Welding problems with thin brass plates and tungsten inert gas pulse welding

Abstract

Brass materials are widely used as engineering materials in industry because of their high strength, high corrosion resistance, and high electrical and thermal conductivity. They are easily shaped and they possess a pleasant appearance. However, it is difficult to weld brasses. The main problem with these alloys in fusion welding is the evaporation of zinc during the welding process. After welding, the weld metal becomes porous. Moreover, since the amount of zinc in the alloy is reduced due to evaporation, the brass material loses the physical and chemical properties which it normally possesses. Studies on weldability of brass materials are very few. There is very little information concerning the weldability of brass materials in the literature and general definitions are often seen. It is impossible to find studies on experimental investigations of the welding of brass materials apart for a few exceptions. There are virtually no studies to support experimental data about whether welding of brass materials is possible. The purpose of the present study is to determine suitable parameters by investigating the weldability of brass materials, and the difficulties involved. In order to enable low and controlled heat input into the welding bead, TIG pulse welding is used during experimental studies. The physical and chemical properties of welding beads (penetration, tensile strength, Erichsen deep drawing value, chemical composition of internal structure) have been determined and evaluations have been made.