Can A588 high-quality weathering steel be welded?

Corten is another name for weathering steel. By nature, steel can rust well and develop a beautiful patina that many people love. It contains very small amounts of chromium, nickel and copper, making it weather resistant, making it suitable for structural applications. If you're interested in learning how to weld weathering steel, read on. In this article, we will discuss topics such as how to weld Corten steel and how to choose the right filler wire.

Weathering steel does not prevent rust. In fact, the material changes the way rust affects the structure. The presence of chromium, nickel and copper increases the weather resistance of the material. It allows the rust to dry faster and thicker, creating a beautiful patina.

Instead of weakening the structure, however, rust forms a paint-like layer on the material. The coating protects unreacted material from the atmosphere and allows the material to retain its load-bearing capacity and thickness for longer.

Many sculptors and architects prefer it for aesthetic reasons. The natural patina it develops over time adds rustic charm and character to many structures.

The precautionary requirements for welding Corten are similar to those for welding mild steel. The only significant difference is that you may need a different filler wire than what you normally use. AWS classification 6013 for mild steel is not available for Corten.

You can effortlessly use two types of welding procedures: metal inert gas and basic arc welding or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).