How to Prevent Welding from Heat Warping
Welding is the process by which pieces of metal are superheated, either by flame or electric arc, until it melts and fuses together. Differences in temperature of the hot metal along the welding seam and the cooler surrounding metal may cause the piece to warp as it cools. This distortion places additional stresses on the metal and can lead to structural failure. Reduce the effects of metal warping by using heat treatment and different welding techniques.
Instructions
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Arrange the metal into the configuration you are welding them. Press the pieces as closely together as possible. A smaller gap between the metals will produce less warping because it requires less molten metal to fill the joint.
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Clamp the pieces together. The clamps will assist in preventing the metal pieces from warping from expansion as the metal heats.
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Heat the metal along the joint and six inches to either side of the joint with a propane torch. Heating the metal before you weld will reduce the contrast between the cool plates and the hot welding process.
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Weld along the seam with an electric arc welding machine using a stitch welding pattern. To do this, you start the arc weld at the edge of the joint and weld for two inches. Skip two inches and weld another two inches along the seam.
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Repeat welding along the seam, filling in the skipped stitches to complete the joint. Reduce the heat stress placed on the overall metal plating by welding in this pattern.
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Cover any heated metal that is not being welded with a thermal blanket. This will allow the metal to cool at a slower rate and reduce the possibility of warping.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a welder's mask and gloves while welding.
References
- Photo Credit Ablestock.com/AbleStock.com/Getty Images
