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 lightweight and strong makes it a great metal to create products. Since it is lightweight the aerospace industry has been using it in airplanes for decades to make the craft lighter. Some vehicle manufacturers have even begun using it for heavy-duty trucks. In the past, steel was the go-to metal for all work that needed to withstand rough environments, but this has been changing over time.
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 does matter. Some of the older style rods include very toxic chemicals. Some actually produce radioactivity. The rare-earth rods are made with more pure materials and have a better reputation for cleaner welds. This isn't just for one metal, but a good suggestion for all welding in general. These rods are usually a 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.
Stop the work when a pool is created. Some metals, such as steel, are more adaptable to pushing through a pool. Aluminum is not one of those metals. In others, when a pool forms you can continue to work and the heat and process is not difficult to fix and you continue. With this metal, the pool will only get worse and possibly develop a hole. When the pool develops, stop working. Let it cool a bit and then start again.
Argon is the choice of the industry. While some may suggest using helium to work with aluminum, the suggestion is really not practical. Helium is used for creating a higher temperature arc, but this can cause other problems. Using argon works well as long as you are patient and work through the process the right way. There is not as much room for error with this metal but argon is more forgiving since the heat source is not as high. Mistakes happen, but higher heat can cause devastation.
Working with different types of metals can be a bit of a challenge. With some adjustments, beginners can easily learn the best methods for each one. Taking the time to practice before starting any project is suggested. Learn how the metal reacts and what the best practices are in order to make the best welds.
Being lightweight and strong makes it a great metal to create products. Since it is lightweight the aerospace industry has been using it in airplanes for decades to make the craft lighter. Some vehicle manufacturers have even begun using it for heavy-duty trucks. In the past, steel was the go-to metal for all work that needed to withstand rough environments, but this has been changing over time.
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 does matter. Some of the older style rods include very toxic chemicals. Some actually produce radioactivity. The rare-earth rods are made with more pure materials and have a better reputation for cleaner welds. This isn't just for one metal, but a good suggestion for all welding in general. These rods are usually a 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.
Stop the work when a pool is created. Some metals, such as steel, are more adaptable to pushing through a pool. Aluminum is not one of those metals. In others, when a pool forms you can continue to work and the heat and process is not difficult to fix and you continue. With this metal, the pool will only get worse and possibly develop a hole. When the pool develops, stop working. Let it cool a bit and then start again.
Argon is the choice of the industry. While some may suggest using helium to work with aluminum, the suggestion is really not practical. Helium is used for creating a higher temperature arc, but this can cause other problems. Using argon works well as long as you are patient and work through the process the right way. There is not as much room for error with this metal but argon is more forgiving since the heat source is not as high. Mistakes happen, but higher heat can cause devastation.
Working with different types of metals can be a bit of a challenge. With some adjustments, beginners can easily learn the best methods for each one. Taking the time to practice before starting any project is suggested. Learn how the metal reacts and what the best practices are in order to make the best welds.
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