Hardening Aluminum After Welding: Effective Heat Treatment for Maximum Strength
Hardening aluminum after welding requires solution heat treatment. For 6061 and 6063 alloys, heat them to around 980°F, hold, then quench. This process can restore the T6 temper and reduce weld strength loss. Afterward, aging treatment may improve properties. Expect a 40-50% strength reduction in the heat-affected zone. Another critical step is aging, or precipitation … Read more