metzgjer,
First, WELCOME TO THE AWS WELDING FORUM!! Glad you joined us.
Now, What did you already try welding with? Process, electrode, sizes, gases, etc. What size weld and in what type of joint, fillet, butt, lap?
Depending upon many other factors my first impression would be one of the wire processes.
It will be easier to help and suggest if we have more info.
Have a Great Day, Brent
308 flux,.045 -(Gas) Argon, Co2 mix,no pre or post heat, fillet joint running approx 23V,150 to 200 amp. We are about to start our second chute first one we had to scrap BIG $$$,I would like for this to not happen again!! It's the Bosses call, but if i can help things go better that would be great. Thanks for all your input,Sincerely the Fitter :)
OK, metzgjer...It's been quite some time since I've been involved of this great forum for some job related reasons....but your question is right down my alley.
First of all, I'm really concerned that you have 316L base metal and you’re welding with 308. 316 is typically used for specific service life, usually with salt water or similar corrosive environment. The material has about 2% Moly for this specific application. 308 has higher Cr and Ni but no moly. Because of this, depending on the service environment, the welds may be subject to stress corrosion cracking and possible product failure.
Now, from a welding standpoint....everything we weld with 316/316L is GMAW/ GMAW-P welded with 316Lsi wire, 98-2 Ar-O2 gas, in the 26-29v, 200-230a range to put it into the pure spray mode. This dramatically increases travel speed witch reduces overall heat input. With the size plate you're talking about, I would expect .035 or .039 316Lsi weld wire from Sandvik or Esab would make great welds and reduce overall warpage. Travel speed is the highest contributor to heat input joules which is calculate as volts*amps/ travel speed.
Good luck...it should not be that bad!!
Thank you very much for your insight,Im sure it will prove to be very helpful.
By metzgjer
Date 07-01-2010 20:13
Edited 07-01-2010 20:15
I was wrong when I said 308. We are using 316L flux wire from sandvik .045,running 23 to 26V, 150 -200a 75-25 Ar-O2 gas .This is our current process & not working so Well for us!
I'm not a fan of cored SS wire....but it does have it's place.
I would still keep with my first recomendation that you run Ar/o2, solid wire, 25+ volts and for the thickenss your welding, over 200 amps. You will be amazed how well the solid wire will wet out with the O2 gas mix. Also, 316LSi will wet out better than 316L. The only thing that might be a problem is running out of position, but than can be easily worked around with welding parameters.
