Hodges Welding Tapes

Problems with welding quality can eat into profits in many ways. Even when the weld is for purely cosmetic purposes, the subsequent dressing and grinding can require a great deal of time from a skilled operator. And when the requirement is for structural integrity, inconsistencies may require gouging and re-welding or even rejection.

Time, materials and consumables are expensive.

Traditionally, solutions to these problems, involving dams and back-purging or ceramic tile strips, have been expensive and time consuming themselves. Hodges Welding Tapes provide a tried and tested system that can be used with any electric welding technique. So simple and yet SO cost effective: a composite adhesive foil and woven glass tape applied to the back of the weld.

The tape absorbs and retains the shield gas, preventing the ingress of air and at the same time supports the weld pool leaving a neat, clean, flat bead.

“As little as 5% air can result in a poor weld bead profile and may reduce corrosion resistance in materials like stainless steel.” –TWI (to read the full article, click here)

There are no special techniques or tools to master. Simply cut an appropriate length of tape from the roll using ordinary scissors. Peel the backing from the adhesive part and apply to the back of the joint to be welded.

Whether the quality of your finished product is dictated by weld integrity or just cosmetic appearance, Hodges Welding Tape can offer you huge benefits.

Just count your costs:

• Back-purging
• Dressing
• Fettling
• Even re-working

All these can be minimised or actually eliminated by simply applying a strip of self-adhesive Hodges Welding Tape to the back of the weld. This is not a gimmick; this product has been available for decades and companies that use it, do so again and again.

Next time you see your welder doing one of these expensive, time-consuming jobs, don’t hesitate – contact us for a sample and get them to try it.