What Does Clad Metal Mean?
Clad metal is a composite of two or more dissimilar metals, metallurgically bonded together, to achieve improved functional characteristics, better than those available in a single metal or alloy. The bonding can be achieved by use of one of the various methods, including extruding the two metals, diffusion bonding, pressing or rolling sheets together under pressure and many more.
Clad metals allow combining of desirable characteristics and properties of individual metals and alloys into a material. The resulting component has superior qualities such as improved corrosion resistance, lower porosity and better formability than the individual metals or alloys.
Clad Metal
Cladding provides a method of designing a composite material with specific characteristics not available from a single metal. Clad metals can take various forms as dictated by requirements, such as:
Clad plate
Clad rod
Clad tube
Clad sheet
Clad wire
The form or shape determines the cladding processes, including:
Co-rolling
Co-extrusion
Diffusion bonding
Casting
Heavy chemical deposition
Heavy electroplating
A metal clad is classified according to the types of material and the bonding. Typical categories include inlay clad, overlay clad, solder clad, contact tape clad or any other combinations thereof.
Inlay clad metals are made by integrating precious materials such as gold, platinum, silver and palladium with cheaper materials such as copper, brass and stainless steel. The precious metals are placed at exact places where they are required. The final product is hard, exhibits better wear resistance and is denser with a highly consistent composition as compared to the selective plating process.
Overlay clads are made by a metallurgical technique that bonds together layers of dissimilar metals at high pressure and sometimes heat. This can produce single clad (two layers), double clad (three layers), or even up to seven layers. Overlay clads can also be customized for specific industrial requirements.
Advantages of clad metals include:
Reduced material and fabrication cost
Lower porosity
Better formability
Design flexibility
Better thermal and electrical conductivity
Outstanding corrosion resistance
Better appearance and improved wear resistance
Clad metals are used in a wide range of applications such as:
Power generation
Oil & gas
Chemical processing
Electrochemical
Structural systems
Aircraft components
Shipbuilding
Home appliances
Cookware
Air conditioning
Metal production
Hydrometallurgy
How to make Aluminum smelting
Step 1 of 5
Clad typically relies on a corrosion-resistant alloy (CRA) and the backer or base metal. We source and qualify the right metals for any specification from a network of suppliers worldwide. In managing a strategic stock of metals—customers benefit from our integrated supply chain processes, technologies, and systems.
DETACLAD™: A PROPRIETARY EXPLOSION WELDING PROCESS
Step 2 of 5
Within milliseconds, a metallurgical weld is produced while preserving each metal’s mechanical, electrical, and corrosion properties. Given DetaClad’s extensive and accurate process efficiency, fabricators enjoy the economic benefits of clad materials.
RELIABILITY IN AUTOMATED ULTRASONIC TESTING
Step 3 of 5
Our customers can be sure DetaClad™ solutions have met rigorous chemical composition and mechanical property requirements to comply with stringent NDE requirements. To characterize 100% of the bond zone, the entire clad plate surface is automatic ultrasonic tested and logged complying with customer requirements. We believe stringent shear, tensile, and bend testing is the only way to know whether materials and equipment will work as designed throughout their lifecycle. This ensures the highest level of reliability before fabrication begins.
COMPLETE ORDER LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT
Step 4 of 5
Customers get the total package with NobelClad: reliable clad product paired with the technical, digital, and local resources to support the fabrication of their equipment. Fabricators not only benefit from the real-time visibility of orders with our order management system, we adapt to changing customer needs without compromising project timelines.
THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF RELIABILITY FOR CLAD FABRICATION
Step 5 of 5
When clad vessel fabricators understand the value and complexities of fabricating clad, they can offer engineering firms and owner operators reliable equipment. There are many nuances and requirements in designing, fabricating, and ordering clad plates. No two clad vendors or fabricators are the same, and vetting those options can seem daunting. By choosing a trusted clad-metals partner and fabricator expert to guide you throughout the design process, you can avoid pitfalls and protect your investment.
XTJ is a leading OEM Manufacturer that is dedicated to providing one-stop manufacturing solutions of Machining 6061 Aluminum from prototype to production. We are proud to be an ISO 9001 certified system quality management company and we are determined to create value in every customer relationship. We do that through collaboration, innovation, process improvements, and exceptional workmanship.
