Cure time for aluminum TIG welds?

By Fred H. Date 02-28-2005 16:45

I have a question I am hoping someone can answer. Honda has recently recalled about 35,000 Honda Goldwing motorcycles due to faulty welds on the aluminum frame. One of the welders that is doing the repair says that the reweld needs to cure for 72 hours before being stressed.

I am not a professional welder, so I really don't fully understand why this is required. The official Honda instructions do not mention anything about letting the weld cure. The parent material is 7XXX series and the filler being used is 5356.

What are the thoughts on letting an aluminum TIG weld cure, and why?

Any info would be appreciated.

Fred H.
Fort Worth, TX.

By Fred H. Date 03-01-2005 00:19

Anybody have any knowledge about precipitation age hardening and aluminum?

By chall

Date 03-01-2005 14:02

I'm not sure if he's still with Lincoln Electric, but Frank Armeo is an expert on aluminum and aluminum welding. He is very friendly and most certainly would be able to help you out.

Send me an email and I will forward the last number of his that I have.

Charles.

By jwright650 (*****)

Date 03-01-2005 14:30

http://aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?id=4401#18900

Here is a discussion about this from some time ago.
John Wright