Dissimilar Metals

Electrodes for the joints that standard filler will not make - stainless to carbon steel, unknown alloys, high-carbon and free-machining steels, and maintenance repairs where nobody knows what the part is made of.

Why ordinary filler fails here

When you weld two different alloys, the weld pool is a mixture of both base metals plus the filler. That mixture can form phases that neither parent metal would form on its own - typically brittle, typically crack-prone, and typically not visible until the part is in service.

The same applies to a single unknown steel. Weld a high-carbon or free-machining steel with a mild steel electrode and the dilution produces a hard, brittle weld that cracks either as it cools or the first time the part is loaded.

Nickel-based alloys solve it by tolerating dilution

Nickel and nickel-chrome fillers hold far more dissolved carbon, sulphur and alloying elements in solution without turning brittle. They stay ductile across a wide range of dilution, which is exactly what an unknown or mixed joint demands.

• ENiCrMo-3 - nickel-chromium-molybdenum. For stainless to carbon steel, nickel alloys, and joints that will see corrosion or elevated temperature. Also the standard choice for buffer layers under a dissimilar weld.
• General-purpose problem-steel electrodes - for high-carbon, free-machining, spring, tool and unidentified steels in maintenance and repair work.

Keep heat input low

Less heat means less dilution from the base metal, and dilution is the mechanism causing the problem. Stringer beads, minimal weave, lowest current that gives fusion, and let it cool between passes.

Preheat the difficult side

High-carbon and alloy steels usually need preheat and a controlled cool to avoid hydrogen cracking. If you do not know the alloy, treat it as if it needs it.

These alloys are expensive - use them deliberately

Nickel electrodes cost multiples of mild steel filler. That is the correct trade on a repair that must not come back, and the wrong one on a joint where a standard electrode would have worked. If you are unsure which situation you are in, call and describe the part.

Free shipping over $175 across Canada. Counter pickup in North York.