Are you curious to know what kind of gas is used in aluminum welding? With the increasing use of aluminum in the manufacturing sector, it’s important to know which type of gas is best suited to weld aluminum materials together.
The use of the right gas is key in creating strong bonds that can withstand the test of time. Did you know, according to research, aluminum gas welding is one of the most commonly used welding processes? In fact, it is estimated that in the US alone, more than 10 million aluminum welding applications are performed each year.
That’s a lot of welding to be done and it’s essential that the right gas is used to create strong and secure welds. So, what gas is used for aluminum welding?
That’s the question we want to answer in this article. Read on to discover the answer and learn more about this gas-welding process.
What Gas Is Used for Aluminum Welding?
Aluminum welding requires the preparation of the metal for proper welding, as well as the application of a protective coating during welding to protect against contaminants and other undesirable elements.One of the most important aspects of proper aluminum welding involves the selection of the correct shielding gas. The selection of the appropriate shielding gas can be critical to the success of an aluminum welding job.
Why Is Shielding Gas Important?
Shielding gas is used in welding to protect the weld zone and the weld pool from the outside atmosphere. As the weld progresses and the molten puddle is formed, shielding gases provide an inert atmosphere around the weld zone.
The inert gas may be used alone or in combination with other welding process parameters to achieve an acceptable and sound weldment.
What Gases Are Used for Aluminum Welding?
When aluminum is welded, any one or a combination of the following gases can be used: argon, helium, or a mixture of both gases.Argon is the most commonly used gas for aluminum welding. It is an inert gas that is heavier than the surrounding air and will maintain the inert atmosphere in the weld zone. Helium can also be used for welding aluminum, but it is much more expensive and is usually reserved for high current welding operations or for welding aluminum thicker than 8mm (5/16”).
Tips for Choosing the Right Gas for Aluminum Welding
- Choose argon when welding aluminum. Argon provides the best balance between cost and performance.
- Use helium when welding aluminum thicker than 8mm (5/16”). Helium will reduce the thermal conductivity of the weld and create a stronger weld.
- Use a mixture of argon and helium when welding aluminum thicker than 16mm (5/8”). This will help reduce porosity, since the helium gas tends to aerate the weld zone and create a more uniform, high quality weld.
- Be sure to buy the correct grade of argon for aluminum welding. Be sure to check the purity prior to purchasing the gas, as impurities can cause a range of defects in the finished weld.