Nonconsumable electrode for stainless steel welding and method of welding.

摘要

A method of welding stainless steel, such as a stainless steel end plug into a stainless steel nuclear fuel rod is disclosed. The welding process has a reduced arc wander and deeper arc penetration. A treated welding electrode for practicing the method also is disclosed. A layer of stainless steel is placed on the working arc discharge end of a nonconsumable tungsten arc welding electrode before welding. The stainless steel coating on the electrode reduces arc wander and permits deeper arc penetration. Approximately .001 to .005 inches of stainless steel is placed on the working arc discharge end of the electrode. The electrode coating can be formed by positioning the working arc discharge end of the electrode into close proximity to a grounded piece of stainless steel and then electrically shorting the electrode to the stainless steel so that the working arc discharge end sticks to the stainless steel. The working arc discharge end of the electrode is broken from the stainless steel so that a layer of stainless steel remains thereon. <IMAGE>