Welding/Joining thin sheets of Titanium

[joejack7]

Hi all,

Just looking for solutions to welding .014" thin sheets of titanium, (grade 2 or 3). Is this possible? What are the methods ie. laser, adhesive etc...?

Our problem stems from the fact that we cannot purchase .014" titanium at the desired widths of 36" or greater...so we are looking into bonding/welding the sheets.

Joe

 

[metengr]

Do you have experience with welding thin gage titanium?

The web site below provides access to a technical manual from Titanium Metals (Timet). Very comprehensive and a must for reading. I would urge you to review the section on welding. Titanium of this gage can be welded using the GTAW process with no filler metal (autogenously). However, cleanliness and gas shielding during and after welding are critical to assure a quality weld joint.

http://www.timet.com/index_new.htm

 

[joejack7]

Thanks for the info...I will be sure to read thru it. To answer your question, no I have no experience, we are actually looking for someone with this capability. Our procurement guys ahve had a little trouble so I was looking for info just to see how easily it's done.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this very expensive to do thin materials as well as titanium?

 

[metengr]

No, not really. Welding of thin gage metals is routinely performed. However, special precautions are required for handling titanium, which will increase the cost. Make sure that as part of your vendor evaluation they have an established welding program for titanium alloys.

 

[joejack7]

What kind of finish would this leave with so little material?

Also, could you use a continuous seam resistance weld or how about a laser for titanium. Again, surface finish is critical.

 

[MetalsInc]

Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Most of the time. For Ti, it might BE Godliness.

I've had shops tell me that they can weld stainless, therefore they can weld Ti ("Ti is just really good stainless"). I always sound really happy and tell them I will be in touch..... and then call the next shop on my list.

 

[Capntom]

"MetalsInc" is right on the money with this one. I have welded Titanium and SS for 20 yrs. They are two different animals. An autogenous weld seam in Ti will leave a very slight concave surface. Ti flows very nice and smooth once you get it going. Your completed weld requirements will steer you towards what pre-weld cleaning you will need. In some instances I have had to etch the base metal, other would just be an acetone wipe down. Welded in a chamber, glove bag or just alot of custom made shielding gas cups. The protective atmosphere in the weld zone is key even with seam resistance welding. Alpha case hardening will yield weld defects in the future.