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Question:

What are great ways to prepare aluminum before welding?

Hello,I have read a lot of opinionsThe standard seems to be brushing with a stainless steel brush in the same direction a bit (or stainless steel wheel?), cover it in acetone, then spraying it down with water followed by drying it.Is this accurate? Are their superior methods or changes at all?Thank you!

Answer:

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All of these are good practicesCleaning with acetone or other solvents should take place BEFORE any grinding or brushingThe point of this step is to simply to remove dirt and greaseThe point of using a stainless wire brush or wire wheel is to strip off the thin film of aluminum oxide, as well as removing any kind of remaining inorganic contaminantsIf you grind or use sandpaper, a wire brush is still recommended as those methods can leave grit and other contaminants behind The oxide film causes problems with fusion and penetration, as well as contaminating the weld, causing inclusions and making it more brittleSometimes if you try to weld aluminum that hasn't been scrupulously cleaned, the filler will just float on top of the oxide layer and not fuse at allMIG welding aluminum is particularly susceptible to this problemIf you degrease the metal AFTER this step, the bare aluminum will react with the water and/or acetone causing the oxide film to reform immediatelyJoints should be ground and/or brushed Immediately prior to weldingAlso be sure to use a brush or grinder that has only been used on aluminum, to avoid cross-contamination.

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