Articles & Podcast Episodes

To prevent warpage when welding aluminum, use effective clamping and fixturing techniques. Move the welding gun back and forth while maintaining a consistent distance from the workpiece. Select a suitable shielding gas, such as argon or helium, and complete the weld without pauses to avoid distortion and ensure a strong joint. Use a proper welding … Read more

The Miller Multimatic 215 welder is versatile. It welds aluminum from 18 gauge to 3/8 inch thickness using MIG. The amperage range is 20 A to 230 A. This multiprocess welder also works with stainless steel and mild steel. It uses DC current for operations, making it suitable for various weldable metals. Clean the aluminum … Read more

The cooling rate of aluminum during welding greatly influences joint strength. Ideal rates are around 10-11 K/s, which lower the thickness of intermetallic compounds (IMCs). Pre-heating helps reduce cold cracking by keeping the material ductile, especially when temperatures drop from 800°C to 500°C. Conversely, slower cooling rates allow for the growth of coarser grains. This … Read more

Welding aluminum without preheat is common for aluminum alloys. Preheating to 200°F can reduce moisture and improve weld quality. Skipping preheat saves time and energy. However, ensure the surface is clean to avoid defects. Understanding temperature limits is essential, as improper techniques may lead to condensation and weaken the weld. Control the welding speed. A … Read more

To weld aluminum with a spool gun, adjust the wire feed and voltage settings. Use 4043 or 5356 wire for strength. Preheat the aluminum to avoid cold lap at the start. Aim for spray transfer to ensure good penetration. For reliable results, consider using a Miller spool gun or similar equipment. Follow these techniques for … Read more

To weld aluminum with a spool gun, set the polarity to Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN). This method helps penetrate the material effectively. The spool gun simplifies feeding the wire. MIG welding works well with aluminum, while TIG welding often uses Alternating Current (AC). Always follow the electrode guidelines for the best results. Maintain a … Read more

To weld copper wire to aluminum, use a TIG welder for optimal results. Start by pre-cleaning both metals to remove oxidation. Then, heat the copper and aluminum until the solder melts and bonds them together. Solder tags can help secure the connection. Avoid using spot welding, as it doesn’t work well for this task. When … Read more

To weld aluminum corner joints effectively, set up the joint accurately. Use a 1.5-2mm arc length and adjust the machine to 150A. For inside and outside corners, ensure proper filler placement. Control heat for optimal puddle formation. Practice these techniques for better results in TIG welding aluminum corner joints. For inside corners, use a combination … Read more

To weld aluminum tubing, use MIG or TIG welding. For MIG, employ 100% argon as the shielding gas. Preheat the area to around 1200°F to help melt the metal. Clean surfaces thoroughly for a proper bond. Select filler materials like 4043 or 5356. Practice different welding techniques for improved control and results. While welding, maintaining … Read more

For MIG welding aluminum, set argon flow rates to 40-60 cf/hr. For mixtures of helium and argon, choose flow rates of 50-100 cf/hr. Do not use an argon flowmeter for helium mixtures, as it can overestimate gas consumption by 50%. Always select the right flowmeter based on the gas type used for maximum efficiency. Choosing … Read more