Aluminum is one of the hardest metals to weld due to it being such a thin and flexible metal. There are many experienced welders who have difficulty working with this metal.
With automobiles being comprised of more and more aluminum based components, many TIG welders are finding a new way to use their welding skills. Welders who are specialized in the method of TIG welding are in high demand in the auto repair fields.
When working with aluminum, it is important to remember that the metal has a melting point of 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, it also does not give the welder the color change that many other metals exhibit before reaching the melting point. Therefore, it is extremely important to pay close attention to your heat level and watch the aluminum closely.
Due to aluminum being such an excellent conductor of heat, it is also important to be careful once you have begun to weld. In the welding process, you are not only heating the piece directly in front of you, the heat is also moving ahead on the work surface which means that the further along you progress, the aluminum will begin to heat more rapidly. Take care that the aluminum you are working with is not getting too hot, monitor the temperatures to keep the aluminum from melting and having to start again.
It is also important to remember that when you are welding with aluminum to keep all the metal very clean to produce a strong and effective weld. Make sure that the metal has been thoroughly cleaned and is free of debris, oils and metal shavings. The cleaner the metal you are working with the higher the chance of producing high quality welds.
There are many factors to keep in mind when welding with aluminum, high concentration and care must be followed in order to produce a strong weld that holds for many years.
Aluminum Welding Resources:
- Aluminum GMAW (lincolnelectric.com)
- Aluminum Welding Training – with TIG Welding (weldingtipsandtricks.com)
