Aluminum is one of the more versatile of the metals in use today. It is used in several industries including aerospace, transportation, construction, automotive and appliances. The properties of being lightweight but strong, resistant to corrosion, and easy to work with make it a very desirable metal. However, the reputation for tig welding aluminum is less than stellar. Many find it difficult to work with, but with a few tips, it can be done well.
Being strong and lightweight at the same time has improved its desirability for heavier products. Planes have used it for decades because it would be difficult to get one off the ground safely using an all iron or steel construction. Vehicle builders have also started using it to build heavy-duty trucks so they can get better fuel mileage.
When welding, use AC current. The difference is needed for aluminum because it has oxide. The AC current has a cleaning property that DC does not. This cleaning ability allows it to clear out the oxide component while performing the weld. The nice thing about newer machines is that they include controls to allow setting the power current. This allows the welder to adjust for the different metals and different thickness. Making these adjustments with the controls allows for better bead control.
Rare-earth tungsten rods are better. As the welding industry experimented with the various types of rod materials, some toxins made their way into the materials. The others have issues with many toxins including radiation in some. The rare-earth is purer and eliminates much of the toxic fumes. These can be identified by their blue tint.
The angle matters. When creating a weld on this metal, it is important to use a fifteen-degree angle during the work. This angle gives optimum performance and bead. The angle also allows the metal to push through as you move along the new weld. It can also help prevent pooling.
If a pool develops, it is better to stop and restart. The problem with continuing to push through is that aluminum does not handle pooling well. With most metals, it is fine to continue to push through the pool as it will self-correct. With this, it is better to stop, let it cool, then restart again. Pushing through will only make the pool worse.
Using argon gas is ok. Some suggest using helium as the gas of choice for working with aluminum. Though they have some merit when it comes to science, the problem is that helium is more difficult to work with. Using argon is fine as long as you work properly. There is less room for error but argon does not get as hot as helium and is more forgiving for beginners.
The challenge to welding is working with the different metals that are available. With just a few adjustments, the process can be made easier with each one. Practice with different types can quickly show what works best with each one. Most of the skills are the same but practicing with each metal is the best way to learn.
Being strong and lightweight at the same time has improved its desirability for heavier products. Planes have used it for decades because it would be difficult to get one off the ground safely using an all iron or steel construction. Vehicle builders have also started using it to build heavy-duty trucks so they can get better fuel mileage.
When welding, use AC current. The difference is needed for aluminum because it has oxide. The AC current has a cleaning property that DC does not. This cleaning ability allows it to clear out the oxide component while performing the weld. The nice thing about newer machines is that they include controls to allow setting the power current. This allows the welder to adjust for the different metals and different thickness. Making these adjustments with the controls allows for better bead control.
Rare-earth tungsten rods are better. As the welding industry experimented with the various types of rod materials, some toxins made their way into the materials. The others have issues with many toxins including radiation in some. The rare-earth is purer and eliminates much of the toxic fumes. These can be identified by their blue tint.
The angle matters. When creating a weld on this metal, it is important to use a fifteen-degree angle during the work. This angle gives optimum performance and bead. The angle also allows the metal to push through as you move along the new weld. It can also help prevent pooling.
If a pool develops, it is better to stop and restart. The problem with continuing to push through is that aluminum does not handle pooling well. With most metals, it is fine to continue to push through the pool as it will self-correct. With this, it is better to stop, let it cool, then restart again. Pushing through will only make the pool worse.
Using argon gas is ok. Some suggest using helium as the gas of choice for working with aluminum. Though they have some merit when it comes to science, the problem is that helium is more difficult to work with. Using argon is fine as long as you work properly. There is less room for error but argon does not get as hot as helium and is more forgiving for beginners.
The challenge to welding is working with the different metals that are available. With just a few adjustments, the process can be made easier with each one. Practice with different types can quickly show what works best with each one. Most of the skills are the same but practicing with each metal is the best way to learn.
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