Tips for Welding Inconel

Inconel refers to a group of specific nickel-chromium alloys that are used in different welding processes.  Inconel is most commonly used in techniques that require a high heat tolerance.  Using Inconel in your welding processes can be rather difficult because the welds that are created have a tendency to crack.  There are a few alloys of Inconel that were specifically designed for use in welding, and are most commonly welded using tungsten inert gas welding or TIG as it is commonly known.

To achieve the best results when welding using an Inconel alloy you should use Inconel 625 filler metal.  This is typically the easiest Inconel alloy to weld and is effective when two Inconel pieces need to be welded together.  You can also use Inconel 625 to weld other metals that are dissimilar in composition, such as stainless steel.  When using Inconel to weld it is common for the weld pool to be poorly defined.  Inconel fillers tend to leave a skin like film on the surface of the weld pool and is dirty in appearance.  If this occurs during your welding there is no need for alarm, this is a common side effect of using Inconel as part of your welding.  Inconel produces strong welds which are highly resistant to corrosion when they are properly applied.

The most common method used when welding using Inconel is the TIG technique.  This method allows the welder to have more control over the weld than other methods, such as GMAW and SMAW.  It is important for the welder to have better control of the weld due to the difficulty that the alloy can present.  In order to become proficient using TIG and Inconel, a lot of practice time must be put in.  Welding Inconel using TIG is very demanding on the welder and the more practice you have working with the alloy the better you will become. 

You may also want to consider using an automated welding technique when you are required to work with Inconel.  A method such as plasma arc welding uses a more focused welding arc and is easily automated.  You can also use pulsed micro laser welding, which is gaining in popularity among welders when you have to weld using Inconel.  Welding Inconel is a very demanding process and should not be attempted by beginners; it takes time to master the skill of working with Inconel and it is not something that can easily be learned overnight.  But once you have the knowledge and skill, working with Inconel will not be as intimidating.

Comments

[pete cain]

Can you weld 316 stainless to Inconel with 316 TIG wire?

[Muskaan]

Thanks for that little tip about tendency of few inconel all to crack. That is something one should know prior to welding to avoid further mess. TIG technique is also explained well and is easily understandable.

[mike williams]

I am welding six inch pipe stainless 316 I have a miller mig 350p I have never welded with inconel before and it has become a grinding mess I have finally got the 625 filler rod

[Gary Arnold]

Looking for info re Inconel rod 4132. Need to know what metals it can be used on and if it can be used to weld two different metals together. Plus any other helpful tips. Thank you.

[Bob Stacey]

Is there a rough guide to productivity when comparing welding carbon steel pipe against the same diameter and wall thickness Inconel 625, should the CS hours be doubled, trebled?