What is the maximum temperature that cold welding can withstand?

Modern technologies do not stand still. Until relatively recently there was no such thing as cold welding. However, even now many people are not aware of the existence of such material. In fact, only the name remains from classical welding in this substance. In fact, cold welding is nothing more than glue. True, it is not ordinary, it can hold together almost any materials, and it is not necessary that they be strictly homogeneous.

Such wide application possibilities lead many people to wonder about the maximum possible temperature that cold welding can withstand. A large number of parts, most often metal, when performing their task, encounter fairly high temperatures; accordingly, if the temperature exceeds the value that a connection created using cold welding can withstand, its strength will be maintained for a very short period of time.

Cold welded joints, of course, cannot be compared in strength to classical ones. However, it is quite suitable for repairing plumbing fixtures, cars, household items, etc. A distinctive feature of this substance is that it can be used not only to create strong connections, but also to seal holes. This opportunity becomes available due to the fact that the substance has a thick consistency; it can be used like ordinary plasticine. The strength of the final joint is greatly influenced by the cleanliness of the bonded surfaces, drying time and proper use of glue.

Characteristics and composition of cold welding

The main characteristics of cold welding are:

• Presence and composition of filler.
• The initial drying time is the so-called time. “setting”, during this time the composition must be applied to the gluing area and leveled.
• Final curing time - the product cannot be used before this period.
• Application temperature - the recommended temperature at which the mixture can be applied to the surface.
• Maximum operating temperature.

The plastic cold seal adhesive composition can consist of one or two components. Its required components are:

• The adhesive base is in the form of epoxy resin, which determines the plastic properties.
• The filler is metal powder, evenly distributed throughout the volume.
• Quality improving additives, such as sulfur.

The quality of a weld obtained by cold welding depends on conditions such as:

• Quality of adhesive material.
• Preparing the surfaces of parts for gluing.
• Compliance with technology.

The strength of the resulting seam in real conditions will be lower than that of a seam produced by the hot method.

Therefore, the technology is best applicable for local repairs of lightly loaded products.

Technical information about products of individual brands

Cold welding is produced by companies all over the world. They differ not only in country of origin and brand, but also in characteristics.

The birthplace of the brand of epoxy glue-plasticine Contact is Russia, and the product is produced in China. Cold welding was developed for joining alloys and metals. It consists of two main components: hardener and epoxy resin. Using Contact glue-plasticine, you can seal joints and return parts to shape. It is not affected by water and solvents. Welding for metal can hold temperatures from -30 to 160 degrees. The adhesive guarantee is 12 months. The quality, with proper further use, does not change after time. Mix the glue-plasticine with your hands wearing protective gloves. Does not work on materials such as Teflon and polyethylene. In addition to alloys and metals, you can glue wood, concrete, glass, and porcelain.

For reliable connection of various materials, “Epoxy-titanium” made in Russia is suitable. Consists of two components: epoxy resin and hardener. Available in the form of a viscous liquid, which is suitable for metals, ceramics, plastics, and precious items. Works effectively for a variety of holes and cracks. The composition is resistant to vibration, gasoline and acid. To harden at 20 degrees, this cold welding needs 3-4 hours. Withstands high temperatures (up to 1200 C).

American cold welding Hi-Gear fast steel is a two-component adhesive mass (putty) with metal chips. It is used when working with plastic, wood, metal, cast iron, stone and other materials. For this cold welding, the operating temperature can reach up to 260 degrees. Also used for vehicle repairs.

Aluminum-filled metal plasticine KR-115 is a composition with high viscosity, consisting of two components. Suitable for welding non-ferrous metals. Typically used for professional repair of auto parts and restoration of household products. KR-115 is not affected by gasoline and water. Hardening of the mass begins within the first half hour. Can be frozen for a long time without loss of effectiveness.

Poxipol is a two-component product that is available in two colors - transparent and regular. The cost in different online stores for tubes weighing 16-25 grams varies from 250 to 450 rubles. Poxipol is used for gluing granite, reinforced concrete, metals, wood, marble, etc. To wait for initial drying, 15-20 minutes is enough. Along with the product, manufacturers include special trays in the packaging on which the two-component mass can be mixed.

Abro dry cold welding can withstand temperatures up to 260 degrees. This composition can be used to repair wooden, metal, glass and ceramic products. Abro is often used by mechanics and car enthusiasts to fix body parts, fuel tanks and more. It is also actively used for plumbing purposes due to its ability to expand during the hardening process.

