How to Choose Cobalt based Welding Rods

                          -- Regarding Grades, Processes and Applications

Customers’ requirements are always variable. This article will help you to understand how to choose right alloy rod grades (typically Co1, 6, 12) in consideration of welding processes (OXY, TIG, ERW) in three main applications (valve, engine valve, saw blade).

In order to cater diverse needs of our clients, Wisdom has developed several manufacturing technologies, especially in cobalt based rod production. Therefore, the rods could be slightly different even they are the same grade. We generally classify them as three types, i.e. OXY rod, TIG rod, and ERW rod corresponding to different welding processes. In the following paragraphs, we will discuss the way of choosing the alloy grades & types in certain applications.

There are two principles of choosing rods in a particular application. The first is that not all the grades have different types. For instance, we don’t distinguish rod types for Co1 in either valve or engine valve industry. However, we should know clearly if the welding process is OXY or TIG when using Co6 or Co12 rod. Similarly, we should know with which process clients apply Co1 or Co12 rod in saw blade industry. It’s important because we should employ special technology for ERW compared to OXY. Another discipline is that no grade has all three types. For example, Co6 or Co12 only has OXY and TIG in both valve and engine valve industry, whilst Co1 and Co12 only have OXY and ERW in saw blade industry.

The case will be more complicated in engine valve industry. In terms of engine type, there are three kinds of engine valve, motorcycle, automobile and diesel engine vehicle. In terms of welding layer, it could be categorized to valve head and valve seat. Co1 is mostly applied by OXY for valve head of motorcycle. Regarding valve seat, Co6 is usually used for automobile, while motorcycle and diesel engine vehicle use Co12. In some special markets and fields, Co32 and Fe2537 can also be utilized for valve seat of automobile.

Besides, substitutive materials also emerge in the saw blade industry. For example, Fe306 and Fe307 can be used as alternatives for Co12 and Co1. They have similar functions but much lower prices. Welding process (OXY or ERW) must be also confirmed before sample request. If you have further interests in them, please email us. We will be your best consultant.