Inventors:
David P. Kovarik - Northfield Center OH
James E. Whetsel - Bedford OH
Ginger Ortman - Stow OH
Assignee:
Erico International Corporation - Solon OH
International Classification:
B23K 3534
Abstract:
The invention provides a method and means of producing weld metal for use in joining two or more aluminum containing pieces. The method includes the steps of providing a novel mixture of reactants comprising silicon, a reducing agent, a metallic compound which is exothermically reduced by the reducing agent, and a filler metal that does not react with the metallic compound. The mixture of reactants is then exothermically reacted so as to form the weld metal for joining the metallic pieces. At least about 90 percent by weight of the weld metal is produced by the silicon and the filler metal and at least about 90 percent by weight of the weld metal has a chemical composition substantially similar to that of at least one of the metallic pieces being joined.