The Perils of Welding Aluminum
Many items, including bicycle frames and aircraft parts, are made of aluminium. However, there are some particular health risks while welding aluminium that welders need to be aware of. Here are some things to be aware of and steps welders should take to safeguard themselves when welding aluminium.
- Power lines and other infrastructure, as well as renewable energy
- aerospace and automotive industries
- Appliances (household and industrial) (household and industrial)
- electronic devices
- Construction and erection
- Shipbuilding
- accelerated rail
- Medical tools and equipment
How are aluminium joints joined?The most popular welding techniques for aluminium are Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG/GTAW) and Metal Inert Gas (MIG/GMAW). One of the most often used techniques for welding aluminium is alternative current (AC) TIG welding, which uses a pure tungsten rod and 100% argon as the shielding gas. For aluminium, MIG welding is also quite popular.
No matter the welding technique, removing the oxide layer that develops on the metal’s surface is crucial. A hard coating of aluminium oxide forms at the surface of aluminium due to its propensity to oxidise. This covering safeguards the metal.
What is the purpose of aluminium?One of the most prevalent metals on earth, aluminium (or aluminium for our British friends) is second only to iron in terms of its use in metalworking. It is remarkably strong, long-lasting, and corrosion-resistant. In comparison to many metals, it is also extremely malleable, soft, and highly conductive. These characteristics make aluminium and aluminium alloys extremely beneficial in a variety of industrial, building, and consumer product uses. the most typical applications for aluminium
No matter the welding technique, it is crucial to remove the oxide layer that develops on the metal’s surface first. A hard coating of aluminium oxide forms at the surface of aluminium due to its propensity to oxidise. One of the metal’s most desirable qualities is that this coating prevents corrosion. Additionally, it has a melting point that is substantially greater than the aluminium below. It needs to be wiped off before welding because of this. Mechanical abrasion is often used to accomplish this.
What risks do welding fumes made of aluminium pose?
Welding aluminium generates toxic gases that pose serious health concerns to the welder. Tiny (sub-micron) aluminium, aluminium oxide, and other metals contained in aluminium alloys, most frequently copper, zinc, magnesium, silicon, are produced during the welding of aluminium.