Aluminum is a difficult metal to weld because it is highly reactive. When exposed to heat, aluminum oxide forms quickly on the surface of the metal. This oxide layer prevents the formation of a strong weld bead and can cause welding problems.
There are a few ways to weld aluminum, but arc welding is by far the most common method. When arc welding aluminum, it is important to use an electrode that is compatible with the metal. In most cases, this will be an aluminum electrode.
The first step in welding aluminum is to clean the surface of the metal. Any dirt, grease or other contaminants will prevent the formation of a strong weld bead. Once the surface is clean, you can begin setting up your equipment for welding.
Aluminum requires more heat than other metals to form a weld bead. As such, you will need to set your welder to its highest setting before beginning to weld. If you are using an AC welder, you should also use DC power instead of AC power. This will help prevent oxidation of the Weld pool during welding
Once you have your equipment set up and ready to go, you can begin welding aluminum by striking an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. Remember to keep moving the electrode around so that you create a evenly distributed Weld pool. If necessary, you can add filler material as you weld in order to create a stronger joint