Articles & Podcast Episodes

Resistance welding aluminum and steel provides advantages like high productivity, durable joints, and precise welds. However, it faces challenges such as dealing with the tough oxide layer on aluminum and difficulties with thicker materials. Operator safety improves with low voltage. Knowing these factors aids in choosing the best welding method. One advantage is speed. Resistance … Read more

Post-welding heat treatment for aluminum improves mechanical properties. For T6 temper, it includes solution heat treating at 510°C and aging at 190°C for up to 24 hours. This process minimizes strength loss in the heat affected zone (HAZ), enhancing tensile strength and yield strength in welded parts, leading to better durability and performance. Heat treatment … Read more

Aluminum can be welded using several methods. Key techniques include Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG). Oxy-Acetylene welding, laser welding, and resistance welding are also options. Proper preparation of the aluminum surface is crucial for successful welding. Essential tips for welding aluminum involve proper cleaning and … Read more

MIC-6 is a continuous cast aluminum alloy from Alcoa. It has excellent dimensional tolerances and stability. You can weld MIC-6 using filler alloys like 4043 and 5356. It is vital to handle it carefully to avoid cracking. MIC-6 is lightweight and has strong corrosion resistance, making it suitable for tooling applications. However, Mic 6 aluminum … Read more

Micro-particles enhance aluminum welding by reducing hot cracks in alloys like 7075. They improve weldability in tough aluminum types. Welding fumes can contain aluminum oxide, affecting respiratory health. Advanced techniques, like laser welding, use SiC particles in aluminum matrix composites for improved performance and durability. The benefits of using micro particles in aluminum welding are … Read more

Micro spot welding aluminum uses precise electrical currents to weld thin aluminum sheets, usually under 0.5 mm thick. It requires lower voltage and higher current than welding steel. Key applications include cross wire and thermocouple welding. Using the right equipment and techniques ensures strong and reliable joints. Aluminum is known for its light weight and … Read more

Micro TIG welding aluminum is a precise arc welding method. It creates a high-temperature plasma arc between a tungsten electrode and the aluminum piece. This process uses low amperages to achieve narrow weld widths, usually 0.015 inches or smaller. It allows for effective welding with minimal heat on metals like aluminum, brass, and stainless steel. … Read more

Use a MIG Spool Gun with a 1lb spool of .30 inch aluminum wire for aluminum welding. Set your machine to reverse polarity (electrode positive). Use 100% argon gas for better results. This setup ensures efficient feeding of aluminum wire and enhances the welding process’s effectiveness. For spool gun aluminum welding, ensure the wire feed … Read more

A metal thickness chart for aluminum welding shows the thickness of aluminum sheets using gauge numbers. For instance, a gauge 12 sheet is 0.0808 inches thick. This chart helps in selecting the right welding settings. It ensures strong and reliable welds across various fabrication and welding applications. When using the metal thickness chart, it is … Read more

Metal-cored welding for aluminum uses a tubular wire filled with metal and deoxidizers. This method ensures high weld quality and is effective against burn-through, mill scale, and dirt on the base material. It enhances productivity with faster travel speeds and delivers excellent tensile strength for strong, durable welds. Despite its benefits, several myths surround metal-cored … Read more