Can i weld aluminum in a mild steel jig?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 14:04:36 GMT

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hi there im new to the forum also fairly new to aluminum welding. i have been fabricating warren trusses for gangways and walkways. the shop i am in is bare bones and i have been laying out the trusses (25ft-60ft long) on aluminum saw horses. i have been battling distortion for that past few weeks but with improved techniques i have been able to  reduce it but the effects are still subtle. i want to build a solid jig out of mild carbon steel and clamp the aluminum to for better resistance. So my question is will the carbon steel cause galvanic corrosion to the assembly after it has been removed form the jig? i am also building with 6061 aluminum 2''- 4'' square tubing. thanks
Replyepends on how long you leave it in the jig, and how close you are to the ocean. If you pull it out within a year it should be fine.SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Generally, the distortion you find while welding without a jig is the same distortion you'll see when you unclamp it from the jig.The stresses created from the weld shrinking are the same, and they will show after the clamps come off.Weld process (sequence and direction) is where you combat distortion.For your actual question, I agree with Brazin.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Aluminum is not like stainless. Merely touching it with mild steel will not set you up for a future of active corrosion.