Thermit Welding

Thermit material is a mechanical mixture of metallic aluminum and processed iron oxide.

Molten steel is produced by the reaction in a magnesite-lined crucible.

At the bottom of the crucible, a magnesite stone is burned, into which a magnesite stone thimble is fitted.

This thimble provides a passage through which the molten steel is discharged into the mold.

The hole through the thimble is plugged with a tapping pin, which is covered with a fire-resistant washer and refractory sand.

The crucible is charged by placing the correct quantity of thoroughly mixed material in it.

In preparing the joint for welding, the parts to be welded must be cleaned, alined, and held firmly in place.

If necessary, metal is removed from the joint to permit a free flow of the metal into the joint.

A wax pattern is then made around the joint in the size and shape of the intended weld.

A mold made of refractory sand is built around the wax pattern and joint to hold the molten metal after it is poured.

The sand mold is then heated to melt out the wax and dry the mold.

The mold should be properly vented to permit the escape of gases and to allow the proper distribution of the metal at the joint.

welding crucible and mold is shown in figure 5-41.