What Is an Anti-spatter Adhesion Agent?
Anti-spatter adhesion agents are solvents used to prevent “spatter” generated during welding operations from adhering to the weld metal.
“Spatter” refers to metal particles or slag that fly off during welding. “Spatter” is the metal particles or slag that fly off during welding and adhere to the surface of the weld metal in the form of small particles.
To remove them, a trowel or a jet trowel using compressed air must be used. Anti-spatter adhesion agents facilitate this process.
By spraying it on the welding area before welding work, it prevents the adhesion of spatter. Even if spatter adheres, it can be removed with a wire brush. The use of a trowel is no longer necessary, and workability is improved.
Uses of Anti-spatter Adhesion Agents
The two main uses of anti-spatter adhesion agents are:
- Prevents spatter from adhering to the surface of the metal (base metal) to be welded
- Prevents spatter from adhering to the tip of the welding nozzle (torch)
1. Base Metal Use
Anti-spatter adhesion agents not only prevent spatter from adhering to the base metal but also allow easy removal of spatter without damaging the base metal. It also has high anti-corrosion performance, and there is no fear of rust or corrosion of the base metal.
There are different types depending on the base metal, so select the appropriate one for the base metal. If the base metal is to be painted after welding, the top coat can be applied without removing the anti-spatter adhesion agent film after welding by selecting one that easily blends with the paint.
2. Torch Use
Anti-spatter adhesion agents are not only used on the metal to be welded, but also on welding torches to reduce tip deterioration and improve workability.
It is convenient to spray in advance on nozzles and tips used for semi-automatic and automatic welding, robotic welding, and even fusion welding to maintain anodic performance without contaminating the torch section.
Principle of Anti-spatter Adhesion Agents
Anti-spatter adhesion agents are formulated with quick-drying solvents. Since quick-drying solvents evaporate immediately after application, a film is quickly formed and welding work can begin in less time.
CFC used to be used as a quick-drying solvent, but now, from the viewpoint of global warming prevention, specified chemicals and organic solvents are sometimes used.
Types of Anti-spatter Adhesion Agents
There are two types of anti-spatter adhesion agents, one for base metal and the other for torch, depending on the material to be applied. Anti-spatter adhesion agents for base materials are further classified according to the material of the base material.
1. For Torch
There are anti-spatter adhesion agents for welding torch nozzles and tips. It contains highly heat-resistant pigments.
It prevents spatter from adhering to the tips of nozzles, tips, and other apparatuses, helping to maintain anode performance. It also extends the life of instruments, thus enabling cost containment.
Furthermore, it improves work efficiency by eliminating the need for instrument purification.
2. For Base Material
There are two types of anti-spatter adhesion agents for base materials:
- For high tensile steel and mild steel
- For stainless steel
The “for high tensile strength steel and mild steel” contains a special resin with high heat resistance. This is to prevent spatter from adhering when welding thick base metals that are subject to high temperatures. It also blends easily with paints, making it suitable for applying paints after welding.
For “stainless steel” is a water-soluble anti-spatter adhesion agent containing inorganic fine powder. It can be used for a wide range of base materials, from thin to thick plates. It is convenient because it can be easily removed by washing with water. However, care should be taken when using it on steel materials, as there is a risk of rust and corrosion.
Other Information on Anti-spatter Adhesion Agents
Growing Demand for Water Solubility and Cautions
Demand for water-soluble anti-spatter adhesion agents that do not use solvents is increasing due to environmental impact and health and safety considerations.
However, when water-soluble, there is a risk of blowholes and other defects occurring due to evaporation of moisture from the liquid if it accumulates in the weld area. It is especially important to apply the agent evenly on vertical surfaces to prevent liquid from dripping.