be in conformance with D1.3, and by consequence, the welders will be qualified to that standard also?

tg

 

[vanci]

Ron reccomended GMAW process but listed SMAW electrodes. For GMAW use solid wire, no larger than .035" diameter, preferably .023". 100% agron shielding gas or 75/25 mix with CO2.

 

[Ron]

Sorry guys it was a typo or brain fart...not sure which...intended SMAW...thanks vanci

 

[stanweld]

Advise using GMAW with pulsed transfer or short-circuiting transfer.

 

[trainguy]

Thanks for all the help guys.

tg