Aluminum Wire with Scandium and Zirconium Additions

Specification

Applications and Solutions

• Aerospace Structures: Welding high-strength base metals (e.g., 5083, 2219) where a fine, consistent weld microstructure is critical for fatigue performance.

• Defense and Ballistic: Fabrication of armored vehicles and high-integrity missile structures where maximum strength retention in the weld is mandatory.

• High-Performance Tanks: Welding cryogenic or highly-stressed pressure vessels where superior fracture toughness is required.

• Laser and Hybrid Welding: Optimized for high-energy density processes where rapid solidification necessitates strong grain refinement to prevent cracking.

FAQ

• Q: How do Sc and Zr prevent hot cracking?A: They act as potent grain refiners, promoting the formation of many small, equiaxed grains during solidification. This geometry allows residual liquid metal to feed the solidifying front efficiently, bridging the solidification shrinkage gap and preventing crack initiation.

• Q: Can these fillers be used for conventional 6061?A: Yes, using a Sc/Zr-modified filler on 6061 will significantly improve the weld zone strength and microstructure compared to standard ER4043 or ER5356. However, the cost may be prohibitive for non-critical applications.

• Q: What is the main cost driver for Scandium wire?A: Scandium is extremely rare and expensive to source and refine. The cost of the raw Sc additive dominates the final wire price, making it a specialty, high-value consumable.