Brass and aluminum

By BugEyedValiant Date 06-12-2003 21:24

Can the two of these be TIG welded together? Did not find it in my AWS books in my quick look. Just looking for a couple of tack joints to machine a couple of pieces to match each other.

Thanks

Brent

By Niekie3 (***)

Date 06-14-2003 18:03

Hi Brent

Cu and Al can not be joined together. Firstly the difference in melting temperature is a problem, and secondly brittle intermetallic phases are formed. For this reason I assume that Al can also not be welded to brass.

In the past I have joined Al to Cu by first placing a "butter layer" of silver solder on the Cu, then welding with Al filler the Al to the silver solder.

Give it a try.

Regards
Niekie Jooste
Fabristruct Solutions

By billvanderhoof (****)

Date 06-15-2003 06:48

I suppose another approach would be to plate a layer of copper onto the aluminum then soft solder the pieces together. Probably easier to rivet or pin or bolt then fill the holes later. Clever design might leave the holes in the scrap. Some sort of adhesive is a possibility. There is some double sided tape that might be up to the task.
Bill