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Characteristics of Aluminum and Tungsten Intert Gas Welding

Date Added: September 21, 2007 12:02:18 PMPrevious    Next

Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG) leaves a very precise weld with a smooth finish.   Due to these factors TIG has increased in popularity in the automotive industry.

  • Although many metals are TIG welded, the metal most frequently associated with the process is aluminum, especially with metals of a smaller thickness.  
  • Mechanically strong and visually appealing, TIG welding is the number one process chosen by professional welders for professional racing teams, and the avid auto enthusiast or hobbyist.
  • The process is well suited for aluminum, but there are a few characteristics of the metal that bring up points that must be considered if this material is to be welded with consistent ease and quality.
  • Aluminum is an excellent conductor of heat. It requires large heat inputs when welding is begun, since much heat is lost in heating the surrounding base metal.
  • The metal produced in the weld pool is a combination of filler and parent metals that must have the strength, ductility, freedom from cracking, and the corrosion resistance required by the application.
  • Good weld quality is obtained only if the filler wire is clean and of high quality.
  • Pieces to be welded are usually formed, sheared, sawed, or machined prior to the welding operation.

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