Titanium frame repair - recommendations?
- Thread starter Splatter Paint
- Start date
mechagouki":1qy39q5i said:
Assuming thee purge was successful. The grain structure of the weld takes a random formation, whereas the grain structure of the tubing is worked into a uniform pattern by the various processes of manufacture. Literally just like the grain in wood. This is why despite being the thickest area of metal welds are the most common point of failure.
Don't forget steel frames fail as well, there are slightly different circumstances though: a) Most steel frames are not valuable enough to consider repairing. b) Steel repair is relatively easy so no need to post all over forums, I know half a dozen people with the facilities at home. c) nearly all ti frames are built light, if you only compared top end light weight steel frames to ti failures the failure rates are likely to be much closer in number.
rockz631689
Dirt Disciple
titanium welding on the South Coast.....
One of the best welding companies I ever experienced is Task Welding, in Portsmouth. They are specialists in any welding, from basic MIG welded mild steel structures through to TIG welded exotic materials used for the Nuclear Industry. Fully coded welders, they carry out extensive projects for the Navy sector. A little more expensive than you may want to pay, but definitely worth seeking out if you've got a cracked Ti frame (they did one for a friend of mine a few years back....absolutely flawless!)
One of the best welding companies I ever experienced is Task Welding, in Portsmouth. They are specialists in any welding, from basic MIG welded mild steel structures through to TIG welded exotic materials used for the Nuclear Industry. Fully coded welders, they carry out extensive projects for the Navy sector. A little more expensive than you may want to pay, but definitely worth seeking out if you've got a cracked Ti frame (they did one for a friend of mine a few years back....absolutely flawless!)
Splatter Paint
Retrobike Rider
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Yep, all fixed Keyf, still holding up ok, despite riding it a season of racing.
SP
SP
Good to hear that the repair woked and is holding together. Dont be too disappointed though if it resurfaces after additional use.
Was/is this a custom TI frame?
Two common causes for a TI frame to crack in the weld: 1) Poor prefit/too much space and 2) temperature control. In the case of poor prefit, the welder had to fill the joint space with the puddle. The joint flexes, the weld breaks at the weakest point - the weld. If this was the original cause, these are a real challenge to repair correctly and permanently. Hence, the tendenancy for them to resurface after additional use.
The other is temperature control. During the welding process the joint cools too quickly resulting in a weak joint. Inexperienced welder - wasn't pushing the puddle. The joint flexes and eventually cracks. Much easier to repair, and if the repair is reasonably well done, it does not regenerate with the stress of additional use.
Be really vigilant hereonin. Check the joint religiously, each time, every time, all the time - no exceptions. TI is very strong but brittle - it is not forgiving. A structural failure at speed on any frame aint fun...
Was/is this a custom TI frame?
Two common causes for a TI frame to crack in the weld: 1) Poor prefit/too much space and 2) temperature control. In the case of poor prefit, the welder had to fill the joint space with the puddle. The joint flexes, the weld breaks at the weakest point - the weld. If this was the original cause, these are a real challenge to repair correctly and permanently. Hence, the tendenancy for them to resurface after additional use.
The other is temperature control. During the welding process the joint cools too quickly resulting in a weak joint. Inexperienced welder - wasn't pushing the puddle. The joint flexes and eventually cracks. Much easier to repair, and if the repair is reasonably well done, it does not regenerate with the stress of additional use.
Be really vigilant hereonin. Check the joint religiously, each time, every time, all the time - no exceptions. TI is very strong but brittle - it is not forgiving. A structural failure at speed on any frame aint fun...
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