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I have a frame made from KVA MS3 Stainless, and I've recently found a crack, if this was any 'normal' steel I'd be off to my local tame welder* for a repair but I confess to not knowing much about stainless, does it need any special consideration or equipment?
*yes I will ask him but currently on holiday!
** also off to read on KVA website...
If you're willing to search through his videos, Jodie at Weldingtipsandtricks on Youtube has tons of useful info regarding techniques, gasses, purgeing, and material selections. I only do occasional mig welding, but i'll watch hours of his videos just because they're interesting.
You can weld stainless with a range of processes, I would TIG with a back purge personally.
You need to find out what KVA MS3 is so you can select the correct filler.
<h3> http://www.kvastainless.com/bicycles-frequently-asked-questions.html</h3>
<h3>Welding tips:</h3>
- Clean and prep all tube ends before welding with dedicated Stainless steel wire brushes, abrasive pads, or sand paper.
- Use Acetone for removing grease or oils.
- Stainless steel filler wire ER631, ER309L, 308L, 312L, Weldmold 880/888, or ER630 (17-4PH) are recommended for all joints - to steel, other stainless and KVA STAINLESS™ MS3 tubes.
- Back purge with Argon gas at 15cfm. Back purge during tacking Purge for 2-5 minutes before welding to ensure a 100% purge.
- Post-weld tempering optional for improved fatigue performance (350-400° F for 20-30 min).
<h3>Brazing tips:</h3>
- Stainless steel lugs & braze-ons (type 304, 316 or 17-4PH) are recommended with 0.002-0.004” radial clearance.
- Low temp silver brazing alloys: Aufhauser Silver Alloy A-56T®, Harris Safety-Silv 56®, Harris Safety-Silv 45®, Fillet Pro® or equivalent recommended for minimal effect on tube strength. Liquidus temperature of braze alloys should not exceed 1400° F (760° C).
- The joint surface areas should be clean and free from oil, grease, or oxide contamination.
- Brass and/ or nickel brazing <span>not</span> recommended!!!
Ms3 is just a precipitation hardener , think of it like 7000 series aluminium of the steel world
From memory 309 filler was the popular choice but most people will go to 312 for repairing stuff .