Can I Really Weld Brass Using MIG?
Yes you can weld brass as other metals. The melting point of brass ranges between 900 to 940 degrees Fahrenheit. That means brass is a metal with lower melting point.
But the material is prone to buildup porosity and crack once you divide the alloys. It is crucial to use ideal shielding gas and filler wire for successful welding.
The filler metal you choose must have enough zinc to avoid or minimize burnout issues.
More importantly, you need to use a low heat input due to the high arc temperature. Keeping the weld in a flat position is necessary to avoid manipulating the weld puddle. You should keep attention while welding metals with lower melting point, as it may melt away if extended power is employed.
What Welding Type Is Used For Brass?
You can use both MIG and TIG welding approaches to weld brass. But welders need to be careful while shifting across the welding arc.
Choosing a suitable filler metal is vital for welding brass. You can use 3% copper silicon alloy or 7%-12% copper-tin alloy as a filler to weld brass successfully.
How to MIG Weld Brass (Step by Step)
Here are the necessary steps to follow to weld brass using the Metal Inert Gas welding method.
- Step: 1— Cutting the Brass Pieces
First, cut the brass material into pieces as per requirements of application. Cutting brass tubing requires you to use a saw or a cutter tool.
- Step: 2— Bending the Brass
The next task is to bend the cut brass. However, different approaches need to be applied based on the brass type. For example, you can use pliers to bend a brass piece.
A bending jig must work effortlessly on a heavy brass rod. Place the rod into the slots, clamp it downward using the jig, and bend it with your hands.
- Step: 3— Preparing the Working Area
Welding works involve hazardous issues. Adequately preparing the working area is crucial.
Also, take all the safety measures to avoid risk. Arrange for enough ventilation to get fumes off quickly. You can install ventilation fan too.
Step: 4— Cleaning the Brass Pieces
You can use special brushes to get rid of dirt from the brass surface. If they have lacquer, remove them too. Sandpaper or Scotch Brite pads come in handy to clean brass.
Finally, use alcohol to eliminate debris and must get off the alcohol substances.
- Step: 5— Firmly Positioning the Brass Pieces
Unwanted movements while welding can destroy your entire welding project. Keeping the welding pieces firmly in a particular position and angle is vital. You can use table clamps to keep brass pieces together.
- Step: 6— Wearing the Safety Equipment
Before starting the welding procedure, wear protective gear to keep yourself safe. Wear safety goggles, flame-resistant clothes, non-flammable shoes, leather gloves, and an N95 mask.
- Step: 7— Choosing the Right Shielding Gas
Make sure the shielding gas you choose has 25% carbon dioxide and 75% argon. Otherwise, zinc oxide might be produced while welding. It will affect your welding results.
Plus, keep the welding sessions short. Constant welding increases the heat heavily. Small breaks during welding will provide enough time for the molten puddle to cool down.
- Step: 8— Turning On the All Settings
The next task is threading the welding wire using the welder reel. Make sure you maintain at least ¼ inches distance from the welding torch. Once you turn on the welding gas and set up the wire, begin the welding procedure.
- Step: 9— Starting the Welding Process
Welding can be initiated from any section of the joint. But maintaining a 30 degrees angle is crucial while you hold the torch. Make sure your torch is powerful enough to handle brass items on its flame tip.
Turn off the welder if it appears excessively hot. Take rest and start again.
- Step: 10— Finishing the Welding Process
Finally, move the torch forward gradually to fill its joint while maintaining a consistent angle. Push technique is suitable for deeper bead. Make sure to cool off down the casting, and the brass should not be shaken off until it becomes appropriately cool.
That’s all the steps you need to follow for MIG weld brass.
What Do You Need To MIG Weld Brass?
1. Gas Requirement
As already mentioned, MIG Welding for Brass requires a shielding gas with 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide. Make sure to keep enough shielding gas to avoid running a gas shortage in the middle. Otherwise, weld quality would be compromised.
2. Filler Wire Requirements
CuAI8 is the filler wire for welding Brass through the MIG welding method. It may not give the best color. But, the result will be better than other filler wires.
3. Safety Equipment
Protecting your entire body from top to bottom while welding brass is crucial. Fire and spark may touch accidentally. Wear an opaque welder’s helmet with eye protection, mig welding gloves, heat-resistant jackets, ear muff or plugs, and rubber-soled shoes.
4. Welding Area Selection
Choosing a perfect welding area is vital to keep you safe and succeed in your welding project. Don’t forget to remove all the fire hazards from your welding location. Also, keep the place open and well-ventilated to get rid of the fumes quickly.
Can You Weld Brass to Steel with A MIG Welder?
Yes, you can weld brass to steel with a MIG welder. But it is highly risky. Plus, the welding procedure will generate a lot of heat. It can affect the joint quality of the weld.
However, it is not easy to ensure optimal welding strength and perfect steel appearance while welding brass to steel with a MIG welder. Instead, you should go for soldering or brazing method.
Can You MIG Weld Brass To Brass?
You can use MIG weld brass to brass. But, it is vital to know the zinc percentage in the brass metal to avoid overheating. Also, don’t forget to use Oxyacetylene gas.
This type of gas can provide increased protection for MIG weld brass. Plus, it will prevent releasing toxic fumes.
Final Thought
The formula for successful welding is highly correlated with the right equipment and preparation. Apart from that, knowing the correct MIG welding technique is crucial function. With the steps and requirements mentioned above, hopefully you can successfully weld brass metal using GMAW welding technique.
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Source
- www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/job-knowledge/mig-welding-004
- https://www.instructables.com/How-to-Weld-MIG-Welding/