The suitability for welding of aluminium is, amongst other things, dependent on the type of alloy and the welding method. See also technical information.
The most common welding methods for aluminium are MIG, Gas Metal Arc Welding and TIG, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Regardless of the method used, it is important to thoroughly clean the material before welding by degreasing and brushing with a stainless brush. The strength of the welded material is reduced adjacent to the welded seam as a result of the affect of the heat generated during the welding process. By subsequently artificially ageing the material, part of the lost strength can be restored for heat treatable alloys.
An alternative to welding can sometimes be FSW, Friction Stir Welding. With FSW a rotating tool is pressed down into the metal and led along the joint. The metal surfaces are pressed and fused together and a new homogenous structure is formed. Neither additives nor protective gasses are used. The method ensures entirely cavity free, compact joints with a greater strength compared with fusion welded joints, very little heat deformation and the possibility of extremely precise tolerances.
Whatever your requirements, we can provide the most suitable welding method.
