Backing material for welding

Abstract

A backing plate for includes a synthetic diamond portion configured to abut a joint region during a welding operation. A welding clamp includes a plurality of clamping blocks, each including a synthetic diamond portion configured to abut a pipe joint region during a welding operation. Because the backing plate and clamping block each include a synthetic diamond portion, the backing plate and clamping block can withstand high welding temperatures without damaging or diminishing the quality of the weld.

1 . A backing plate, comprising:
 a synthetic diamond portion configured to abut a joint region during a welding operation.   
     
     
         2 . The backing plate of  claim 1 , wherein the synthetic diamond portion comprises polycrystalline diamond. 
     
     
         3 . The backing plate of  claim 1 , further comprising a metallic portion configured to be spaced apart from the joint region during the welding operation. 
     
     
         4 . The backing plate of  claim 3 , wherein the synthetic diamond portion is chemically bonded to the metallic portion. 
     
     
         5 . The backing plate of  claim 1 , wherein the backing plate is configured to be affixed to the joint region. 
     
     
         6 . The backing plate of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more magnets. 
     
     
         7 . A method, comprising:
 forming a weld joint between a first material and a second material;   disposing a backing plate adjacent to the weld joint; and   abutting a synthetic diamond portion of the backing plate with the weld joint.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the synthetic diamond portion comprises polycrystalline diamond. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the backing plate comprises a metallic portion configured to be spaced apart from the weld joint. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the synthetic diamond portion is chemically bonded to the metallic portion.