There is much discussion about welding 4130 chromoly steel on internet forums and discussion boards. But aside from all the questions about pre-heating, filler metals, and electrode type and size, Weld What about testing?
How do you know you are getting enough penetration in your welds. The short answer is-you can not. You can never be absolutely sure you achieve the right amount on some weld penetration welds without damaging the slicing and dicing and metallographic testing. But the good news is that you can be pretty darn sure.
By running the test welds using the same exact material thickness and joint design, and then by following the procedures that letter, you can be pretty darn sure that you are good welds.
The following is the basic procedure to test the welds on the chromoly steel 4130:
How do you know you are getting enough penetration in your welds. The short answer is-you can not. You can never be absolutely sure you achieve the right amount on some weld penetration welds without damaging the slicing and dicing and metallographic testing. But the good news is that you can be pretty darn sure.
By running the test welds using the same exact material thickness and joint design, and then by following the procedures that letter, you can be pretty darn sure that you are good welds.
The following is the basic procedure to test the welds on the chromoly steel 4130:
- Determine the different weld configurations with which you need to test
- Prepare a weld joint with the exact same way as you would for production welds.
- Weld joint test and write down all the settings such as heat if used, the electrical current, electrode type and size, filler metal type and size etc.
- After the test welds and cool completely, specify multiple locations to examine the cross sections
- Part of the test welds using a slitting wheel.
- Poland weld test section ranging from 180 grit silicon carbide coarse, then 240 320, and finally 400 grit paper.
- Swap with acid and muriatic Q-tip as used in the pool (to follow all the recommendations listed on the MSDS for the safety of acid)
- Quickly rinse with baking soda and water solution to neutralize
- Check the welds using a 10x power
If the penetration is acceptable, you now have a welding procedure for welding 4130 chromoly is proved. If this procedure is followed and the welds were also examined visually, you can be pretty darn sure you have adequate penetration and weld quality.
Its also a good idea for other weld welding the same test as above and subject to the test BFH. (That Big Freakin Hammer). It is always down and dirty test that tells you something about the quality of welding. Plus fun to break stuff.
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