Image Quality Indicator
The weld metal is the surrounding metal that forms in the weld and holds the joint between the workpieces. It has high strength and toughness.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism
The weld metal forms from the meeting of metal ions from the two workpieces and the addition of additives like carbon or silicon. These metal ions react under temperature and pressure to form a new, solid material.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
The weld metal plays a crucial role in the strength and durability of the weld. A missing or too weak weld metal can lead to cracks, deformation, and low toughness. This can cause early failure of the joint, especially under high loads and temperatures.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To ensure a strong weld metal, it is important to control welding parameters such as temperature and time, as well as the additives in the weld pool, precisely. Too high a temperature can lead to a too soft weld metal, while too low a temperature causes it to become too hard and crack. Recommended values vary by metal type, but typically the welding parameters should be set so that the weld metal has adequate strength and toughness.