Weld penetration depth - aluminum

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I have an application that requires a 1" thick aluminum piece to be welded all around to the end of a 3-3/4" thick aluminum piece.  After welding, the 1" thick piece will be machined down to 3/4" thick.  Can I call out a weld that will penetrate 1/2" so that the pieces will stay firmly attached after machining?  And what type of weld would that be? Thanks.Last edited by jcole; 12-14-2005 at 10:56 AM.
Reply:you could call out a bevel or groove to be ground or machined into the plate prior to welding, this will help in the penetrationhere are some examples http://www.unified-eng.com/scitech/weld/groove.html
Reply:Good info on that link, thanks.
Reply:and a spoolgun to mig weld it i think would be the best way to go but i could be wrongchuck
Reply:I personally would prefer tig for an application like this.  But more important to what I would use...its up to what you feel most confident with.  If you dont feel confident wtih tig, go with mig, and visaversaIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:...And don't forget to pre heat the material if it's that thick. Especially if you tig. It sure makes the process easier has better weld integrity.Miller TB Pro 350DMiller 12VS ExtremeMillerSpoolMatic 30AMiller Spectrum 2050MillerMatic 251Look Out for 79 Year Old Ladies Runnin' Late for A Funeral
Reply:i agree with gun, I dont do a lot of tig, but I do do it and as gun said the preheat makes all the differnceIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:If you tig it, use pure helium for best penetration.  I also reccomend a bevel...you will need it.
Reply:ive never used pure helium, but all ive read and heard supports this claimIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:And I have to agree with Tx.....So far as penetration goes, I have fpound that a good pre heat is the key to penetration on material that thick (and YES - definitely a bevel, if the situation permits) along with straight Argon and I'm 'In Like Flynn'.Miller TB Pro 350DMiller 12VS ExtremeMillerSpoolMatic 30AMiller Spectrum 2050MillerMatic 251Look Out for 79 Year Old Ladies Runnin' Late for A Funeral