Today, welding has become a fairly common technology for working with metals. Corten steel (CS) is very popular and is often used in work. More information about welding corten steel technology you can read in this article.
Contents
- 1 The important nuances regarding the work
- 2 Why choose this option?
- 3 Important nuances when welding Corten steel
- 4 FAQ
- 4.1 What are the differences between CS and SS?
- 4.2 What are the differences between CS and MS?
- 4.3 Can you weld Corten steel?
- 4.4 Why choose this type of welding?
- 4.5 What are the most popular grades?
- 4.6 What welding rods for Corten steel?
- 4.7 Is Corten steel just mild steel?
- 4.8 What is the main principle of Corten steel welding and mild steel?
- 4.9 How to combine corten steel and stainless steel?
The important nuances regarding the work
Welding of Corten steel can be carried out in several ways. The work is practically no different from welding mild steel. But in the case of CS welding, TIG MIG filler wire must be used.
It is important to note that alloys can be welded by both TIG and MIG welding. You can also use arc welding.
Corten steel welding: MIG welding
The welding process, which is called MIG welding is carried out using the right welding rods, as well as filler material.
It is used to hold metal parts together. It is extremely important to work so that the connections are in contact with each other.
Important aspects
In the process of work, filler material should be placed between the seams. After that, you have to heat the welding wire, which melts the filler material.
When MIG welding is carried out, it is extremely important to choose the right filler.
For thin alloys
If you plan the welding process with thinner alloy, E-7018 welding wire is the best choice. It effectively melts the metal and holds the plates together.
Corten steel welding: TIG welding
TIG Corten steel welding is a bit like working with mild steel.
Corten steel welding requires not only filler material but also an electrode made of tungsten. For TIG welding corten steel, it is better to prepare a sharp electrode.
You need to direct the maximum amount of heat to the seam during the TIG welding. It is extremely important to direct the heat to the correct area.
Principle of 2 main varieties
There are a few tips to pay attention to in this type of welding, namely:
- The base material must be clean. It needs to be cleaned of contaminants.
- Preheat the material in advance so that it does not crack during operation.
- Use a filler metal that does not differ in composition from the base metal.
- Seams should be heated slowly to avoid overheating.
Corten steel welding principle: arc welding
If you decide to do a quality job with Corten steel welding, it is extremely important to choose the right electric arc.
You can choose options that are suitable for working with alloy steel. This causes the welding arc to generate enough heat to melt the filler metal.
This effectively fastens the two metal parts. You need to work quickly and carefully. It is necessary to work with the filler and the arc at the same time.
The considered method of Corten steel welding is flexible. You can work with different metals, regardless of thickness.
Why choose this option?
When you have already sorted out the intricacies a little, you may wonder why you still need to choose this particular option.
This type of steel is considered weathering steel. That is, the material does not collapse under the influence of moisture and wind. This allows the weathering steel to resist corrosion.
Strength
Weathering steel is characterized by high strength and easily withstands shock. At the same time, CS is considered mild steel, because it can maintain its ductility.
If you have had the opportunity to observe beautiful outdoor sculptures, then I want to tell you that welded CS is used to create them.
This is because Corten steel welding is very resistant to corrosion and can even be equated to stainless steel (SS) in terms of strength.
Masters made stainless steel material, to which manganese, nickel, and copper are added. In the production of alloy, materials are used that create a layer on the surface that resists atmospheric corrosion.
Even if there are harsh conditions outside, the type of steel in question retains its original appearance.
A threshold value of mechanical stress
CS is characterized by a high performance in these parameters. In this case, mild steel does not erase. Corten steel has gained popularity in areas such as architecture and landscaping.
Welded Corten steel can be used for many jobs in which the result should be as reliable and beautiful as possible. This is both the creation of sculptures, work during the installation of a bridge, and responsible household work – for example when installing fences.
Important nuances when welding Corten steel
Regardless of how you want to weld Corten steel: by TIG welding or MIG welding, it is important to remember some nuances.
Especially when it comes to choosing electrodes. When choosing a tool for welding Corten steel, you have to focus on how thick the metal has.
The size of the selected electrode should be 2 times smaller when compared with the thickness of the metal for welding Corten steel.
Welding Corten steel requires direct current. Work with the base material is carried out with negative charges.
Therefore, it is extremely important to correctly set the polarity before starting work.
The subtleties of the choice of filler
To mild steel properly, you need to choose the right filler wire.
If the welding material for CS is not properly selected, a decrease in tensile strength occurs. In this case, the same corrosion resistance decreases.
