Elimination of interpass cleaning??? Is it possible?

By RocketWelder Date 04-13-2018 16:16

Welding 17-4 PH Low sulfur - Considering employing the use of a trailing shield in the hopes of eliminating inter pass cleaning by wire brush.

If the trailing shield eliminates all discoloration and I am left with a shiny weld surface... Is that a reliable indication of having a contamination free surface to lay down another weld without brushing? Weld prep is cleaned and brushed prior to first root pass. Thanks for your help!

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 04-13-2018 18:58 Edited 04-13-2018 19:01

It for sure can be done, but validation by procedure qualification may be wise depending on the geometry and service of the part, as well as the function of the trailing shield.

We did this with knife edge airseals (GTAW with trailing shield) On some airseals we did more than 10 continuous build-up passes with only the trailing shield.... But this was done with PQR's and in partnership and with approval approval from the OEM.

The president of this company, Precision Welding Technologies: PWT oversaw the design of the trailing shields I'm discussing and sells them as well as consulting services for folks breaking into new areas
www.pwt-online.com/

If you contact them, tell Gregg that Larry from United sent you.

By RocketWelder Date 04-16-2018 18:46

Excellent - Thanks. Procedure qualification is definitely in the plans.