Stainless Steel Thin-wall Welding/Assembly Parts For Nuclear Power

Those welded assemblies are mainly storage racks that are used for storing nuclear fuel rods in test conditions. In order to ensure the accuracy of the test, the storage rack adopts stainless steel with stable performance and corrosion resistance. The fabrication process of those welded assemblies involves  laser cutting, beveling, drilling, milling, welding, etc.

The product requires very high precision from hole to surface. The racks are thin wall welding products, as a company with rich experience in welding thin wall parts, we understand the unique challenges associated with this type of welding. Thin wall parts are particularly difficult to weld due to their propensity for distortion, burn-through, and warping. However, our team has developed a range of strategies to overcome these challenges and achieve strong, high-quality welds.

Why Are Thin Wall Welding Parts Challenging?

Thin wall welding parts can be challenging to weld because the material is often more prone to warping, distortion, and burn-through. Here are the details:

• Increased risk of warping and distortion: When welding thin wall parts, the heat input required to melt the material is concentrated in a smaller area, increasing the likelihood of warping or distortion. This can result in parts that are misaligned or out of tolerance, and can negatively impact the overall quality of the finished product.
• Increased risk of burn-through: Thin wall parts are more susceptible to burn-through, which occurs when too much heat is applied to the material and it melts completely, leaving a hole in the part. This can weaken the structure of the part and reduce its strength and durability.
• Limited space for welds: Thin wall parts typically have limited space for welds, which can make it difficult to achieve the desired weld penetration and coverage. This can result in weak welds that are more susceptible to failure.
• Limited material thickness: Thin wall parts by definition have a limited material thickness, which can make it more difficult to achieve strong and reliable welds. Welding thin materials require a high level of precision, and any errors or imperfections in the weld can have a significant impact on the overall quality of the finished product.

So, welding thin wall parts require a high level of skill, precision, and attention to detail. The challenges associated with this type of welding require specialized techniques and equipment, as well as significant experience and expertise, to overcome.

Tips For Welding Thin Wall Parts

Thin wall welding parts can be challenging to weld because the material is often more prone to warping, distortion, and burn-through. However, with the right equipment, techniques, and preparation, it is possible to achieve strong and high-quality welds on thin wall parts.

Here are some tips for welding thin wall parts:

1. Choose the right equipment: Use a TIG or MIG welding machine with a low amperage setting, a small diameter wire, and a high-frequency start option.
2. Clean and prepare the surfaces: Clean the surfaces to be welded thoroughly to remove any dirt, grease, or contaminants that could affect the weld quality. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to prepare the surfaces for welding.
3. Use proper welding techniques: Weld with a steady hand and use a series of short welds to avoid overheating the material. Use a back-step welding technique to prevent burn-through and ensure proper penetration.
4. Consider using a filler rod: A filler rod can help control the amount of heat input and prevent burn-through. Use a filler rod with a diameter similar to the thickness of the material being welded.
5. Use clamps or jigs: Use clamps or jigs to hold the parts in place during welding to prevent warping or distortion.
6. Practice on scrap material: Before welding the actual parts, practice on scrap material of similar thickness and material to get a feel for the welding process and ensure that your settings are appropriate.

Our experience in welding thin wall parts has given us a deep understanding of the unique challenges associated with this type of welding. But with the right equipment, preparation, and techniques, we are able to achieve strong, high-quality welds on even the thinnest materials.

Contact us at yuki.zhou@openex.com.cn today to learn more about our welding capability and how we can help you with your next project.