Why Reducing Electrode Diameter and Amperage Is Actually Making Distortion Worse

One of the best solutions for welding distortion may seem counterintuitive. Many times, when a fabricator is experiencing distortion from welding, they often believe they are welding too hot. Their initial instinct is to reduce the heat input by lowering the amperage. So, they try it, only to find out the problem persists or even […]

How to Weld ASTM A514 (T1 Steel) Without Cracking

We frequently receive questions regarding the preheating, welding, and post-weld heat treatment of ASTM A514 and other quenched and tempered steels. If you’re working with these materials, the following guidelines will be extremely helpful for welding this steel and avoid cracking or other problems.  Metallurgy, Uses, and Welding Challenges of ASTM A514 ASTM A514, often […]

Why Welding Stainless Steel Causes Distortion

Austenitic stainless steels, renowned for their corrosion resistance and aesthetic appeal, are a staple in numerous industries. However, welding these materials often presents a significant challenge: distortion and warpage. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it can lead to dimensional inaccuracies, compromised functionality, and costly rework. So, why are austenitic stainless steels so prone to […]

How to weld dissimilar metals

Welding engineers know how crucial the right filler metal is, especially when joining dissimilar metals. It’s not just about welding two pieces together and getting them to hold; it’s about creating a welded connection that can withstand the intended service conditions. In the case of stainless steel and other nickel alloys we also want corrosion […]

Why Should Metal Fabricators Care About Metallurgy

Metallurgy should matter to all of those involved in welding. Welding is a fascinating process. We take two pieces of metal, heat them up, and fuse them together, creating a single, solid piece. But what’s really happening to the base metal when we weld it with an electric arc, such as that used in GMAW […]

Weld Failures: Why They Happen and How to Prevent Them

When a weld fails in the field, the consequences can be catastrophic. Our experience as welding engineering consultants has shown us that such failures often expose deeper issues within a company’s welding operations. These situations can lead to fears of additional failures in other products or structures, potential harm or fatalities, litigation, and even bankruptcy. […]

3 Effective Ways to Reduce Welding Rework

Rework is extremely costly, especially in welding.  If you consider what happens when a weld is rejected it is essentially triples the amount of work. You weld, you remove the weld, you reweld.  On top of this it may require additional inspection.  So, reducing rework can save considerable amounts of time and money. 

The Most Dangerous Weld Defect

Have you ever wondered if there is one type of welding discontinuity or defect that is the absolute worst one to have?  Have you heard that cracks are by the far the worst?  Or do you think others like lack of fusion, undercut or overlap can be worse?  The reality is that there isn’t a […]

Special considerations for welding Stainless Steel

Stainless steels possess many properties that make them different from those of carbon steels. These differences provide certain advantages, such as corrosion resistance, but we must be aware of some of the intricacies of welding stainless steel to avoid problems.   Many welding professionals, including welding engineers,  that have worked primarily with carbon steels develop welding […]