Controlling Warping On Sheet Metal

The bigger the weld the greater the shrinkage.

Controlling warping on sheet metal.

If there isn t a lot of rust on the sheet metal softer abrasives like walnut shell soda blast crushed glass or plastic beads are sometimes used to reduce warping of sheet metal. As a rule of thumb it s better to weld as hot and fast as possible to get in and out of the weld as quick as you can. This relaxes the metal and flattens the weld which in the end allows you to control the warpage in the panel. Work hot and fast a lot of damage or excessive warping when welding could be from dwelling too long in a small area when welding.

Here s a list of tips that help reduce warpage in sheet metal fabricaitons. This is very important to keep the shape of the panel you re welding. Aggressive abrasives like coal slag or aluminum oxide generates more heat and peening. Minimize the amount of heat put into the weld.

Use intermittent welds instead of continuous welds where possible to minimize the amount of weld metal. Design and welding should be addressed to minimize this sort of warping. Use anti warping devices and techniques. An ounce of prevention the battle between hot cold.

Though weld shrinkage cannot be prevented it can be controlled by following these steps. By putting the metal between a dolly and a swinging hammer you are slowly stretching the metal out by striking on it each time think of kneading pizza dough. The warping of metal during the welding process is due to the high levels of heat involved. Preset the pieces sometimes called counter or opposing set up this means allowing for the.