For welding Q460NH weathering steel, selecting the correct electrodes or wires is critical to match its corrosion-resistant properties and mechanical strength. Below are the recommended options based on international standards and practical applications:
1. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) – Stick Electrodes
AWS E8018-W2
Low-hydrogen, weathering-resistant electrode.
Matches Q460NH's Cu, Cr, Ni alloy content for patina compatibility.
EN ISO 2560-A: E MoCrNi 1-2
European equivalent, optimized for weathering steels.
Key Features:
Preheat to 150–200°C (if thickness >20mm).
Dry electrodes (store at 100–150°C to avoid hydrogen cracking).
2. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG) – Wires
AWS ER80S-Ni1 (e.g., Union X90 or Böhler Fox EV 90)
Contains 1% Ni to enhance toughness and corrosion resistance.
EN ISO 14341-A: G 89 6 M Mn3Ni1CrMo
European standard wire for high-strength weathering steels.
Shielding Gas: Use Ar + 20% CO₂ for stable arcs and minimal spatter.
3. Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) – Wires
AWS E81T1-Ni1C (e.g., Lincoln Outershield 81Ni1)
Self-shielding, Ni-modified wire for field welding.
EN ISO 17632-A: T 55 5 M Mn2Ni1CrMo
Suitable for outdoor applications with high wind resistance.
Advantage: No external gas needed, ideal for construction sites.
4. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) – Wire/Flux Combinations
Wire: AWS F8A6-EM12K (e.g., ESAB OK Autrod 12.64).
Flux: Neutral/basic flux (e.g., ESAB OK Flux 10.72).
Note: Requires precise heat input control to avoid HAZ brittleness.
5. Key Compatibility Considerations
Corrosion Match: Ensure filler metals contain Cu, Cr, Ni to maintain patina uniformity.
Mechanical Properties:
Tensile strength ≥550 MPa, yield ≥460 MPa (matching Q460NH).
Impact toughness ≥47J at -20°C (per EN 10025-5).
Preheat/Interpass Temp: 150–200°C (for thickness >20mm).
6. Standards Reference
AWS A5.1/A5.5 (Stick electrodes).
AWS A5.18/A5.28 (MIG/FCAW wires).
EN ISO 14341/17632 (European wires).
