Welding Anodized Aluminum???

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Have to tig weld some small anodized aluminum parts. Anything I should know other than thoroughly cleaning off the anodizeing?Last edited by rahtreelimbs; 06-19-2014 at 12:13 PM.
Reply:Bump weld it. High amperage, dip and stop. Repeat.Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:IF these are sent out for re anodizing make sure you use 5356 filler or else!......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Or else the welded area will not anodize
Reply:Jeff
Reply:Originally Posted by That Guy ThereOr else the welded area will not anodize
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleFrom what I read and I can't remember where 4043 will anodize black.
Reply:Originally Posted by DukeI've always wondered that.  I know it will turn black when it is clear or color anodized, but what does it look like when it is black anodized?  I wonder if it would be a noticeably different color black.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonGrey.  The silicon is reacting with the current and creating silicon oxide.
Reply:Sorry for the photo being a bit blurry but it shows clearly what happens when you weld Aluminium with Silicon based 4043 or 4047 wires and then get the weldment anodised.I am always very careful with putting wires back into the box that I don't mix them up and if I've managed to burn off the stamp at either end I'll generally throw the wire away rather than make what could be an expensive mistake if a job I'm doing has to be anodised after welding.Regards Andrew from Oz.We are Tig welders, gravity doesn't worry us.Miller Dynasty 350. 350 amps of awesomeness.OTC AVP 300 hybrid wave AC/DC inverter tig. (now retired)Kemppi MLS 230 amp for home, a sweet little AC/DC Tig
Reply:I think it looks kind of cool. What's with the different weld widths with the 4047? If it was the same width the black uniquely highlights the weld. Do the 40xx welds also have undesirable mechanical properties when anodised? Or just visual?
Reply:Originally Posted by metaljongI think it looks kind of cool. What's with the different weld widths with the 4047? If it was the same width the black uniquely highlights the weld. Do the 40xx welds also have undesirable mechanical properties when anodised? Or just visual?