CONTRIBUTION IN ALUMINUM WELDING aluminum alloys arc welded under inert gas (argon, helium or a mixture of both) and there are two techniques:
ARC WELDING ELECTRODE inert atmosphere REFRACTORY OR PROCEEDING WITH TIG (Tungténe Inert Gas).
This procedure is blown arcing between a tungsten electrode and refractory workpiece, while a stream of inert gas (usually argon) surrounding the electrode, protecting the melt against oxidation.
A filler rod (usually fastened by hand) fed the bathroom.
This procedure uses an alternating current source. It is used in thicknesses between 1 and 6 mm and can be automated.
Long Pulse Welding
Many energy sources are capable of TIG welding pulse. For others you can easily connect an additional drive. The principle is similar to MIG welding - pulse, with the only difference being that the solder TIG is carried out with a much lower frequency, approximately 10 Hz This means that the pulses are clearly visible which can be a source of limitation for the welder. The technique can be applied to welding with AC as DC. It works with two current levels. The lowest is chosen to not turn off the bow. The highest level is generally higher than in normal TIG welding. Periods of different levels may vary. The advantage is that you can get a perfect weld with an average current intensity of lower than normal solder. The heat input is lower and you can weld thinner material: 0.3 to 0.4 mm. With the combination of CC and pulse can be welded thickness of about 0.05 mm.
ARC WELDING IN INERT ATMOSPHERE OR PROCEEDING WITH CONSUMABLE ELECTRODE MIG (Metal Inert Gas)
This welding process, the aluminum or aluminum alloy serves both electrode and filler metal. Supplied in pre-coiled wire into a coil, which automatically unrolls to the welding tool as it is consumed.
welding energy is supplied by a DC source. The connection is made with reverse polarity in part to ensure the melting of the electrode wire.
This procedure, used for products with a thickness exceeding 2.5 mm., is also automated. The manual version is commonly called MIG welding semi-automatic.
In recent years, manufacturers of welding material proposed pulsed power sources. This equipment can weld thin thickness of 1.5 to 4 mm. easily. For media thickness and thick, its advantage over the classical sources is demonstrated.
MIG welding thick material
The recent use of thick aluminum, alloy particularly AlMg, 5mn, has led to the development of a technique, specially adapted for this purpose, based on the MIG method.
You can mention the method of Sciaky NARROW GAP, which stands obliquely placed one after the other allows the butt welding without edge preparation and an opening of 6-9 mm. for thick materials. In Japan has developed the method NHA (HORIZONTAL NARROW GAP welding process for aluminum) for horizontal openings. A double glass torch swinging motion is automatically guided along the joint. The advantages of these two variants in the best MIG involve use of heat and the smaller size of the board, leading to an increase in productivity. Table
recommended amps for MIG
diameter Current thread (A)
0.8 mm from 80 to 140
1.2 mm 120 to 210
1.6 mm 160 to 300
2.4 mm 240 to 450