Welding Cast aluminum and achieving full strength

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I know welding cast aluminum can sometimes turn out to be a big crapshoot.  But is there any heat treating method or welding method or something where a good welder can achieve full strength in the weld where it would be acceptable for use under load and not just  a pretty part?
Reply:There's so many variables and so little info given that it's imposible to give a solid answer to this. What alloy, what sort of casting and how was it done, what sort of intended use, what weld methods are  available to you and so on just to name a few quick ones..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWThere's so many variables and so little info given that it's imposible to give a solid answer to this. What alloy, what sort of casting and how was it done, what sort of intended use, what weld methods are  available to you and so on just to name a few quick ones.
Reply:Short answer is NO, a welded casting is never the same as the original part.However it MAY still be ok, however YOU will never know, only the people that designed the original part will know. Is it even a casting? Might be a forging. Need to know the alloys and the temper. Still might induce residual stresses and cause a failure later.
Reply:I wouldn't touch that with a 10' pole.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:How about a 12 foot pole?  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Originally Posted by Freestyle72Ok I won't be welding it myself... unless it's a couple years down the road and I am actually decent it will most likely go to a pro.  Weld methods available, any really, but I would prefer tig.The cast piece is a motorcycle swingarm, in specific a ducati 748 swingarm.  I want to move the mounts in where they mount at the frame by 8mm each side.So as far as the exact metallurgy I am not 100% sure.  I know it's aluminum arm.