868-1000 - Solar Flux Type B Stainless Steel Backing Flux

Technical Overview of Solar Flux Type B

Solar Flux Type B is a specialized chemical composition formulated to address the challenges of welding stainless steel and high-nickel alloys. In standard welding procedures for these materials, the backside of the weld joint is highly susceptible to atmospheric contamination, specifically oxidation, when heated to melting temperatures. This oxidation results in a phenomenon known as "sugaring," which compromises the structural integrity and corrosion resistance of the weld. Traditionally, this is mitigated by back-purging the weldment with an inert gas such as Argon. Solar Flux Type B serves as a highly effective chemical substitute for this mechanical purging process.

Supplied in a 1 lb can as a fine powder, the flux is designed to be mixed with a solvent—typically methyl alcohol (methanol)—to create a slurry or paste. This paste is applied directly to the back of the weld seam prior to welding. As the heat of the welding arc penetrates the joint, the flux melts and fuses into a protective glass-like barrier. This barrier effectively shields the molten weld pool and the heat-affected zone (HAZ) from oxygen, preventing the formation of oxides and scale. Furthermore, the flux formulation aids in the dissipation of heat, which can help control distortion in thin-walled materials, and acts as a cleansing agent to remove surface impurities, facilitating better wetting and flow of the filler metal.

Solar Flux Type B is compatible with the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), and Oxy-Acetylene welding processes. It is specifically engineered for use with Stainless Steel (Types 304, 316, 321, 347, 410, etc.) and high-nickel alloys (Monel, Inconel). By utilizing this flux, fabricators can achieve X-ray quality welds with sound root penetration, free from porosity and burn-through, without the logistical complexity and expense of setting up gas purge dams and consuming large volumes of inert gas.