Posted to News on 3rd Sep 2019, 10:50
New welding wire reduces spatter when welding galvanised steel
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products is launching OK AristoRod 38 Zn, a solid wire with a specially alloyed formula that minimises porosity and spatter on galvanised steels. As a result, it significantly reduces or eliminates rejects and rework, delivering optimised results when welding the galvanised steel components used in transportation, white goods, agricultural tanks and troughs, HVAC systems and construction (roofs, facades, gates, fences, stairs, catwalks).
Manufacturers are using thicker Zn coatings so that they can produce longer lasting components and offer longer anti-corrosion product warranties. However, a thicker coating exacerbates the challenges inherent with welding galvanised steel. Zinc melts at temperatures lower than steel (419degC vs. 1370degC). As a result, the heat of the welding arc releases zinc vapour around the weld pool, which affects arc stability and contributes to excess spatter. If trapped in the weld pool, the vapour causes porosity as the weld solidifies.
Jose Abal-Lopez, Global Product Manager Non and Low Alloyed Solid Wires, ESAB says: "Through tightly controlled micro-alloying elements in its formulation, OK AristoRod 38 Zn allows the zinc vapour to escape. It addresses the root cause of porosity and spatter associated with standard ER70S-6 wires without the expense or increased risk of burn through associated with metal cored wires. ESAB conducted head-to-head tests against other common options for welding galvanised steel. The results were conclusive: OK AristoRod 38 Zn offers the best performance at the lowest total cost of production."
OK AristoRod 38 Zn is available in diameters of 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2mm in 18kg spools and 250kg Marathon Pacs. It is classified as an AWS A5.18 ER70S-G. For more information, visit esab.com.
