Qualification of WPS using 6061-T6 metal base (aluminium)

Date 03-21-2012 19:47

Hi everybody. I intend to qualify a WPS (AWS norm), using:
Base material (plate) = 6061-T6
thickness= 10.0 mm
welding process= GTAW
v-groove
filler metal= I'm in doubt

Questions:
1) Could someone give me a clue about what filler Metal would be used?
2) Is it necessary give some kind of heatreatment after welding?
3) all welds will be angle welds - round bar, Ø 25,4 mm with partial groove.

regards
Norberto- Brazil

By Lawrence (*****)

Date 03-22-2012 00:54

See AWS D1.2 Structural Code for Aluminum

That is the AWS norm and has much of the information you will need.

It is *IMPOSSIBLE* to weld to an AWS norm without having the specifications in your hands.

By DaveBoyer (*****)

Date 03-22-2012 04:45

If the part will be anodised, don't use the 4043, or the weld deposit will be dark. You get a better color match with 5356.

By bozaktwo1 (***)

Date 04-03-2012 16:36

Unless you ave to perform solution heat treat to restore mechanical properties. Then it's 4043, preferably.

By 803056

Date 03-22-2012 01:50

Two common filler metals for 6061 are 4043 and 5356.

The mechnical properties will degrade when welded. The tensile will drop to about 24 ksi if you do everything correctly.

Best regards - Al