Welding chrome

[1930artdeco]

Quick question as I can’t remember the answer. A coworker needs a chromed bolt welded. I can’t remember is that is bad or not. I know welding either chrome or galvanized metal gives off a harmful gas. Which one is it?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[dogdog]

Both ?

 

[4 FN 27]

Quick Google search on "Is welding chrome toxic?"

Chromium is a component in stainless steel, nonferrous alloys, chromate coatings and some welding consumables. . Chromium is converted to its hexavalent state, Cr(VI), during the welding process. Cr(VI) fume is highly toxic and can damage the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs and cause cancer.

 

[1930artdeco]

Thanks, guess I could have googled. Mind is slipping in my old age. That a d I figured the experts would know - a d you did.

Mike

 

[BukitCase]

You might also wanna google metal fume fever BEFORE welding on galvanized... Steve

 

[BLUE72CAMARO]

Yep both are bad news.

 

[bigguns69]

One bolt, weld it. If you were doing this hours a week, different story.

 

[welder4956]

One bolt, weld it. If you were doing this hours a week, different story.

Agreed. OSHA standards for Cr6+ exposure are based on an 8 hr. time weighted average. Also, the chrome (or galvanized coating) can be ground off prior to welding to prevent fumes. Just don't breath the dust and use a particulate filter mask.

 

[laser3kw]

One bolt, weld it. If you were doing this hours a week, different story.

Agreed. You can also set up a positive air flow system that encourages the exhaust to move away from the person welding. The draft must not be so strong that it pulls the shielding gas away from the weld zone. Maybe a box fan turned backwards to pull the exhaust away. Play with the distance to get the right speed of airflow. Maybe a lit cigarette or cigar to provide a visible reference.

 

[johno]

Slightly off topic here.
Is there any problem welding nuts or bolts with that black oxide coating?

 

[zippy99]

Slightly off topic here.
Is there any problem welding nuts or bolts with that black oxide coating?

You can weld right through black oxide. You'll burn off the finish, but no other harm

 

[johno]

You can weld right through black oxide. You'll burn off the finish, but no other harm

Thanks.

 

[king nero]

Apart from that you'll ruin the base material if it's a high strength bolt...

 

[The Cobbler]

so based on this thread, welding a pc of 1/2" chromed DOM tube outside shouldn't be a major concern .
grinding, I will use an M95 mask so I can rough it up to paint it

 

[Brianf60]

I wouldn't hesitate to weld one chrome bolt or other small application.
I have welded my share of chrome items over the years.
I’m sure I have suffered more damage from brake cleaner fumes and other stuff we didn’t think twice about using in large quantities.
And besides I’m almost normal.

 

[Gear Box]

I received Welding fume fever from a 5 minute weld job(galvanized coating).I didn’t put a fan on to direct fumes away, Or I must be getting more sensitive with age. Got home at 5 and went to bed till 9 am felt normal about 24 hours later.

 

[Dave G in Gansevoort]

The only way I weld on either chrome or galvanized steel is with stick or flux core wire so I can do it outside with a fan blowing from behind me over the weld. And I also have an under helmet mask for the metals. Don’t know if it removes any of the fumes, so hence the fan

 

[Lumpy102]

And besides I’m almost normal.

Umm.......... not real sure any of us on GJ are anywhere near "normal"
Maybe we need a clear definition of normal

 

[dr_clyde]

Chrome plating and galvanizing weld very differently.

Both make fumes that can be harmful, but of the two, galvanizing is a much bigger pain in the rear. Galvanizing is usually zinc based, and zinc boils off at a much lower temperature than chromium on steel, so you end up with a weld that pops, spits and has porosity.

Chromium is a major alloying element in stainless steel, and in my experience welds about the same as stainless does. You'll want to use the same precautions welding a chrome plated part as you would welding a stainless part. Hexavalent chromium (chrome 6) is a known problem, but usually far more prevalent in stick/flux based process vs tig.

I wouldn't sweat it for one or two parts. Keep your head out of the fumes and wear a respirator if you want to.

If you need to weld a consistent quantity, proper fume extraction and a PAPR would be my recommendation.