Dynamic Materials Corp. reports it has produced and shipped an order comprised of the largest explosion-welded clad metal plates yet produced. Each of the plates — measuring 542 in. (13.8 meters) long, 120 in. (3 m) wide, and 2.84 in. (72 mm) thick — exceeds 53,000 lb (24 metric tons) and has a surface area of more than 450 square feet (42 square meters).

The manufacturer explains that “explosion welding” involves using proprietary explosive processes to fuse different metals and alloys. It is the function of one of three operating divisions for Dynamic Materials. The Boulder, Col., company also manufactures specialized explosive components and systems used to perforate oil and gas wells; and, its AMK Welding subsidiary uses various technologies to weld components used in power-generation turbines and commercial and military jet engines.

The plates in the recent order are to be used to produce equipment associated with a North American clean diesel fuel project. The 0.12-in. thick (3 mm) stainless steel cladding layer will provide corrosion resistance during the diesel production process, while the alloy steel base metal will offer higher strength and lower cost than would be available from solid stainless steel.

"To the best of our knowledge these also represent the largest plates ever produced by any industrial clad plate manufacturing technology," stated Dynamic Materials v.p. for sales and marketing, Jeff Nicol. "Our ability to cost-effectively produce and ship such large plates allows our fabricating customers to design their equipment with greater flexibility and efficiency. Our cladding teams have been pursuing increasingly demanding production specifications, and we believe our recent achievements could open up a range of new project opportunities."