← Glossary
Hydrogen-Assisted Cracking (Cold Cracking)
Hydrogen-induced cracking, or cold cracking, occurs due to dissolved hydrogen in a hard metal under tensile stress. This leads to microscopic cracks and can severely affect the material.
How it works physically and chemically
Dissolved hydrogen gets absorbed into the metal, especially when it's under tension. If the hydrogen content is high, the atoms can lodge in the crystal lattice and cause cracks.
Why it matters in welding and the risks
Cold cracks can seriously weaken the material by lowering its mechanical properties. This makes it more prone to cracking and can shorten the material's service life.
Shop practice and what to do
Avoid cold cracks by picking the right filler materials, cooling properly, and using deoxidizers. If hydrogen content is high, the material's service life can drop by up to 50%.
MetallurgieSchweißtechnik