ABSTRACT
Building-up and hard facing by welding layers of aluminium bronze on a metal surface are also possible as is metal spraying. The aluminium–rich oxide film that forms on the surface of aluminium bronzes gives them their outstanding corrosion resistance, but can impede welding. The tungsten-arc inert gas-shielded (TIG) process is most suitable for the welding of thin plates, for localised weld fabrication or for casting repairs. Depending on the severity of the operating conditions in which a fabrication or repaired casting will be used, certain inspection and testing requirements for welds are laid down by the relevant specifications. Allowance must be made for the fact that aluminium bronze has a higher thermal conductivity and expansion than common low-alloy steels. Aluminium has a very marked effect on elongation from high temperature to room temperature and therefore on the ductility dip. The TIG process is most suitable for the welding of thin plates, for localised weld fabrication or for casting repairs.
