weld 420 ss to a magnet

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 10-29-2014 11:08

Drill and countersunk bolt :)

By 46.00

Date 10-29-2014 18:24

The trouble when welding to anything magnetic is that most magnets will lose magnetism when exposed to the high temperatures involved in welding processes. There are workarounds but whether these would be practicable for a job like you propose would be questionable. Much better to find a mechanical fastening method.

By aevald

Date 10-29-2014 18:39

Hello Kent, as others have mentioned, heat is not a friend with magnets. However, that being said, is there a possibility that you could use silicon bronze wire and a GMAW process to provide the attachment? Maybe, just maybe, this combination would allow for a high enough travel speed and minimal heat input to allow for attachment/retention? Good luck and regards, Allan

By PlasmaHead2 (***)

Date 10-30-2014 01:05

What kind of magnet? :eek:

Stolen from wikipedia; the standard AlNiCo magnets (iron horseshoe) are made from, "8–12% Al, 15–26% Ni, 5–24% Co, up to 6% Cu, up to 1% Ti, and the balance is Fe."
While I don't know that much about metallurgy, that still sounds like a cluster F of a weld puddle.....
Some part of my brain tells me that the rare earth series of magnets(NeFeB or SmCo) will be even less friendly....
Brazing/Silver solder???

By welderbrent (*****)

Date 10-30-2014 01:23

And what pray tell do you have cooking Kent?

This sounds like a major effort in futility. Though, I'm one to talk. Never could resist a challenge. Weld with best choice for matching materials then remagnetize.

But, how about arc blow? Seems like you might want to use material easily magnetized to weld your component then get it magnetized.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent

By lo-hi

Date 10-30-2014 10:23

I was wondering about arc blow? Any time that I even get close to a set up magnet holder it cause polarity confusion. Perley

By 46.00

Date 10-30-2014 17:37

I think Kent was intending to use O/A, although smaw with ac would negate the effects that you mention.

By welderbrent (*****)

Date 10-31-2014 00:59

Okay, now that you mention it I see it in his OP. That makes a difference.

Still, what effect is the heat going to have on the magnet? I know when you heat a plate a magnet is attached to it renders the magnet ineffective at transformation temps. When heating for welding the magnet itself must be heated to a degree. So, when heating up enough to weld, what effect does that heat have on the magnet? Does it reduce strength? What percentage returns as the magnet cools?

If nothing else, his question got me curious.

He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent

By kcd616

Date 11-02-2014 00:11

Brent,
a engineer I have worked with in the past and have some professional respect for :eek:

(not that I lack professional respect for engineers or inspectors :eek:

), but have alot of personal respect for them. good person :grin:

asked if I could do some fabrication work on a prototype
has to do with magnets, blades, turbines, wind and electricity :wink:

I am looking to find if I have the equipment and knowledge to pull this off and if not if can it be done
now Lawrence has helped 10 fold
countersink and tap and screw with plug weld to finish
o/a so no arc blow
and already have rare earth magnets in material list
hope this helps
sincerely,
Kent

By ssbn727 (*****)

Date 11-02-2014 00:27

Beware if the Magnet is made from sintered & compressed materials when drilling also because if you put too much force on the drill as you're drilling you may break the magnet into many useless pieces for your job... Go0od Luck Kent! :grin:

Respectfully,
Henry

By kcd616

Date 11-02-2014 02:29

Henry,
magnet is already pre drilled and countersunk
smaller size (4" x 3")
but thank you my friend
sincerely,
Kent

By PlasmaHead2 (***)

Date 11-02-2014 02:33

a 4" by 3" rare earth magnet? Be careful around that critter... :eek:

By Paladin (***)

Date 11-03-2014 02:21

I've ordered magnets from K&J Magnetics.
http://www.kjmagnetics.com/

They have a LARGE selection and lots of info about magnetics.
I've used them for latches, holding panels on, etc.
Possible use is as large as your imagination.

I can see how large rare earth magnets could be dangerous.
The web site has warnings for some of their magnets.

One has to be careful with the magnets. Letting them slam together can damage them.
Over tightening the counter sunk magnets can crack them too.

On latches I have mounted the counter sunk magnets so I could adjust their position. I did that so when the door closed
the door or magnet did not quite touch the other magnet or steel that it attracted to.
There was no chance of damage when the door slammed shut.

Magnets can be an attractive solution.

Floyd