BASE GP- 5383663 - Caterpillar

The two most important factors which influence bead development when welding in the oscillating mode is lead and oscillating speed. Lead is the distance ahead of the roller centerline at which the weld deposit is made. Oscillating speed determines bead size. The faster the speed, the narrower the bead. Extra factors which influence bead contour are arc voltage, amperage, and spindle index. Voltage determines the width and shape of the bead. Amperage (wire feed speed) determines the rate of deposition and penetration. The spindle index determines the thickness of the weld deposit.See Illustration 29 and table 8 for various kinds of beads that can be produced by the oscillating technique. By observing the bead patterns and making the adjustments indicated, the various improper bead forms can be corrected.
Illustration 29 g02441556
Table 8
Bead Cause/Result Remedy
Bead A
(Puddle Effect) Incorrect The lead is either too far behind the roller centerline (top dead center) or the oscillating speed is too low. Correct the lead and/or the oscillating speed.
Bead B
(Lazy Eight) Incorrect The gap between the beads is caused by the spindle index being too high. The gap between the beads indicates little or no dwell. The stretched eight-shaped pattern indicates that the oscillation speed is too high. Correct the spindle index and/or dwell amount. Also consider working with oscillation speed.
Bead C
(Little Dwell) Incorrect Too little or no dwell on the flange side and too much metal running over the inner edge. The use of fire-resistant material to form a flux dam is especially important for the inside edge of single flange rollers.
Bead D
(No Dwell) Incorrect Dwell-less bead with too much index. The index should be reduced so beads will overlap better.
Bead E
(Wrong Lead) Incorrect Distortion caused by improper lead plus excessive dwell on the outside flange. By reducing the left hand dwell, the excess buildup can be eliminated. Properly adjusting the lead will eliminate the wave like effect found in the rest of the bead.
Bead F represents a correctly oscillated welding bead. Post Welding Procedure
Slow cooling will allow stresses to normalize and allow any entrapped hydrogen to diffuse to the surface through the weld material.Use the following information to make sure that the track rollers are rebuilt with maximum quality.
After water circulation is discontinued, use high-pressure air to force the waste water through the water adapter.
Allow rollers to cool.Note: To prevent rapid cooling in colder climates, the welded rollers can be placed in an insulated box or a container filled with the used submerged arc welding flux.Note: The rollers can also be covered with a fire retardant blanket right after welding to slow down the cooling process.
Allow the roller to cool slowly. Do not set roller on a concrete floor or near a draft of air.
Lubricate and store rollers:
Low Sprocket Tractor Rollers: After cooling to room temperature, these rollers should be filled with lubricating oil and dipped in a protective coating until ready for use.
Elevated Sprocket Rollers: If roller bushing-to-shaft clearance is within specifications, reassemble rollers, fill with lubricating oil, and dip in protective