Weld Post-Treatment
Weld post-treatment involves mechanical or thermal surface changes to improve fatigue strength and corrosion resistance. This can be done by polishing, sandblasting, or chemical treatments.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Post-weld treatment changes the surface structure and reactivity of the metal. Mechanical methods like polishing remove surface defects and create a smooth surface, while thermal processes like austenitizing or tempering change the crystal structure and increase strength.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
Poor post-treatment can lead to uneven fatigue strength, which can cause cracks and failure in service. Additionally, a lack of corrosion resistance can lead to damaging processes like pitting or rust formation.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
For successful post-treatment, it's important to choose the right method and material. For example, when polishing: use a fine polishing stone or compound with a roughness of 120 to 320 µm. For chemical treatment: apply a corrosion-resistant protective layer by bathing the metal in a suitable solvent. Always make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the surface.