One of the most versatile metals we use today is aluminum. There are many industries that have chosen this over steel as their primary metal component. These include the automotive, transportation, aerospace, construction, and appliance building industries. The metal properties include being strong, lightweight, corrosion resistant, and easy to work with. The reputation, however, is that tig welding aluminum is very difficult. With a few tips, it can become a favorite.
Being strong and lightweight at the same time has improved its desirability for heavier products. Planes have used it for decades because it would be difficult to get one off the ground safely using an all iron or steel construction. Vehicle builders have also started using it to build heavy-duty trucks so they can get better fuel mileage.
One of the tips for working with this metal is to use AC current instead of DC current. The difference is that AC currents allow the removal of Oxide while doing the work. The DC current does not do this well. Many of the newer machines have controls allowing the fine-tuning of the current in order to adjust for metal thickness, type of weld, and other properties to create a perfect weld every time.
The type of tungsten rod makes a difference. Past performance preferred using the various modified rods, but these have shown to have toxic properties including radiation. The rare-earth tungsten rod is purer and eliminates the toxins that the others contain. These rods typically are designated by their blue tint.
Using a fifteen-degree angle is best. Since this metal is a bit different than steel or iron, there is more of a problem with pooling. Using this angle provides optimum performance and if you move the rod along at the right pace you can prevent pooling from happening. This also maximizes the removal of oxide.
If a pool develops, it is better to stop and restart. The problem with continuing to push through is that aluminum does not handle pooling well. With most metals, it is fine to continue to push through the pool as it will self-correct. With this, it is better to stop, let it cool, then restart again. Pushing through will only make the pool worse.
Using argon gas is ok. Some suggest using helium as the gas of choice for working with aluminum. Though they have some merit when it comes to science, the problem is that helium is more difficult to work with. Using argon is fine as long as you work properly. There is less room for error but argon does not get as hot as helium and is more forgiving for beginners.
The challenge to welding is working with the different metals that are available. With just a few adjustments, the process can be made easier with each one. Practice with different types can quickly show what works best with each one. Most of the skills are the same but practicing with each metal is the best way to learn.
Being strong and lightweight at the same time has improved its desirability for heavier products. Planes have used it for decades because it would be difficult to get one off the ground safely using an all iron or steel construction. Vehicle builders have also started using it to build heavy-duty trucks so they can get better fuel mileage.
One of the tips for working with this metal is to use AC current instead of DC current. The difference is that AC currents allow the removal of Oxide while doing the work. The DC current does not do this well. Many of the newer machines have controls allowing the fine-tuning of the current in order to adjust for metal thickness, type of weld, and other properties to create a perfect weld every time.
The type of tungsten rod makes a difference. Past performance preferred using the various modified rods, but these have shown to have toxic properties including radiation. The rare-earth tungsten rod is purer and eliminates the toxins that the others contain. These rods typically are designated by their blue tint.
Using a fifteen-degree angle is best. Since this metal is a bit different than steel or iron, there is more of a problem with pooling. Using this angle provides optimum performance and if you move the rod along at the right pace you can prevent pooling from happening. This also maximizes the removal of oxide.
If a pool develops, it is better to stop and restart. The problem with continuing to push through is that aluminum does not handle pooling well. With most metals, it is fine to continue to push through the pool as it will self-correct. With this, it is better to stop, let it cool, then restart again. Pushing through will only make the pool worse.
Using argon gas is ok. Some suggest using helium as the gas of choice for working with aluminum. Though they have some merit when it comes to science, the problem is that helium is more difficult to work with. Using argon is fine as long as you work properly. There is less room for error but argon does not get as hot as helium and is more forgiving for beginners.
The challenge to welding is working with the different metals that are available. With just a few adjustments, the process can be made easier with each one. Practice with different types can quickly show what works best with each one. Most of the skills are the same but practicing with each metal is the best way to learn.
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