Electron beam weld Ti to stainless?

[dculp1]

I need to weld a stainless steel ring (about 2.25" OD x 2.0" ID x .25" wide) to the OD of a 2.0" diameter Ti-6Al-4V rod. The ring is a mild press fit onto the rod along the ring's entire width (prior to welding). The welding should penetrate the entire ring width at the press fit joint. Can this be done by electron beam? If so:

1. How easily?
2. What is the strength of the bond, relative to the base strength of two metals?
3. Is there a preferred stainless grade (e.g., 420) or will all stainless give about the same results?
4. Would a laser weld be possible and, if so, would it have any benefits over electron beam?
5. Any references?

Thanks,
Don Culp

 

[EdStainless]

No you can't weld Ti to SS. The Fe-Ti intermetallics are too brittle.
Have you looked into brazing?

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Plymouth Tube

 

[unclesyd]

You might want to look at inertia welding by Interface to see if it would be applicable to your problem.
There also some other providers.

http://www.interfacewelding.com/#bista

 

[GRoberts]

You could also check into explosion welding. One of the explosion welding outfits might be able to come up with something to fit your configuration.

 

[dculp1]

unclesyd -- The production volume is low (< 50 parts/year for one configuration, < 10 parts/year for another). Could the cost be competitive with brazing?

EdStainless -- Can you suggest a brazing company, considering the limited production volume?

Thanks,
Don Culp

 

[unclesyd]

We had some small lots volume inertia welded and whether this was cheaper than another process I can't recall. A lot would depend on the joint configuration, materials, tools required, and cleanup for the welding. It could go either way as Ti brazing isn't cheap unless things have changed drastically as any process I'm familiar with requires a high vacuum furnace. A lot of your cost will depend on whether you process in one lot or a one or two off.

I would make an short inquiry into both methods as most shops appear to make short runs.

Here is a company that lists short runs.

http://www.mtiwelding.com/contract-welding.cfm

 

[Mononcue]

This may be a little late but maybe you can put a small ring of Nickle between the SS and the Ti.as you can weld Nickle to both Ti. and SS.