Handbook-Non-Ferrous Metals

6 Nickel and Nickel Alloys While a major part of the world’s production of nickel is used in the making of stainless steel, nickel is also used as a pure metal for some applications, and in the form of high-nickel alloys (such as Inconel and Monel) which have high strength and great corrosion resistance. Pure nickel, and virtually all of its alloys, can be successfully welded. We do not, however, suggest that you try to weld nickel or its alloys without first securing the necessary filler metals and fluxes, and instructions for their use, from a supplier of materials such as The International Nickel Co., Inc. Magnesium When magnesium and its alloys first became commercially available, they were sometimes welded with oxy- acetylene torch, using techniques similar to those used in welding aluminum. Today, virtually all welding of magnesium is done by one of the inert-gas-shielded arc welding processes. In fact, the tig welding process (GTAW) was initially developed and patented for the welding of magnesium. Unless you can secure the specialized fluxes and filler metals needed for the work, do not attempt to weld magnesium or its alloys with the oxy-acetylene torch. If you ever have occasion to weld magnesium, remember this fact: That magnesium burns rapidly when overheated and in contact with air. Don’t get careless. A magnesium fire is no laughing matter. Lead Lead is a heavy, soft metal, dull gray in appearance except when freshly cut. It has little mechanical strength; large pieces of lead will collapse under their own weight unless properly supported. However, lead has a number of industrial uses – such as the lining of tanks – which require that it be welded. It is always welded with a gas flame, either the oxy-acetylene flame or another oxy-fuel gas flame. The operation is usually termed ”lead burning” by the trade. Continued on next page...