Mig welding cast iron

[RyanWiW]

Is there anybody out there who has experience mig welding cast iron. I know that it can be done via arc welding with certain nickel alloy rods, and aswell with gas brazing. For my application neither one of these processes are good. I have these hubs off of a huge forklift that have grooves worn into them. The groove is about 1/8" deep by 2 inches long and the hubs are about 11" in diameter. Needless to say, its a lot of welding, and would be quicker with mig. Plus, the welds must be machined down to original diameter and with normal ER-70S-6 mild steel wire, the welds are coming out super hard and VERY difficult to machine. Any knowledge on this subject would be greatly appreciated!!!

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[Chase 2]

You would be better asking these guys:

American Welding Society Forums

[RyanWiW]

Thanks, ill give it a shot.

[tmathews]

You may also try calling Rankin Industries.. Ph# 858-684-5000.

[RyanWiW]

whay do they do?

[tmathews]

Rankin Industries is a manufacturer of hardfacing wires and electrodes.. They have a technical department that maybe able to assist you. Just tell them exactly what you orginally posted.

[partybarge_pilot]

Did you pre-heat the pieces? I have fixed pump housing like that before. If you don't pre-heat the part to 400-500 degress, the welds cool to fast becoming really hard. After welding, let it air cool slowly.

[tmathews]

You may also try Esab Welding.. They make a Nicore 55 wire and I think you can find the info on www.esabna.com

[rubberbiscuitt]

i've tig welded cast using ss filler with success. if i recall correctly it was a y axis feed handle to a bridgeport and that's probably lower stress than what you need..

[Tazz]

I've used Silicon Bronze and Phosphor Bronze wire w/ 100% Argon in a Mig for Cast Iron repairs, or welding dissimilar materials together. That was 25 yrs ago though, there may be better processes now. This was when you didn't throw everything away and buy new all the time. More economical then, to have some expensive wire and cheap labor (I worked for my dad = free to him) around to fix things.

For a source or for the specs go to http://www.weldmold.com/copper__nickel_alloy.htm
Specifically 4325 or 4320 both are available for a mig application. The 4320 probably has the best machinabilty of the two. The 4325 for old, dirty cast pump housings, vises and such.