MASTERING THE CHALLENGES OF WELDING ALUMINUM ALLOYS : SOLUTIONS AND BEST PRACTICES
Whether it involves cast alloys or wrought alloys, all aluminum alloys share a common characteristic : the presence of a refractory oxide layer called alumina. This feature makes welding impossible without prior treatment to remove the oxide, whether through chemical, electronic, or mechanical methods.
Inherent issues in welding aluminum alloys primarily include:
- Porosities (due to undissolved hydrogen from the base metal, shielding gases or the electrode's coating).
- Hot cracking (related to the type of base metal being welded).
- Reduction in joint strength (highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate filler metal).
The choice of filler metal is crucial because it influences various factors such as fluidity, susceptibility to hot cracking, mechanical strength, joint ductility, corrosion resistance, service temperature maintenance, and even the aesthetic appearance of the weld. Therefore, selecting the correct
electrodes and
welding wires is essential for achieving high-quality welds.
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