Not all cold welding products that are presented on the construction market are distinguished by reliability and quality. Therefore, it is worth choosing proven options.

The compositions described above have many positive user reviews. You can easily verify this by simply entering the name of the product in a search engine.

How to use cold welding correctly

To obtain a good seam, careful execution of the following steps is of utmost importance:

Technological process of cold welding

• Clean the bonded surfaces from oil, fat and mechanical contaminants. Cleaning can be mechanical (abrasives, steel brush), chemical (solvents and degreasers) and combined.
• All actions are carried out only in protective gloves.
• Squeeze the two-component composition out of the tubes and mix the components well.
• Separate the required amount of plasticine-shaped composition from the block with a spatula and carefully close the remaining block.
• Knead the composition. It should heat up slightly, maintaining plasticity; once the required consistency is achieved, apply the mixture to the surfaces to be glued.
• Securely press the surfaces together by wrapping the parts with an elastic band.
• If pipes are being repaired, the composition must be applied with several smoothing movements.
• After the time specified in the technical specifications as the initial drying time (90% of the glue sets), the tourniquet can be removed.
• The repaired product can only be used after the final hardening time has passed, usually 24 hours.

It is better to remove the remaining adhesive with a spatula after applying and applying the tourniquet. If they have already hardened, they can be removed by lightly tapping them with a hammer.

terms of Use

To determine the conditions, you should know what temperature cold welding holds. The main danger for the composition is the first hours when it has not yet hardened. Then any operation is not recommended at all. During the first three hours it is better not to touch the part at all. After 24 hours have passed, it can be used under the same conditions in which it was used before. Temperature restrictions are usually indicated on the packaging and will be different for each brand. In any case, in order for them to correspond to what is written, you should strictly adhere to the installation instructions.

Specifications

Here are brief characteristics of how many degrees cold welding of one type or another can withstand.

Recommendations for use

The use of any cold welding composition begins with preparatory procedures. To do this, you need to clean the surface from possible deposits of fat, dirt, oil and other unnecessary substances. Metals are cleaned of rust to get to the very surface that will be bonded to. Once the surface is ready, you can begin to prepare the cold welding itself.

It is necessary to remove the components and mix them until a homogeneous mass is obtained. Solid blocks, as well as liquid two-component ones, must reach a state of plasticity, when they can be sculpted into various shapes, like plasticine. All work must be done with gloves so that there is no contact of the material with the skin. As soon as the material has reached the desired consistency, it should be used immediately. It is necessary to ensure that the layer of the applied substance is no more than 6 mm. If greater thickness is required, then a second layer should be applied, but after the first has dried. After everything has hardened, the parts can be used for their intended purpose without fear for the quality of welding if the temperature conditions have been selected correctly.

Temperature characteristics

The composition of the adhesive mass determines what temperature cold welding can withstand. The user manual always states this value. If you carefully follow all the requirements of the manual, the seam will withstand this temperature without loss of strength.

Budget brands are usually developed for a maximum temperature of around 260 C. Special types of mixtures have a maximum operating temperature of over 1300 C. They cost significantly more, but they allow you to repair parts and products operating at high temperatures. This is an excellent help if the use of hot technology is difficult for reasons of fire safety or accessibility of the repair site.

Criterias of choice

The choice of composition depends on the scope of application and the structure of the materials of the surfaces being joined.

Temperature

In terms of its characteristics, Russian-made cold welding is not inferior to foreign analogues, although it costs an order of magnitude cheaper.

It is characterized by low heat resistance - at a temperature of + 120-140 Cº the compound loses its properties.

Sealants

The advantage and at the same time disadvantage of universal products is low selectivity. For plumbing repairs, we recommend using special waterproof products. First of all, they are sealants, so do not expect high adhesive properties and resistance to temperature changes from them. For ease of use, they are produced in liquid form.

For cars

Auto welding is highly resistant to all negative impacts that may arise during vehicle operation - vibrations, damage, temperature changes. Not suitable for use under water. High connection strength - withstands up to 20 N.

Automotive welding can be used to strengthen bolted joints and eliminate leaks in a fuel tank, radiator or pipeline. Dry welding for radiators is widely known.

