1.Preparation Stage:
● Secure the ends of the workpieces to be welded in a mold.
● Prepare the thermite mixture, which typically consists of aluminum powder and iron oxide powder.
2.Reaction Stage:
● Heat the thermite mixture in a crucible to initiate the exothermic reaction.
● The reaction produces molten metal (e.g., steel) and slag (primarily aluminum oxide).
3.Welding Stage:
● Pour the molten steel into the mold, allowing it to flow into the joint space between the workpieces.
● The molten metal solidifies to form the weld, while the slag floats to the surface and is removed.
4.Post-Welding Treatment:
● Adjust the temperature and chemical composition of the weld metal as needed.
● This is typically achieved by adding appropriate additives or alloys to enhance the properties of the weld.
1.Simple Operation and High Efficiency:
● Thermite welding is straightforward to perform, with lightweight equipment.
● It does not require an external power supply or heat source, making it a convenient and efficient welding method.
2.Strong Adaptability:
● Suitable for welding various types of rails, especially in straight sections and curves with radii between 400 m and 800 m.
3.Stable Joint Quality:
● Produces consistent and reliable weld quality.
● Relatively low cost and high operational safety.
4.Convenient Quality Inspection:
● The quality of the weld can be visually inspected.
● The welding point is permanent and will not develop high resistance due to loosening or corrosion.
5.Wide Material Applicability:
● Can be used for welding copper, copper alloys, copper-clad steel, various alloy steels (including stainless steel), and high-resistance heating materials.
Thermite welding is widely used in railway, highway, construction, shipbuilding, machinery manufacturing and other fields. It is mainly used for the connection and repair of steel rails, steel bars, steel plates and other materials, especially in the industry that requires a large number of welding operations, thermite welding is widely used because of its efficient, fast and reliable characteristics.
