RE: SER1 >> Spot welding aluminium

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Behalf Of charlie myres
Thanks Michael,
Yes I have a spot welder, however, I suspect a
non-corrosive flux must be used to prevent the metal
oxidising while it is molten. Any ideas?
Charlie


G'day Charlie

No (non corrosive!) flux necessary.
The ticket here is to clean the metal thoroughly before welding. What gives
Aluminium its corrosion resisting properties is a layer of Alu oxides on the
surface that develop as soon as it gets in contact with oxygen. This layer
needs to be removed (by sanding) just prior to welding. The oxide has a
melting point aprox. 4 times higher than the base metal itself and if not
removed will require a higher energy input which usually results in the base
metal melting away before a successful weld can be accomplished. This is
especially true if gas welding is employed.
The common failure to thoroughly "clean" the parts to be welded gives
Aluminium the untrue reputation of being "difficult" to weld, which it
actually isn't.

The "six P" rule applies here: Proper Preparation Prevents Piss Poor
Performance!

 Tom Tollefson
 Toronto,Canada
1952 Land Rover 80"


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