If you are an experienced MIG welder in Cleveland, you may have a lot of skill. However, if you have never done MIG welding on aluminum materials, you may find the process difficult and could make some major mistakes. Here are some helpful tips on welding aluminum that can make the job a little easier.
Alloy Matters
Did you know some aluminum alloys are easier to weld than others? In fact, some are so difficult it’s best to avoid them when possible. For example, 2024 is a common alloy but MIG welding 2024 is extremely hard because it’s prone to cracking. In fact, it’s best to substitute an easier to weld alloy like 2519 with 4043 filler in your Cleveland shop.
7075 alloy is another metal to avoid. If you want to use a 7000 series aluminum, try 7005 or 7039 with 5356 filler. Like 2024, 7075 easily cracks. The other alloys can be welded if you take your time and use the right filler material. In fact, pure aluminum (1000 series) is not hard to weld.
Thickness Matters
It’s not usually a good idea to weld aluminum thinner than fourteen gauge. For thinner materials, it may be best to use TIG welding.
Cleaning Your Aluminum
Always clean the aluminum before MIG welding in Cleveland. You may need to use a solvent to clean lubricants or greases. Afterward, you should remove the oxide layer that solvents create. This is done with a wire brush used on only aluminum alloys. This limits contamination issues.
Professional Assistance
If you don’t normally weld aluminum, it may be a good idea to use a shop in Cleveland that specializes in fabrication services and can handle aluminum MIG welding jobs. This ensures the highest quality, and you can spend your time and resources on the things you do best, so your shop will enjoy maximum efficiency.
