keyhole welding ?

[efini13]

I was wondering how thick of a weld was possible on a butt joint using PTAW in keyhole mode. Anyone have any ideas?
thanks for reading

 

[EdStainless]

In what material? With what kind of surface condition?
As you go thicker the surface gets rather rough.

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[efini13]

The material is titanium 6-4. When you say "surface condition", are you refering to the weld surface? A capping pass will be required for what I'm doing. The peice I need to weld is an inch thick. Is it possible? Any suggestions? And thanks again.

 

[EdStainless]

I have seen 6" Ti plates but welded with E-beam, but 1" with plasma sounds like a task. Have you looked at one of the NASA style torches with three gas supplies? They use hollow tungsten electrodes to get better electrode cooling and high gas flows. This probably can be done, but I am guessing that it will take at least 400A.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Rust never sleeps
Neither should your protection

http://www.trent-tube.com/contact/Tech_Assist.cfm

 

[efini13]

I have never seen the NASA style torches you mentioned. Where could i get more info on those?
thanks alot for the input.