Galvanic reaction of fusion welded SS studs to titanium.

[jsavage]

Dear all:

We are going to be producing monument plaques out of #2 pure titanium. These units are being designed to be affixed to granite through the use of a spring stainless steel 'washer' (I’ll call it that for descriptive purposes only) that is captured between two SS nuts on a #8 SS stud. The ‘washer’ is ½” in diameter. Two SS studs will be fusion welded to the titanium plate which is 4” x 6” x .060”. These pieces will be used on outdoor monuments, some naturally being near the coast.

My question is should we be concerned about a galvanic reaction occurring between the titanium plate and the SS stud at the fusion weld? We are considering the SS stud because then the spring SS ‘washer’ and the two SS nuts will be compatible with the SS stud. The other option is using a #8 titanium stud. But then the SS nuts would essentially be a lose fit on the stud.

The reason for considering the use of SS studs, nuts, and ‘washers’is a cost factor in the final product. If we can expect a corrosion problem at the fusion weld (using a SS stud) or the nuts (using a titanium stud) then we will have to reconsider. I appreciate your input on this question.

 

[EdStainless]

Have you welded the SS to the Ti yet? The welds will be glass, very brittle and full of cracks.
316 SS hardware will probably survive. It will be less corrosion resistant than the Ti and therefore will corrode first. If you don't want this then go to Ti hardware. You can weld then also.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion, every where, all the time.
Manage it or it will manage you.

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