Filler Metal News

Solving one problem can create another. Safety always comes first. Amid competitive bidding, contract deadlines and the general drive to gain the best productivity and quality, welding operations in the shipbuilding industry face their own set of challenges. That’s especially true when it comes to welding primer-coated steel, a material prevalent for its ability to withstand atmospheric corrosion from sources such as saltwater. Most primer coatings are zinc-based and used on steel that is between 70 to 120 ksi in strength (and sometimes higher).

As part of the National Shipbuilding Research Program’s (NSRP) core mission to reduce the costs associated with Navy shipbuilding and repair, the NSRP Executive Control Board has selected 13 new research and development projects for award, totaling approximately $1.3m. These projects will be executed under the purview of the 10 NSRP communities of practice known as the Ship Production Panels. Focus and interest among panel members regularly reveal relevant project opportunities which may not be well suited for larger-scale funding via the primary NSRP solicitation process. The Board therefore typically sets aside an amount of money each year to fund relatively small (less than $100K), short-term (12 months or less) projects recommended by the Panel Chairs.

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products offers a range of welding filler metals for the structural steel industry, including a complete range of Seismic Certified filler metal solutions from Atom Arc, Coreshield, Dual Shield and Spoolarc (with OK Sub-arc Fluxes). A newly released guide outlines the many products available. Seismic Certified products are tested in accordance with the new AWS ‘D’ designator requirements as specified in AWS A5.20. ESAB also offers technical expertise to determine and execute the best solution for a seismic application, from material testing to development of weld procedures to on-time delivery of products to achieve project goals quickly.

The close cooperation of the Finnish Maritime industry is evidenced in the highly capable icebreaking ships that it produces. Icebreakers are essential to Finland’s existence, as the specialized ships enable the country to keep its shipping lanes operational during the harshest winter months. However, traditional icebreaker design made for poor navigating vessels in open water, and thus were rendered useful during only the winter months. This was acceptable, but very expensive, as icebreakers by nature represent a significant maintenance challenge and cost. The solution: creating a new design icebreaker that could be used, profitably, year-round.