Author Message

Dietrich Hoecht

us
Posts: 51

Location: United States Clayton, GA
Occupation: piddles in metal, roams the woods
Age: 81
#339   2011-07-02 09:41          
Dan,
I don't want you to feel neglected, so I try my best to answer.
I have never seen an x-ray of a forge weld. However, I would guess the following: one, if the materials are not identical in composition the weld joint will be distinguished, especially when you polish, etch and view it with a loupe. Two, I'd say the joint is never really free of contaminants, so you will have inclusions of oxides. Therefore I would conclude - no - not homogeneous transition.
However, strengthwise it should never be a problem, assume you get an 80% of the theoretical strength. All mild steel that is used with forge welding will still yield substantially before breaking, therefore no concerns, with a typical safety factor of forged items of 2 to near infinite. Don't know much about such joinery with high/ low carbon or substantially alloyed ones, like tool steel.
Oh, yes, the molecules move and bypass. An interesting affirmation is the permanent 'weld' that is formed when you leave two pieces of joined precision gage blocks sit for a couple of days. You cannot separate them any more. The molecules have done their mating - and sexless at that. But, they started at a crack, after all. Sorry....

Dietrich
Page created in 0.106 seconds