Aluminium welding
Aluminium calls for craftsmanship: the right heat input, preparation and technique. We weld aluminium with TIG and MIG, low-distortion and cleanly finished.
About this operation
- Aluminium (various alloys)
- Machine building
- Enclosures
- Lightweight constructions
Aluminium behaves fundamentally differently from steel or stainless steel when welded. It conducts heat far more quickly, so more heat is needed to melt it and that heat spreads further through the workpiece. On top of that comes the oxide layer: it only melts at a far higher temperature than the aluminium beneath it and has to be removed before welding.
To limit distortion we clamp parts, tack first and determine the welding sequence in advance; after welding we check the dimensions. The sheet metal work preceding such an assembly — cutting, press braking and finishing — is described on our page about aluminium sheet metal.
After welding, the application determines how far we take the finishing. Where appearance matters, we blast with glass beads in our blast cabin, which gives an even matt surface. Where the seam is functional and stays out of sight, deburring and visual inspection are sufficient.
From drawing to delivery
Preparation
Cleaning and removing the oxide layer.
Welding
TIG/MIG with controlled heat input.
Finishing
Grinding and finishing.
Specifications
Indicative values — to be confirmed per project- TIG
- the most control over heat input — thin material and visible seams
- MIG
- faster — thicker material and larger series
- Chosen per order
- based on sheet thickness, joint shape and the requirements for appearance
- Heat conduction
- far faster than steel; more heat needed, spreading further
- Oxide layer
- melts only at a far higher temperature and has to be removed before welding
- Risk with too much heat
- distortion
- Risk with poor preparation
- porous seams
- Against distortion
- clamping, tacking first, welding sequence set in advance, dimensions checked after
- Finishing, visible side
- blasting with glass beads in our blast cabin — even matt surface
- Finishing, out of sight
- deburring and visual inspection
What to send us
Request a quote- The drawing with the sheet thickness and the alloy
- The joint geometry
- Which side is the visible side — that determines both the welding choice and the finishing
- Quantity
Frequently asked questions
Which technique do you use to weld aluminium?
TIG and MIG. TIG gives the most control over heat input and suits thin material and visible seams; MIG is faster and suits thicker material and larger series. We make the choice per order.
Why is welding aluminium harder than steel?
Aluminium conducts heat far more quickly, so more heat is needed and it spreads further through the workpiece. In addition, the oxide layer only melts at a far higher temperature than the aluminium beneath it, and has to be removed before welding.
How do you limit distortion in aluminium?
By clamping parts, tacking first and determining the welding sequence in advance. After welding we check the dimensions. With thin sheet and long seams, that sequence determines the dimensional stability of the end product.
What happens to the seam after welding?
That depends on the application. Where appearance matters, we blast with glass beads for an even matt surface. If the seam stays out of sight, deburring and a visual inspection are sufficient. Please indicate with your request which side is the visible side.
Discuss your drawing,
part or assembly.
Response within one working day · 074-2912235 · info@assinkschipholt.nl