3G Titanium Weld Test for Aerospace D17.1

If you are new to TIG welding Titanium, you might want to watch my 3 biggest mistakes for tig welding titanium video..you can see it right here  ...

 

Like most welding tests, a 3g test on titanium involves a few key things to increase your chances of passing.

Since most tests like these are x ray tested, cleaning the metal thoroughly and properly is one of the key factors in preventing porosity.

There are many ways to clean titanium prior to welding but here is what I have found to work well.

Furick BBW cup made from High Temp thermoplastic

First, wipe test plates with acetone and clean lint free cloth to remove any oils or debris

• next use a clean new file to smooth the edges to be welded. If you dont have a new clean file, a deburring scraper tool works... Often times, this edge is a sheared edge and can trap contaminants.  When you think you have filed enough, file a little bit more.
• use a fine bristle stainless wire wheel with a drill motor or low rpm grinder along with light pressure to remove surface oxides
• make sure fixture is clean and free from contaminants from previously welded metals.
• wipe the test plates one final time and install in fixture
• also wipe filler metal with acetone prior to welding
• snip end of wire before every restart
• no not squirt acetone on the fixture or joint once it is installed in fixture

Fixtures are all slightly different so if possible, run a practice plate to determine the right argon purge flow rate for fixture and also flow rate for the cup used.