The essential feature of the process is the small diameter electrode wire, which is fed continuously into the arc from a coil. Very often we approach welding of aluminum as if it was just shiny steel. This study evaluates the characteristics of welds resulting from joining dissimilar alloys, steel sprc440 and aluminum alloy 6k21. Most welders begin by learning how to weld steel, with some moving on to welding aluminum.
Aluminum shrinks more than steel during solidification. Welding steel we often approach welding of aluminum as if it is just shiny steel. To start the pictures above and below are the manufacturers recommended lincoln welders and miller welding equipment voltage, wire feed speed settings and gas recommendations. When welding mild steel you typically use whats called c25 gas 25% co2 and 75% argon. Mig metal inert gas welding, also known as mag metal active gas and in the usa as gmaw gas metal arc welding, is a welding process that is now widely used for welding a variety of materials, ferrous and non ferrous. Most welding equipment is designed to weld steel, with welding of aluminum alloys often being an afterthought, although this is changing. Welding alcoa aluminum aluminum company of america on.
Aluminumstainless steel dissimilar welding processes yield unwanted disadvantages in the weld joint due to the large difference between the aluminumstainless steel. Most welding equipment is designed to weld steel, with welding of aluminum alloys being an afterthought this has begun to change. Note you can download both of these in pdf format right off of. You can count on lincoln electric aluminum mig wire for superior arc stability, weld appearance, integrity and productivity. Joining of steel to aluminum alloy by ac pulse mig welding.
What all this means to you is outstanding welding characteristics, spool to spool, time after time. Aluminum requires some specific changes for welders who are accustomed to. How to successfully mig weld aluminum guide millerwelds. For aluminum mig welding you would use pure argon shielding gas.
I have included sections on parent metal storage and prepa. Mig welder settings charts, guides and tables for steel, stainless and aluminum lincoln mig welding electrode and gas selection chart settings. Review of aluminumtosteel welding technologies for car. Because aluminum s properties vary greatly from steel, working with the material can present some unique challenges such as distortion and sensitivity to heat input. Mig welding aluminum for beginners makemoneywelding. Welding steel most welders start out by learning how to weld steel. Gun position and stick out disclaimer due to factors beyond the control of backstreetmechanic, it cannot guarantee against improper.