Economic aspects of dissimilar braze welding of austenite-copper for rail transport applications

Purpose: Novelty of the paper is to present the economic aspect of austenite-copper alloy braze welding for rail transport application. Braze welding copper with austenite is treated as a difficult and expensive procedure. The aim of the article is to develop the MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding process for dissimilar austenite-copper joining without preheating that is much less expensive process of welding with preheating. Design/methodology/approach: Main parameters of the braze welding process were tested and then the quality of the obtained joint was checked. Findings: Filler materials were determined without preheating to 600° C, that is much more energy-intensive process. Research limitations/implications: It was suggested to investigate the effect of modified dissimilar austenite-copper joining. Practical implications: The proposed process innovation will result in savings of production of cost of the elements of the locomotive transformer holder. Social implications: New dissimilar austenite-copper joining process allows for energy savings. Originality/value: It is to propose a new solution in rail transport. The article is especially addressed to the elements of the locomotive transformer holder. Keywords: production savings, transport, braze welding. Category of the paper: Research paper.