How to Weld Aluminum With a Welding Machine

Unlike other metals, aluminum requires a much higher amount of heat input for welding. This makes aluminum more prone to burn-through. However, it also increases the strength of the weld. For that reason, it is important to have a high quality aluminum welding machine.

In order to weld aluminum, you need to prepare the aluminum before you start welding. This is done to prevent any cracking or other defects. For this reason, you need to clean the aluminum thoroughly. It is also important to match the filler material to the aluminum. You can also add an extra MIG torch to your welding kit if you are welding aluminum. This can be very useful.

Another important tip is to avoid cold starts. Aluminum is a good conductor of electricity, but it is still possible to cause burn-through if you overheat it. This is why it is important to wear protective equipment. You may also want to use a heat sink to help slow down the process.

A great way to improve welding quality is to use a wire brush. You may also want to add shielding gas to the weld. This is to ensure that there is no cross contamination from other metals. Using a mixture of argon and helium is also a good idea. Then, you can have more control over the amount of heat that you put into the weld.

Aluminum is separated into different grades. For example, pure aluminum has a melting point of 650 degC. However, the oxide layer on the aluminum is at a higher melting point. This layer must be removed before welding to prevent the metal from embedding impurities in the weld. For this reason, it is important to clean the aluminum thoroughly before welding. You can also use a stainless steel brush to remove the oxide coating.

When it comes to aluminum welding, you can choose to use MIG welding or TIG welding. However, the type of welder you choose depends on your project. For example, if you are welding thin sheets, it is best to use a push technique. You push the welder away from the weld puddle, and the heat will be dispersed more evenly. Alternatively, you can use a pull technique.

If you are using a push technique, you will need to have a high wire feed speed and travel speed. The higher the wire feed speed, the more metal is deposed from the weld puddle. You may also want to use a separate welding rod. This is because aluminum has a relatively high thermal conductivity. This means that the heat will disperse more rapidly.