Al welding

Date 07-20-2008 10:00

We are facing problem with welding aluminium. We have received a chequred plate of aluminium which gets cracked upon bending. even it does not go beyond 70 degree and starts cracking. further operation is welding of these chequereds. Should we try heat and bend in this application? If at all we may able to bend, i am planning to weld it with ER5183 MIG wire. But both these processes are ok? Any knowledgable description on this please?

By arrowside (**)

Date 07-20-2008 14:47

Heat will help, but watch what series you have and don't get it too hot, as it may be heat treatable. Watch your grain direction also.

By 803056

Date 07-20-2008 18:19

It sounds like one of two possible problems.
1) you are using a bend radius that too tight for the alloy you are using. Certain heat treatable and non heat treatable alloys require a larger bend radius to prevent cracking. For instance, while carbon steel may exhibit 25% elongation, some aluminum alloys will have limited ductility and crack when 15 to 20 percent elongation is exceeded.
2) you are attempting to bend parallel to the direction of rolling. Try a couple of practice bends to see which direction is most favorable. The bends should be orientating 90 degrees from each other to determine what the direction of rolling is.

Good luck. Al

By DaveBoyer (*****)

Date 07-21-2008 03:05

You need to mention the alloy of the plate before We can say if 5183 MIG wire is a good choice. The diamond plate I have used was 3xxx alloy, and for that 4043 is a good choice, however 5183, 5356 or 5556 could be used as well.