Aluminum TIG Welder

Aluminum is the most plentiful metal in the Earth’s crust. It is used in millions of applications around the world. The infrastructure of our modern world has largely revolved around our ability to work and weld aluminum into the components needed by our aircraft, homes, and all types of industries. Light gauge aluminum TIG welding is employed by the automotive industry, auto enthusiasts, and the hobbyist alike. Previously, only individuals with money or businesses would be able to afford aluminum welders. With LONGEVITY producing affordable welding equipment, all individuals including hobbyist can finally afford high quality TIG Aluminum welding equipment

Aluminum TIG welding may prove challenging to those more familiar with steel welding, though all that practice definitely comes in handy. Pure aluminum has a melting point less than 1200 degrees Fahrenheit and does not glow when heated like other metals. Persons welding TIG aluminum must be very attentive, since this metal shows no indication of melting. A different welding approach is required in order to avoid burn through, hot cracking, and other concerns related to TIG welding aluminum.  

The aluminum TIG welding machine is an aluminum welding wizard. It has been used with other base materials, such as thin steel and magnesium, but is uniquely suited to TIG aluminum welding. Known as “tungsten inert gas” welding—or gas tungsten arc welding—TIG welding employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode. An electric arc forms between this electrode, powered by AC or DC power from the power supply, and the working base material. The heat from the arc creates the weld where the two base metals—in this case aluminum—are joined together. TIG Filler Rods provide the needed filler to form a joint therefore getting the right aluminum filer rod is crucial to forming a sturdy weld. Due to the fact that aluminum is an alloy and a light material, it is prone to cracking. As the weld cools and hardens, cracks may form in the TIG aluminum weld. This is caused partly by the chemical compound of the filler material contrasting with that of the base metal – remember to clean the aluminum to avoid any chemical interference in your weld.  

TIG welders are a bit more complicated to use than other types of welding machines, but they provide the most durable and the smoothest bonds when welding TIG aluminum. The ArcMate LW-200ACDC from www.longevity-inc.com is the best option for this purpose. It supplies direct and alternating current, a quality which comes in handy when welding other base metals besides TIG welding aluminum  

One of the most important things to know about aluminum is that you must keep the surface as contaminant free as possible. Aluminum is not like steel. It may not show signs of debris, but indeed there is an oxide coat lurking on the surface. Thoroughly clean aluminum surfaces to be TIG/MIG/MAG welded with a wire bristle brush or wipe with a solvent like alcohol or acetone to rid the aluminum of grease, oil, dust, oxides, and other surface contaminants. The argon gas used in LONGEVITY aluminum TIG welding works as a shielding agent to further guard the weld area from oxygen and other atmospheric contaminants which weaken aluminum welds by created dross, slag, and porosity. This inert gas, expelled from the welding machine, creates a low invisible blanket which protects the weld puddle from being overrun by radical oxides.  

Aluminum is one of the most common metals used in welding due to its abundance, low density, and its tendency to avoid corrosion. Still care must be taken by the weld operator in properly preparing the material and choosing the right LONGEVITY TIG aluminum welder for the job.