Regardless of the welding process you use, there are always several factors to consider in order to achieve the best weld quality. From selecting the correct power source to choosing an appropriate filler metal and the most durable gun or torch, each item contributes significantly to the overall success of the application.

But what about other less obvious items that also contribute to weld quality? The X-factor, also called the Bruscato factor, is just such a thing.

Determining the X-factor of a weldment can help prevent defects on several types of materials, but it is especially important to consider when welding chrome-moly steel. This type of steel is commonly used in high temperature applications due to its ability to maintain its strength under such conditions. Additionally, the X-factor directly impacts the filler metals that you should use for such applications. And while it may seem intimidating to learn about at first, understanding and determining the X-factor can help you avoid costly rework and downtime in the long term.

What is the X-factor?
The X-factor is a calculation or formula that measures a weldment’s resistance to temper embrittlement-a brittleness or loss of toughness that occurs when the weldment is held (or slowly cooled) through a temperature range of approximately 850 to 1100 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also an efficient and accurate alternative to more expensive testing for this resistance, such as a creep rupture test or a step-cooling test.

It is especially important to know the X-factor when welding certain chrome-moly steels, such as those used for boilers, process piping, steam tubes, heat exchangers, pressure vessels and similar applications that are subject to high service temperatures for extended periods of time. Typical grades of chrome-moly steel to which the X-factor is most relevant include: ASTM A387 Grades, for example, 11, 21, 22 and 91.

The X-factor measures four elements: phosphorous (P), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn) and arsenic (As). Each of these elements is commonly found (to a certain degree) in the steel portion of filler metals, such as the outer strip of a tubular wire. Together the elements have the greatest impact on a weldment’s susceptibility to temper embrittlement. At elevated temperatures over a period of time, these elements tend to migrate to and accumulate in the grain boundaries of the weldment, weakening its structure. This occurrence results in a loss of ductility and toughness-and eventually causes temper embrittlement. Elements such as silicon can also contribute this problem, but to a much lesser degree.

Making the Measurement
You can measure the X-factor through a simple formula that multiplies and adds each of the four aforementioned elements in ppm, or parts per million. As long as you know the chemistry of the filler metal that you are using, you will have access to the figures needed to complete this calculation.

The formula to determine the X-factor is as follows:

X = (10P + 5Sb + 4Sn + As)/100

In this equation, ‘X’ refers to X-factor; 10P refers to the amount of phosphorous in ppm multiplied by 10; 5Sb refers to the amount of antimony in ppm multiplied by 5; 4Sn refers to the amount of tin in ppm multiplied by 4; and As refers to the amount of arsenic in ppm. Once all of these items are multiplied and added together, dividing that amount by 100 provides you with the X-factor for your weldment.

Consider this example for a filler metal with the following amounts of phosphorous, antimony, tin and arsenic measured in weight percent:

P = .007%
Sb = .004%
Sn = .001%
As = .0016%

To determine the X-factor, first, change each percentage to a decimal figure (for example, .007/100 = .00007) and then multiply that figure by 1,000,000 to obtain the ppm. For the phosphorous in this example, the conversion of .0007% results in 70 ppm.

The complete equation in this example would look like this:

X = [(10×70) + (5×40) + (4×10) + 16]/100

The X-factor for this weldment then would be 9.56 ppm

Typically, the goal when welding chrome-moly steel is to keep the X-factor at or below 15. Doing so ensures that you are controlling the amount of phosphorous, antimony, tin and arsenic in the weldment and at the same time ensuring its toughness-or, even more specifically, its resistance to temper embrittlement.

In recent years, there has even been a trend toward maintaining X-factor specifications lower than 15. This trend is due in part to the use of chrome-moly steels for increasingly higher service temperature applications; at higher temperatures, the trace elements tend to migrate easier and can more readily lead to temper embrittlement. High-temperature service applications in colder regions can also benefit from having a lower X-factor, as it ensures better toughness and more resistance to rupture, especially when the chrome-moly steel heats up to temperature.

Taking Control
Low alloy filler metals with a Bx product class are specified for welding the grades of chrome-moly steel most prone to temper embrittlement. These product classes include B2, B3, B6, B8 and B9, each of which meets the distinct chemical and mechanical properties for a given grade of chrome-moly steel ranging from those with 1 ¼ percent chrome and ½ percent molybdenum all the way up to 10 ½ percent chrome and 1 percent molybdenum. Each is also able to create weldments that can withstand high temperature service conditions without rupturing.

To ensure their filler metals offer a relatively low X-factor and are able to resist temper embrittlement, filler metal manufacturers must precisely monitor and control all of the ingredients, and therefore, chemistries in their products. That includes paying close attention to the steel that is used through solid wires, for the strip surrounding tubular wires (flux-cored or metal-cored wires) and for the core wire within stick electrodes. Having as pure of steel as possible for use in filler metals is especially important, as phosphorous, antimony, tin and arsenic are all trace elements from raw steel. Removing them completely from the steel making process is very expensive and would make the end product-your filler metal-cost prohibitive.

Nonetheless, never assume that the filler metal you are using for your chrome-moly applications can automatically control the X-factor in your weldment. Not all low alloy filler metals for welding chrome-moly steel have an X-factor below 15, nor are they required to meet this specification. If, however, your application requires temper embrittlement control, remember to complete the X-factor calculation. And, if after calculating the X-factor for your given filler metal, it is above 15, contact your welding distributor or filler metal manufacturer for an alternative product.

Moving Forward
As with any aspect of the welding process, the more knowledge you have, the more readily you’ll be able to control your weld quality and overall welding performance. Knowing what the X-factor is and how to calculate it is no exception. In fact, when welding specific chrome-moly steel applications, you should consider the X-factor to be a rule. Remember, while filler metals have the bulk of the impact on the X-factor of your weldment, never assume that just because you purchase a product for welding chrome-moly steel that it will have an X-factor below 15. Instead, do the math. It will save you time, money and the frustration of unnecessary rework in the long run.