Fluoride-Containing Flux Additive
Fluoride-containing additives in welding fluxes dissolve oxides and lower surface tension, which improves wetting and makes welding easier.
Physico-chemical mechanism of action
Fluoride-containing additives react with oxides on the workpiece surface and chemically dissolve them. This reduces surface tension, which improves the fluid behavior of the weld pool and makes wetting of the joint faces easier.
Metallurgical relevance & risks in welding
Better wetting leads to better weld quality because fewer pores form. However, overdosing with fluoride can cause too rapid cooling and a glass-hard structure, which impairs crack resistance.
Workshop practice & instructions
Use fluoride-containing additives in welding fluxes in the specified proportions. Carefully monitor the temperature and cooling of the weld. If needed, you can slightly adjust the dose to ensure optimal wetting.