Quote:
Originally Posted by LMH
I've never heard of aluminum flux cored wire for MIG or wire-feed welders.
Larry
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There isn't . Generally speaking welding aluminum is only done with inert shielded processes such as GTAW ...gas tungsten arc welding ( TIG ) , GMAW - gas metal arc welding ( MIG ) , PAW ( Plasma Arc welding )
It is critical that there is no reactive component such as CO2. This is very different from mild steel , low alloy steel, stainless steels etc where it is actually desirable to have some reactive content (which is why 100 Ar is not a good choice for mild steel MIG )
Unlike carbon steels, stainless steels , low alloy steels etc that can be welded with all the above processes BUT also flux cored arc welding ( FCAW-SS....very common with wire feed welders or "MIG" machines ) , gas shielded flux cored ( FCAW-GS...very common in fabrication of ships, bridges etc ) , SMAW ( stick welding...shielded metal arc ), SAW ( submerged arc )
BTW - all these processes are arc welding processes. It is a common misconception that arc welding means stick welding
Welding Aluminum with non Inert Processes
SMAW - only commonly available stick for aluminum is E4043 alloy. Welds awful !
Oxy Fuel - works well for 1XXX and 3XXX series aluminum. 5XXX and 6XXX no recommended but works in pinch