Types of cold welding

The following types are used:

• Spot. For connecting aluminum and copper conductors, gluing copper ends to aluminum wires.
• Suture. For the production of thin-walled vessels, sealed containers and equipment casings.
• Butt. For connecting wires or ring-shaped products.
• Tavrovaya. For connecting elements of rolled profiles.
• Shifting. For connecting pipes of heating or water supply circuits, as well as components of electrical distribution networks on railways.

Depending on the packaging method, there are:

• Liquid Weld - Supplied as two separate components, a plasticizer and a hardener, which are mixed before use.
• Plasticine-shaped, supplied in the form of a bar, which is kneaded and mixed before use.

Two-component cold welding is more difficult to use, but is more economical in use.

Plasticine cold welding

Liquid cold welding

According to their intended purpose, they are distinguished:

• liquid welding for metal is used for gluing most metals and contains a filler in the form of metal powder;
• liquid welding for car repairs, characterized by increased resistance to vibrations, also contains a filler;
• universal, connecting metals, wood or plastic in any combination. The strength of such a connection will be low;
• for work in special conditions, such as underwater, high-temperature, aggressive environments, etc.

Heat resistant cold welding

Heat-resistant cold welding is very popular among car enthusiasts who repair mufflers and other exhaust system elements.

Varieties of component

Any material is suitable for effective gluing, the only exception being elastic elements. There are several groups of materials that the binder can easily cope with:

· metal elements;

· synthetic polymers (plastics);

· ceramic products;

· glass;

· floor coverings (linoleum, carpets).

How to use cold welding depends on the materials that are intended to be joined. There are several types of cold welding:

For metal

The use of cold welding for metal is extremely popular among car owners and minor repairs of household appliances. The tool helps to quickly and efficiently resolve difficulties that arise that are associated with the further operation of the vehicle and other equipment.

The bond between the two bonded surfaces is so strong that the repaired part will be in use for many more years.

Important! When using cold welding, you must always take into account how much load a particular part receives. First of all, the adhesive is aimed at temporarily eliminating the problem (crack, chip), so if the opportunity arises, the unit or part should be restored by repairing or replacing it.

For plastic

This type of connection is not used so often, since there are a large number of adhesives for polymers that do an excellent job. Cold welding has found wide application for synthetic polymer materials when it is necessary to repair plastic pipes and equipment.

For joining linoleum, carpets

Suitable for butt jointing of floor coverings. The result exceeds all expectations - the quality of the joint is no worse if double-sided tape was used. This type of soldering is used in construction to connect rubber seals.

For stones

Natural stone is often used for interior decoration. It is quite heavy and not every glue can support such weight. Cold welding for stone based on epoxy resin copes with this task quite well. The peculiarity of the connection lies in the strength of the seam itself. Even if, for some reason, a piece breaks off at the junction of two surfaces, then the rupture occurs through the material, and not through the binder. Cold welding for stones has found wide application in the construction of fireplaces and stoves.

All of the above compositions are distinguished by a reliable connection and fast gluing only if the technology for performing the work is followed according to the instructions.

Tips for using cold welding

In private life, the method is most often used for car repairs and heating systems. A leaky and sealed muffler or gas tank will serve for many years without requiring replacement.

Unfortunately, the radiator can only be patched up temporarily in this way in order to get to the service station under its own power. It will not be possible to use it constantly. If the location of the leak cannot be determined, you can lower the radiator into a bath of water. Emerging bubbles will indicate the location of the leak.

To repair a muffler, you need to choose a high-temperature brand. If the instructions indicate room temperature for use, then you should wait until the part has cooled before starting repair work.

If you are repairing a heating system, you should choose a composition that can withstand prolonged contact with water. It should be remembered that the method is suitable for repairing small holes. If the damage is significant, it is better to use hot welding.

The method is categorically unsuitable for gluing parts operating under heavy load.

You should not try to replace the brand developed for a specific material with the one you have on hand. The filler must exactly match the materials being glued, otherwise the strength of the seam can be forgotten.

Tips and Tricks

Experienced professionals give the following advice to beginners:

• Epoxy polymer is a rather toxic substance. Although it can be used to seal porcelain and ceramics, it should not be used to repair plates or other eating utensils. The exception is the handles of frying pans, pots, and mugs where they will not come into contact with food.
• If you don’t have time to wait several hours for the seam to completely harden, you can use a hairdryer to dry the glue.
• Cold welding is good as a temporary solution for sealing gas tanks and car radiators. Subsequently, these parts will need to be changed.
• You should not cold weld water pipes and heating radiators if the damage area is large. There is a high risk that with constant exposure to water, the seam will not hold up and will burst.

