Articles & Podcast Episodes

To clean aluminum for welding, follow these steps: 1. Use acetone or a mild detergent to remove oil, grease, and moisture. 2. Use a stainless steel wire brush or an alkaline solution to remove surface oxides. 3. Assemble the joint quickly to achieve the best results. For stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and … Read more

To perform DC negative (DCEN) TIG welding on aluminum, set the welder to DCEN. Connect the torch to the negative terminal and the work clamp to the positive terminal. Use 100% argon as the shielding gas. DCEN improves penetration and optimizes heat input, making it crucial for effective aluminum welding. Maintain a proper travel speed. … Read more

To determine which aluminum welding wire to use, consider your project requirements. Select ER4043 for good aesthetics and ease of control, perfect for cosmetic finishes. Choose ER5356 when tensile strength and corrosion resistance are crucial, making it a better fit for structural applications. Additionally, the wire’s diameter affects the heat and penetration during welding. Thinner … Read more

To ball tungsten for aluminum TIG welding, first sharpen the tungsten point. Set your welder to DC polarity. Strike an arc on brass or copper while gradually increasing the amperage. Keep the torch about 1/8 inch from the surface. This method helps the tungsten form a ball for better welding performance. Next, use a TIG … Read more

To attach aluminum without welding, use strong adhesive types like epoxy glue or instant adhesive (super glue). Epoxy offers a robust bond for various contexts, while super glue is easy to use. Clean surfaces before applying the adhesive. This method is effective for DIY projects, repairs, and aligns with current trends in adhesive technology. Another … Read more

Spot welding thin aluminum presents challenges because it requires lower voltage and 2-5 times more current than steel. Proper control of current, voltage, and pressure is essential for successful welding. If these factors are not managed well, weld failures can occur, compromising the strength of the aluminum structure. Preparation is key. Clean the aluminum surfaces … Read more

To spot weld aluminum, use 3-6 volts and a current output of at least 1000 amps, depending on thickness. Aluminum requires 2-5 times more current than steel. Pay attention to electrode choice, welding parameters, and heat control. Proper surface preparation is crucial for strong welds. Techniques for spot welding aluminum differ from those employed for … Read more

Aluminum welding with a propane torch is weaker than using traditional methods. Propane is suitable for heating or brazing, but not ideal for welding. Aluminum melts around 1200°F, and using inert gases like argon improves strength. Applying flux enhances joint strength. For proper welding, an acetylene torch offers better results. Safety is critical when welding … Read more

Welding aluminum can reduce its strength. For instance, the 7005 alloy keeps about 60% of its original strength after welding, particularly with age hardening. In comparison, the 6061 alloy retains around 30% of its strength. Knowing these differences is essential for selecting the right aluminum grade for welding projects. Properties of welded aluminum differ from … Read more

To prevent aluminum from curling during welding, securely tack and clamp the pieces. Weld in sequence to control heat input and minimize distortion. Use the right filler metal and weld at low amperage for TIG or use pulsing for MIG. Additionally, use chill blocks or compressed air to manage heat effectively. In addition, consider the … Read more