4943 Alloy Filler?

[Kevin Morin]

Anyone had any experience with a filler alloy 4943? It's claimed to be approaching 5356 in 'as-welded' strength and retains the ease of welding of 4043?

http://www.thefabricator.com/article...a-filler-metal

I've always stayed away from 4043 after some cracking on 6061-T6 in the 1970's, really distrusted the alloy except for cast parts. Now this article and tests seems to show this newer filler alloy to be a real viable product?

Cheers,
Kevin Morin

[shovelon]

Yes, it magical actually. Only downside is it won't Anodize. It flows faster than both 4043 and 5356. For me and time is money.

It still is less ductile than 5356, but is less prone to porosity if that is a problem.

[atg]

It was interesting to note in the article that the increased strength can allow one 4943 fillet pass to achieve the same strength as three passes of 4043. So the HAZ would be far smaller and much less total filler would be required.

[atg]

Not to mention the time savings.

[ManoKai]

4943 has 25% increase in UTS and 50% increase in Fy over 4043. Local LWS unable to source under 100# lots. Will see if Terry's contact in CA can ship 10# in 3/32".

[Dualie]

The green monster airgas actually got me 1# spools for my spool gun in 2 days. I was just as shocked as anyone. I gave them the part number and the right part showed up. Still havent welded with it yet though

[atg]

I have been trying to get some in LA but no luck they all say it has to come from back east. SIMS, Cameron, Airgas. The Airgas in Sioux Falls SD said they have it near them in IA and Faribault MN, both of which are a short drive away.

The problem with these big cities is that the people who make stuff are too diluted by people who dont. So it's hard to find good suppliers. I can't figure out why people working in welding shops are not more familiar with new technology though.

On a similar note, I need some aluminum laser cut. I called my buddy in South Dakota to see if I could get a quote from there. He said there are three laser cutters near him and he would shop it around. This is in a town with 10,000 people. The quote came back at half of the cheapest quote from LA. No wonder the economy here in CA is in trouble. This is almost as bad as Minnesota...

[atg]

Terry where are you buying this stuff?

[shovelon]

Terry where are you buying this stuff?

Sims. Call the Sylmar store, ask for Sal or David and tell them Terry from Jaytech said to call.

[MinnesotaDave]

No wonder the economy here in CA is in trouble. This is almost as bad as Minnesota...

Hey now! The economy in Minnesota is.....is......

[shovelon]

It's made right here in Traverse City Michigan.

Took forever to get 10# in of 1/16" & 3/32" They are only a couple hours away from me

The Ranch Cucamonga distribution center is said to have a warehouse full. They have 1/16th, 3/32, 1/8, and 5/32" now. Problem is they want a minimum order.

[atg]

Dave said he would check bit it sounded like maybe 40lb. I only need 10 or so.

[vwguy3]

Sims. Call the Sylmar store, ask for Sal or David and tell them Terry from Jaytech said to call.

I'll bet it's fun to hear him answer the phone....."Sims,Sylmar this is Sal"

[shovelon]

Dave said he would check bit it sounded like maybe 40lb. I only need 10 or so.

So what size are you coveting?

[ManoKai]

The local Robert'sOxy is hook'n me. 10# of 3/32" at $5.75/lb enroute from GA today. Note: Maxal is available from Hobart/Miller distributors. Adding Robert'sOxy to my GTG list.

[shovelon]

The local Robert'sOxy is hook'n me. 10# of 3/32" at $5.75/lb enroute from GA today. Note: Maxal is available from Hobart/Miller distributors. Adding Robert'sOxy to my GTG list.

That's a good price too.

[atg]

So what size are you coveting?

Sorry was on a plane all day. I need to do a bunch of open corners on 0.0625" and it seems like 3/32" works the best. I would take 10 lb but will have a hard time using 20 on this project.

The Airgas guy in Sioux Falls wanted $6.30/lb I think.

[atg]

Cameron can get it also from rancho Cucamonga for $7.18/lb. Seems kind of high.

[atg]

For Southern California guys, Sims finally called back and said they would do a 10lb order for 7.18/lb in 3/32. Prepaid cash if no account, delivered to store for pickup. They would not drop ship to my house.

[atg]

I ended up buying 3/32 and 1/16 from Airgas Sioux Falls. They drop shipped it direct to my house. $100 minimum order so I got 10lb of each. Mind you this is after asking the airgas on Jefferson to please do the same thing, and having them refuse Call Airgas Sioux Falls and ask for Bill. He expects it will ship from California to me in California.

[shovelon]

Cool.

When do you expect it?

[atg]

I'll have to call him back and get the tracking number. I just finalized the order yesterday afternoon. Would have gone with sims but honestly it's rare that I can get there during business hours. They are not open Saturdays near me.

[atg]

Cool.

When do you expect it?

shipped from Ohio today. Tuesday or wednesday. hopefully about the same time as the box from the laser cutter.

[ManoKai]

10#. Arrived today. Sweet. Tomorrow, we burn-in.

[atg]

Is it just me or is this 4943 a bit easier to weld with than 4043? It seems to melt or flow a bit more easily.