Source

Advantages of cold metal welding

The technology has undeniable advantages:

• Zero electricity or gas consumption.
• A neat and durable seam does not require further processing.
• There is no need for lengthy training or special equipment.
• Makes it possible to firmly connect different metals, for example, aluminum and copper, which are practically not connected by other methods.
• Makes it possible to repair parts and pipelines without dismantling them, not only in a cold, but also in a hot state.
• Repair of live electrical installations, containers and pipes under low pressure and even with flammable materials.
• There are no deformations caused by residual stresses in the metal that arise after hot welding.
• Highly environmentally friendly process, no hazardous waste.

Neat seam of cold welded linoleum

In addition to all of the above, low labor intensity and low price of consumables make the method economically profitable.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of cold welding include:

• ease of use;
• chemical resistance;
• environmental friendliness;
• low cost;
• connection speed;
• compactness;
• heat resistance.

The method has no obvious disadvantages . It is worth noting that classical joining methods have better properties - arc welding will connect metal more reliably, and a bolted connection will hold wooden blocks more firmly. Thus, cold welding is an excellent tool for emergency repairs.

Where can it be used?

Does cold welding conduct electricity? No, its properties allow it to connect metals under voltage: glue is not capable of conducting electricity. Before connecting, disconnect the elements to be connected from electrical current.

Liquids. The chemical composition of the liquid does not matter.

For gluing what materials?

What can be glued by cold welding? As mentioned above, the product in question is capable of connecting various materials :

• metal;
• glass;
• plastic elements of the heating system;
• linoleum;
• carpet;
• plastic;
• stone.

Security measures

The components that make up the mixture are highly chemically active and strongly irritate the skin and mucous membranes. If ingested, they cause life-threatening poisoning. Therefore, when working, it is necessary to strictly observe safety measures:

Be sure to wear rubber or plastic gloves

• Be sure to wear rubber or plastic gloves.
• When working with a plastic compound, be sure to test the effect of the components on the glove material. If they dissolve, gloves should be taken from a different material.
• Wear safety glasses or a transparent protective shield. It is especially important to observe this point when working from below the object being repaired - a car, pipeline, etc., in order to prevent pieces of the substance from getting on the face and mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth.
• In case of accidental contact with skin, rinse immediately with plenty of clean running water.
• In case of ingestion, drink plenty of fluids, preferably milk, and consult a doctor immediately.
• Keep away from children! Playing with a plasticine-like substance can end in a hospital or morgue.
• Do not use for repairing dishes and containers that come into contact with food.

After hardening, the components of the mixture lose their chemical activity and are absolutely safe to touch with your hands.

How to fix a leak in a pressurized water pipe

1. If a pipe is leaking when the coolant pressure is low, then an ordinary iron pipe clamp to eliminate the leak is a sure and quick solution to eliminating a leak in the heating system. The factory clamp is a round metal structure with a wall thickness of 1-1.5 mm, rubberized on the inside and equipped with a bolt and a nut for tightening (or a pair - depending on the width of the clamp);
2. People's advice on how to seal a leak if there is no steel clamp: wrap the accident site with rubber from a bicycle tube, a pharmaceutical bandage, or any suitable piece of rubber, for example, a rubber glove. You can secure such a homemade clamp with wire, or wrap it with any cord;
3. In the absence of a factory clamp and rubber, you can make a homemade clamp from tin, even from a tin can lid;
4. Even a piece of elastic polymer (for example, vulcan rubber), tightly wrapped with wire, turn to turn, can temporarily save the situation.

Other methods of eliminating an accident if a heating pipe is leaking will not work - only dry surfaces can be sealed with cold welding, although the hardened composite can then work even in water. It will not work to seal a hole or crack with sealing compounds for the same reason - the surface to be repaired must be dry, and preferably clean. Therefore, sealant for heating pipes, epoxy resin, dichloroethane and other fast-hardening composites are used only on disconnected dry sections of the heating route. This also applies to the repair of the water supply line in the water supply pipe for hot water supply or hot water supply.