Cracked alloy frames Hope

[steelslaver]

I am doing a job as a Quality Control inspector at a refinery. Puts me in contact with lots of welders and welding inspectors. Anyway I was shown a article where they have figured out a way to weld high alloy aluminum such as used on aircraft and Hey gun frames.

The problem has always been that welding alloys like 7075 that the high alloy content (1.6% copper, 2,5% Magnesium and 5.6% zinc) cause a lot of alloy stratification and cracking in the weld zone boundaries.

Anyway theses guys have came up with a new tig type rod that has these nano particles of titanium in it that stops this type of alloy migration during welding. Not quite your normal process, as it seams the rod is placed in a gap between the pieces then welded in. Be awhile before you can run out and buy this stuff and it will probably be spendy, but it will come.

So at some point it may be possible to get a good weld on a cracked alloy frame. Still need to re-machine the threads and the spot for the yoke.

 

[muddocktor]

That is interesting, steelslaver.

 

[clang444]

Good info, now all you have to do is change your handle to "alloysaver"

: )

 

[shocker]

What happens to the heat treat in the HAZ and strain hardening from the forging?

 

[Mrnurse]

"What happens to the heat treat in the HAZ and strain hardening from the forging"...That sir is a excellent question. In aerospace T-6 and T 50 Series are heat treated after welding...the Heat treatment process has been approved after extensive engineering and testing before the FAA will allow its usage in Certificated aircraft.

 

[SAFireman]

So no more 5356 or 4043?

And no more JB weld

 

[chief38]

Ya mean Elmers won't work? LOL

 

[steelslaver]

What will happen to the precipitation hardening is an interesting question. Possibly a long soak at 400 degrees might do it. That is the usual method of HT aluminum.

They are looking more for use on aircraft, but as the alloys are the same or similar it should work for an aluminum alloy frame. Didn't say anything about Scandium alloy, but II have not hear of one of those cracking.

If I could get my hands on some of the rod and a procedure. I would try it. Yes, it might break, but then every time you fire an aluminum alloy revolver it might break, that is why so many are broke.