Aluminum Welder

Aluminum can be a challenging base material to work with based on all of the varieties its chemical composition, its low melting point, variety of thickness, and high cracking. The aluminum welder offers primary solutions for making premium aluminum alloy welds while addressing all of the problems unique to aluminum alloys.s

Commonly used in the automotive industry, aluminum welders tackle a wide range of industrial and domestic applications for the professional and hobbyist alike. There are mainly two kinds of welding machines and methods used to weld aluminum. The TIG aluminum welder is the most popular and most reliable, and it can also certainly be used to weld a variety of metals with ease – including aluminum. Due to the softness, heat absorption, and lightweight quality of aluminum, the TIG aluminum welder is ideal. Also known as tungsten inert gas or gas tungsten arc welding, this method utilizes a nonconsumable electrode, which needs to be fed by the operator. The operator can better control the weld result by based on the setup of the power supply, but it remains a more complex piece of machinery requiring the use of both hands with a filler rod usually in one hand and the torch in the other. The ArcMate LW-200ACDC from Longevity offers ease in working with direct current or alternating current setups, has pulse frequency on both AC and DC modes and is one of the better welders on the market especially for the price.  

Another choice for best aluminum welder is a MIG welder (metal inert gas). Also known as a gas metal arc welding machine, it was developed primarily for aluminum. It is simpler to use than a TIG welder but requires that proper guidance, orientation, and positioning is maintained by the operator along the workpiece. The ArcMate LM-250L is a 250AMP MIG welder, also available from www.longevity-inc.com. It is one of the best aluminum welders available and comes with an external spool that is capable of carrying 30lbs, making it the desired choice for a MIG welder. Keep in mind, a TIG welder is more complex to operate but gives you more control for a variety of thicknesses.  

Whichever aluminum welder you choose, remember that aluminum has very high heat conductivity. If the operator welds too slowly, the usual result is burn through. On the other hand, weld too slowly and the base material will not achieve the temperature it needs in order to bond with the filler. Maintain a quick and steady speed while traveling along the weld. Practice of course makes perfect, but LONGEVITY aluminum welders are designed for easy operation so that you can begin welding quickly.  

One must make sure that all aspects of aluminum welding are taken into account. To ensure the best welds, always thoroughly clean the aluminum before use preferably with acetone—even if it is purchased a new piece from the store. Unlike steel, aluminum and other low-melting-point metals are much more susceptible to surface contaminants leftover from the cutting process which makes them more sustainable to an imperfect weld. Oxides and hydrocarbons lurking on the surface of the base material or in the electrode may cause for some serious problems. They can sink down into the heated, melted filler material, contaminating and weakening welds. This is occurs more so with a MIG aluminum welder. To prevent this, clean thoroughly with a stainless-steel wire brush or solvents. Preheating the workpiece will help eradicate hot cracks, however show caution not to overheat the material, which can cause a warping look.  

Be sure to use an argon shielding gas to minimize contamination of aluminum welds and use an aluminum filler wire similar in composition and heat conductivity as the base material.  

So if you are looking to buy an aluminum welder, look to further than www.longevity-inc.com where all welders are affordable and built with quality! Also check out the sales LONGEVITY offers.