Architectural bronze extrusions are highly machinable, take an excellent finish and perform well in both hot and cold working environments. But what are the best methods and practices when it comes to welding architectural bronze? Our customers frequently inquire about new methods for welding our bronze extrusions. The Mac Metals team would like to share advice on welding C38500 (Architectural Bronze).
Welding Architectural Bronze Extrusions (C38500)
Process: TIG Weld
Settings: DC Straight Polarity using Straight Argon Gas
Filler: Oxy Fuel Rod
Oxy Fuel Rod is a great selection when ductility and machinability are most important. RG60 is a high strength alloy used for gas brazing of low carbon and low alloy steels. It is used in applications where a high tensile strength is needed. The high silicon and manganese content in the product eliminates the need for flux when welding. RG65 is a low alloy oxy-fuel rod designed for high speed fusion welding of pressure vessels, tanks and piping.
Brazing/Welding Rod: Low Fuming Bronze, Non Flux Coated
Low Fuming Bronze is a copper/zinc alloy developed for braze welding steel, cast iron, and copper. Low Fuming Bronze can also be used for build up and overlay; and flows easily with minimal fuming. Deposits can be machined and have excellent ductility.
Please note: It is our understanding that low fuming bronze rod is not actually a TIG welding rod; it is considered a brazing rod by most people in the welding business. We have spent a lot of time researching many different rods for best results using TIG welding process for Strength and Color Match. In our opinion, this low fuming filler rod is the most versatile for all copper alloys (Except Silicon Bronze).
Special Thanks to The Wagner Companies of Milwaukee, Wisconsin for sharing this information.
About Mac Metals
Mac Metals is a “specialty brass mill” located in Kearny, New Jersey that provides custom architectural metals to architects, general contractors, original equipment manufacturers, machine shops and architectural and ornamental metal fabricators that require custom extrusions made of brass, bronze and nickel silver. Contact Mark Sisson, for more product and service information about the services that Mac Metals can provide.
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