Master alloy
A master alloy is an alloy with a high content of certain elements that is added to the melt to precisely adjust the chemical composition. It simplifies the melting and dosing process.
Physical-chemical mechanism of action
Pre-alloying involves adding special additives to the melt to control its chemical composition. These additives can be metals or non-metals and serve to improve certain properties such as strength, toughness, or corrosion resistance.
Metallurgical relevance & risks when welding
Correct pre-alloying is crucial for the quality of the weld seam. Missing or excessive additives can lead to uneven zinc coating, porosity, or altered mechanical properties. This can result in cracks, breakage, or reduced service life of the weld seam.
Workshop practice & action instructions
When melting steels with pre-alloying, it is important to add the additives in the specified concentration. The temperature and time of the dosing process must be precisely maintained to ensure a homogeneous zinc coating. Incorrect pre-alloying can alter the microstructure, affecting mechanical properties.