Welding zirconium, part 2

摘要

Re. Welding zirconium in "Welding zirconium requires care and attention." (Welding Magazine, May 2008, Page 30.) This is an area our company has experience in and I have several comments: Ideally, dedicated austenitic stainless steel brushes, such as 304SS, will be used to prepare the area of the weld joint plus the region 1 in. to 2 in. around the weld. Any surfaces that will exceed 600 deg. F during the welding process should be brushed. A final cleaning with pure acetone or electronic grade MEK is preferred immediately prior to welding. Rather than using a pointed tip on the tungsten alloy electrode, the end should be blunted after grinding so that the sharp point does not break off into the weld metal.