Welding Alumnium Alloys

[grigorius]

Hi People,

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this question but why to aluminium alloys dis-like anti spatter fluid during welding? This is a common problem throughout the welding game and I'd like to get my finger to this itch!

Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Grigorius.

 

[TVP]

I don't know the answer to your question, but you should discuss this with someone from Alcotec. They are experts in welding Al. Use the following link for more information:

http://www.alcotec.com

 

[Rich2001]

Many anti-spatter compound are water based. The water disassociates in the arc plasma causing rapid oxidation of the molten weld pmetal pool. Aluminum oxide in nonconductive and has poor heat transfer properties hence poor welding results. Innaddition the antispatter may contain a hydrocarbon cause aluminummcarbide to form. Aluminum carbide is hard and brittle and will diissolve in water, leaving one with a porous weld.

 

[grigorius]

Thanks guys, your help has been much appreciated. But I have one more question;

If the anti spatter was petroleum based, then would there be more aluminium carbides formed leaving excess hydrogen in the parent material causing hydrogen cracking/porosity?


Grigorius.

 

[Rich2001]

Hydrogen embrittlement is also a problem in aluminum weldments. Couple the aluminum carbine inclusions (stress concentrators especally if it breaks the surface) with hydrogen embrittlemnt it is a failure waiting to happen.