Direct fusion welding of Titanium to Stainless Steel using conventional methods (like TIG or MIG) is not feasible for structural applications. The primary challenge is the formation of brittle intermetallic compounds (such as Fe₂Ti and FeTi) in the weld zone, which leads to a weak, highly brittle joint that is prone to cracking [1].
However, a strong, reliable joint can be achieved using specialized joining techniques that avoid direct fusion of the two metals:
Best Process (Solid-State): Explosive Welding or Friction Welding to create a transition joint.
Best Process (Fusion with Interlayer): Using a vanadium or copper interlayer to prevent the formation of brittle phases [2].
Titanium and Iron (the main component of stainless steel) have limited solubility. When they are melted together during conventional fusion welding, they react to form intermetallic compounds. These compounds are extremely hard and brittle, resulting in a joint with virtually no ductility, making it unsuitable for any application requiring structural integrity or fatigue resistance.
To successfully join titanium and stainless steel, the process must either be a solid-state welding method or utilize an interlayer to physically separate the titanium and iron atoms during fusion.
| Process Type | Recommended Method | Mechanism / Key Advantage | Application Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid-State Welding | Explosive Welding | Joins metals under high pressure without melting, completely avoiding the formation of brittle intermetallics. Creates a strong, metallurgical bond. | Creating large-scale Titanium-Clad Steel plates for pressure vessels and heat exchangers. |
| Solid-State Welding | Friction Welding | Uses friction heat and pressure to join rods or bars below the melting point. Excellent for joining small, solid components. | Automotive parts, small rod-to-rod connections. |
| Fusion with Interlayer | TIG/MIG with Interlayer | A thin sheet of a compatible metal (e.g., Vanadium, Niobium, or Copper) is placed between the Ti and SS. This layer is welded to each metal separately. | Pipe joints, where a pre-fabricated transition piece is used. |
For most industrial applications, the most reliable and common solution is to use a pre-fabricated transition joint or titanium-clad steel. This is typically produced via explosive welding, creating a bi-metal component where one side is titanium and the other is steel. This allows:
The titanium side to be safely welded to the titanium structure (using standard TIG).
The steel side to be safely welded to the stainless steel structure (using standard TIG/MIG).
This method ensures the integrity of the joint by separating the incompatible fusion zones [3].
We specialize in supplying and fabricating Titanium-Clad Steel plates and custom Transition Joints created via explosive welding. If your project requires a robust, high-integrity connection between titanium and stainless steel, rely on our expertise to provide the necessary bi-metal components.
Request a Quote for Titanium-Clad Steel and Transition Joints.
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