Welding Steel to Aluminum 3

[perepair]

Can I weld steel to aluminum (don't know the type)? What kind of electrode should be used and what would be the electrodes capacity (kips per lineal inch per 1/16" of weld). I initally used 20% of the capacity of an E60xx electrode; this seemed conservative. Any thoughts?

 

[metengr]

Can I weld steel to aluminum (don't know the type)? What kind of electrode should be used and what would be the electrodes capacity (kips per lineal inch per 1/16" of weld).

No, not with conventional arc welding processes. Friction welding is possible.

 

[perepair]

I'm sorry but I don't know what friction welding is but it sounds like it is not typical for the construction industry. Is that correct? Thanks a lot for the answer.

 

[metengr]

perepair;
Yes, that is correct. The problem with trying to fuse aluminum with steel is that aluminum will form brittle compounds along the weld fusion zone, which is the reason why fusion (melting) welding is not an acceptable method for joining steel to aluminum.

Friction welding is highly localized and does not result in melting. Explosive bonding is another alternative to join aluminum to steel. The above methods are not considered actual strength welds, like fusion welds.

 

[perepair]

Thanks; I work out a bolted solution.

 

[unclesyd]

They make Al to CS transition joints in the ship building industry for use when the have an Al superstructure on a steel hull. They still build commercial boats but I think the Navy has dropped this design.
These transition pieces were made by explosive welding.

Here is an article on welding dissembler metals you might want to read.

http://www.key-to-nonferrous.com/default.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&NM=152

 

[perepair]

OK, I can weld an aluminum plate to my aluminum element (a WF column) and bolt the aluminum plate to the steel element (a channel). I don't have any aluminum information so what would the minimun aluminum welding capacity be (the minimum electrode yield strength)?
Thanks

 

[metengr]

Go here for information on aluminium welding and weld rods;

http://www.brazing.com/products/Weld_alum/4043_5356.asp

http://www.alcotec.com/