Basic Metallurgy and Steel Classification

Understanding the effect that welding has on steel is a critical part of any
fabrication procedure. It is important that Elevator Constructors familiarize
themselves with the some of the properties of metal and its reaction to the
welding process.
Properties of Metals
Mechanical Properties- Mechanical properties refer to the reaction that metals
have when they are under loads. These include properties such as brittleness,
ductility (elasticity), yield (load), and tensile (pulling) strength.
Chemical Properties- Chemical properties are those associated with oxidation,
corrosion, and reduction. Reduction is the affect of atmospheric contamination
within the weld area. All metals oxidize. Corrosion is the wasting away of oxidized
metal.
Physical Properties- Physical properties involve the alteration of a metals
internal structure by heat. Melting point, thermal conductivity, and grain structure
are examples a materials physical property.
If you look at a piece of steel through a microscope you can see that it is
composed of tiny grains. These grains are arranged in patterns that will be
changed by the welding process. The quality of a weld during fabrication and
during its service life is directly related to maintaining correct welding operations.
The transformation temperature of steel is 1333. This is referred to as the
critical temperature, when steel begins to change from a solid to a molten state.
Welding temperatures take place at 2535. So it is easy to see that elevator
components such as brackets and stands can be distorted or defected by
excessive heat.
The ability of a metal to absorb heat is called its Coefficient of Thermal
Conductivity. Using too much heat, the wrong polarity, or even excessive voltage
can cause the grain structure of the metal to become martensitic (brittle) during

cooling. Mild steel is the most common type of steel used in construction
materials. Mild steel, called ASTM A36, is ductile while still maintaining strong
mechanical properties. However, it is easily altered by improper welding. Cold
welds caused by long arcing, laying down to many beads, and slag inclusions are
ordinary defects in welding mild steel.
Common Weld Defects Resulting in Weld Failure
Porosity- Pinholes that occur when gasses are trapped within the weld.
Porosity is caused by oily, painted, or dirty metal. Excessive current and high
travel speed will not allow the base metal to properly solidify.
Root Cracks- Cracking in the root of the weld. Caused by incorrect welding rod
and rapid shrinking. A more ductile (elastic) rod such as 7018 should be used if
root cracking happens.
Inclusions- Foreign body such as slag trapped within the weld. Caused by
improper rod manipulation.
Carbon Steel Classifications
Low Carbon- Commonly referred to as mild steel or ASTM A36. Carbon range of
.05 to .30 percent. Highly ductile and is easily machined and welded.
Medium Carbon- Carbon content of .30 to .45 percent. Must be welded with
special rods such as E-11018. Heat treatable.
High Carbon- Not usually welded. Carbon amounts of .45 to 1.7 percent. High
carbon steels are often heat treated and used in the manufacturing of hoist
ropes, springs, and tooling.
Hot Rolled Steel- ASTM A36. Generally formed into I-beams, channel, plate,
and angle iron.
Cold Rolled Steel- Precise control of dimensions, surface finish, and shape.
Cold rolled steels are identifiable by their sharp corners and are coated with mill
oil by the manufacturer.
Stainless Steels- Iron-carbon alloy with 10.5% chromium content. The 300
series is used extensively in the elevator industry. Applications include Car

Operating Panels and exterior surfaces that require corrosion resistance. Can be
welded with T.I.G process or with E-308 welding rod.