Copper, nickel and titanium

Topic overview

These materials do not form one technology group. Copper removes heat rapidly, nickel demands strict control of cleanliness and solidification, and titanium reacts aggressively with the atmosphere when hot. Their common requirement is exact alloy identification and a qualified process regime.

Is the alloy unambiguously identified, and is the dominant failure mechanism known: inadequate heat, hot cracking, contamination or corrosion incompatibility?

Power and preheat must overcome rapid heat extraction without excessive overheating and distortion.

Trace contamination, unsuitable filler and a large pool promote segregation and hot cracking.

What the module covers

• Copper, nickel and titanium — special non-ferrous materials
• 1. Three material families — three different problems
• 2. Copper-specific considerations
• 3. Nickel-specific considerations
• 4. Titanium — colour as a process indicator
• Pre-welding checklist
• Practical rule