Process
In preparing the joint for thermit welding, the parts to be welded must be cleaned, alined, and held firmly in place. If necessary, metal is removed from the joint to permit a free flow of the thermit metal into the joint. A wax pattern is then made around the joint in the size and shape of the intended weld. A mold made of refractory sand is built around the wax pattern and joint to hold the molten metal after it is poured. The sand mold is then heated to melt out the wax and dry the mold. The mold should be properly vented to permit the escape of gases and to allow the proper distribution of the thermit metal at the joint. A thermit welding crucible and mold is shown in figure 5-41 below.
Welding Process for Rail: (see video above)
Prepare rail to be welded
Set the weld gap
Clamp
Apply molds
Place Thermit portion into the crucible
Preheat ends of the rails
Ignite and pour steel
Demolding
Shear excess head metal
Rough grinding
Final grinding