Corten is another name for weathering steel. Essentially, steel rusts well and develops a beautiful antique patina that many people appreciate. It contains trace amounts of chromium, nickel, and copper, which give it weather resistance, making it suitable for structural applications. If you are interested in learning how to weld weathering steel, please read on. In this article, we will discuss topics such as how to weld Corten steel and how to choose the appropriate filler wire.
Weathering steel does not prevent rusting. In fact, the material alters how rust affects the structure. The presence of chromium, nickel, and copper increases the material's weather resistance. It allows rust to dry faster and thicker, forming a beautiful copper patina.
However, rust does not weaken the structure, but rather forms a paint-like layer on the material. This coating protects the unreacted material from the atmosphere and allows the material to maintain its load-bearing capacity and thickness for a longer period.
Many sculptors and architects prefer it for aesthetic reasons. Over time, the natural patina it forms adds a rustic charm and character to many structures.
The precautions for welding Corten are similar to those for welding low-carbon steel. The only significant difference is that you may need a different filler wire than you would normally use. AWS Classification 6013 for low-carbon steel does not apply to Corten.
You can effortlessly use two types of welding procedures: Metal Inert Gas and Basic Arc Welding or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
What is A588 Weathering Steel?
ASTM A588 Grade A and A588 Grade B have strong resistance to atmospheric corrosion. Due to the protective oxide film formed on the metal surface, A588 weathering steel manufacturers slow down further corrosion, thus providing superior corrosion resistance compared to ordinary carbon steel. Both are high-strength, low-alloy weathering steels with a minimum yield strength of 50,000, which can reduce costs by incorporating lighter components into the structure.
These steels are primarily designed for unpainted applications, where maintenance costs, such as painting, are reduced. Since its development, A588 weathering steel has been used in a wide range of applications, including bridges, railcars, cranes, transmission towers, highway poles, chemical plants, factories, and even genuine healthcare shipbuilding.
A588 is suitable for many applications under unpainted conditions. When properly exposed to the atmosphere, A588 exhibits significantly better atmospheric corrosion resistance than carbon steels such as A36 and A572-50, with or without added copper.
Company profile
Founded in 2008, Gnee (Tianjin) Supply Chain Group Co., Ltd. specializes in the global trade and processing of Corten steel products.
• We handle all kinds of Corten engineering projects, such as bridges, gardens, hotels, and facade systems.
• Compliant with ASTM, EN, and other international standards; third-party inspection supported.
• Exported to over 200 countries and regions worldwide.
• 8 subsidiaries across China and overseas, ensuring global service coverage.
Application Fields: Architecture, landscaping, gardening, cladding, and urban infrastructure.