ASTM A588 steel welding materials
This type is considered alloy steel. The composition includes carbon, silicon, sulfur, phosphorus, and manganese. Choose electrodes and rods that contain a high concentration of manganese.
TIP! To weld ASTM A588, you need to prepare materials in advance.
FAQ
When it comes to welding Corten steel, many questions can be asked.
What are the differences between CS and SS?
Quite often, people cannot decide which steel to use for welding: Corten steel or stainless steel. When choosing, you should focus on several important indicators.
Appearance
Corten steel has an original appearance. Therefore, welded Corten steel looks unusual and stylish.
Minuses
The minus of Corten steel is its low durability when compared with stainless steel. If you are planning to create a durable product, it is better not to use weathering steel, even though it has corrosion resistance.
It is better to stay on stainless steel, which also has corrosion resistance. It lasts longer and retains its attractiveness.
Stainless steel is much easier to maintain than Corten steel. Therefore, when choosing steel, you should focus on needs.
What are the differences between CS and MS?
In the construction industry, different types of steel can be used. However, it is CS and MS that are the most popular.
As already mentioned, CS is considered to be weathering steel that is not affected by rust.
Mild steel is also considered weathering steel, however, it may show signs of rust. MS is carbon steel, however, the amount of carbon in it is negligible.
Therefore, its corrosion resistance is an order of magnitude lower when compared with Corten steel.
MS is the best option for products that are used indoors. Welded Corten steel is appropriate on the street. MS has an affordable cost, so it is the best option for those who save.
If you prefer durable structures that do not need constant care, it is better to refuse MS. It is better to give preference to welded Corten steel.
Yes, it is more expensive. However, in the future, you do not have to spend money on replacing the product.
Can you weld Corten steel?
The principle of operation is practically the same as steel, which contains a small amount of carbon. However, you have to consciously and correctly select the filler and electrodes. This ensures efficient operation. And so you can weld Corten steel.
Why choose this type of welding?
The mechanical properties of CS deserve special attention.
You should also consider what chemical properties the corrosion-resistant material consists of.
As already mentioned, Corten weathering steel refers to the type of steel in the manufacture of which chromium, copper, nickel, and other components are used.
Rust resistance
Weather-resistant steel, including Corten steel, is practically not affected by rust. If you think about welding weathering steel, you can create durable structures.
Tensile strength
Weathering steel, like mild steel, has tensile strength. Therefore, it retains its shape even with active use.
Attractiveness
If you weld Corten steel, then the filler metal changes its appearance over time. The surface of the metal develops a natural, rust-like appearance.
Therefore, the product obtained by welding Corten steel is more attractive.
What are the cons of Corten steel?
As already mentioned, Corten steel has a long service life and is durable. However, it is impossible not to note several disadvantages of this material.
If you take care of the steel incorrectly, it does not damage or deformed.
The material tends to stretch if the care is wrong.
However, the use of Corten steel should not be abandoned due to its disadvantages. If you provide proper care, the material is durable and functional.
What are the most popular grades?
According to the observations and user reviews, I can say that the top common corten steel grades in this case are ASTM A242 and ASTM A588. This is because these options are marked as incredibly resistant to corrosion and durable.
Over time, Corten weathering steel can change its appearance, which makes it unique. The mechanical properties will be discussed in more detail later.
What welding rods for Corten steel?
During work, you need to use the correct welding rods. Many welders enjoy using Cor-Match 8018-C3.
This material has excellent mechanical properties, and the shade resembles Corten steel. Therefore, you do not have to additionally paint the product.
Is Corten steel just mild steel?
The term Corten steel refers to a type of weathering steels. Therefore, the product lasts longer when compared with MS.
What is the main principle of Corten steel welding and mild steel?
If you plan to combine mild steel and corten steel, you have to work with special electrodes.
This may be an E-7018 or E-8018 class tool. If you plan to work on the principle of TIG or MIG welding, it is better to use the ER-70S electrode.
How to combine corten steel and stainless steel?
Quite often people combine Corten and stainless steel. If you decide to do this type of steel welding, you need to find a filler metal with excellent corrosion properties, as is the case with stainless steel.
If the corrosion resistance indicators are lower, then the Corten steel quickly loses its mechanical properties.
It is best to use E-309L wire for the job. If the material is thick, it makes sense to preheat the Corten steel.
This prevents the two materials from diluting and mixing.
Before starting work, remove dirt from the surfaces.
To do this, use a wire brush. To speed up the work, you need a grinder. This helps remove paint, grease, and dirt.
