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Metal Fabrication Solutions for Aluminum

Aluminum is durable, offers incredible strength for its weight, and is naturally resistant to corrosion. These attributes make it an attractive option when determining what material to use in metal fabrication. Aluminum can be a challenging metal to work with because of its low melting temperature and tendency to load on abrasives, making them less effective. Choosing the right abrasive when working with aluminum can eliminate weld defects, maximize productivity, and reduce overall consumable spend.

 

 

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Abrasives and brushes for aluminum

Maximize time on the job with products designed for high-performance cutting, grinding, cleaning, and finishing on aluminum.

CUTTING WHEELS

 

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GRINDING & COMBO WHEELS

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FLAP DISCS
 

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RESIN FIBER & BLENDING DISCS

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BLENDING DISCS

 

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Non-Woven Abrasives
 

 

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POWER WIRE BRUSHES

 

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HAND BRUSHES

 

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ALUMINUM WELD DEFECTS REDUCE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY

WELD POROSITY

PROBLEM: Reduced weld strength and lower fatigue resistance.

CAUSE: Hydrogen gas dissolved in the molten weld.

SOURCE: Moisture, grease, or other hydro-carbons in weld zone.

SOLUTION: How to minimize weld porosity.  Prior to welding, remove all surface contaminants including grease, oil, dirt, or paint that can generate hydrogen gas or interfere with weld fusion. Use only high quality, contaminant-free products for surface prep, and inter-pass grinding.

 

OXIDE INCLUSIONS

PROBLEM: Reduced weld strength and lower fatigue resistance.

CAUSE: Aluminum oxide is not destroyed in the welding process.

SOURCE: Natural-occurring aluminum oxide on material prior to welding.

SOLUTION: How to minimize oxide inclusions. Remove the thin, tough, transparent film of aluminum oxide from the metal surface. This process should be done just before starting the weld. Use only high quality, contaminant-free products for surface prep and inter-pass grinding.

 

HOW ALUMINUM IS DIFFERENT FROM STEEL

INCLUSIONS: The oxide which occurs naturally on steel is destroyed during the welding process. Aluminum oxide is not destroyed during aluminum welding and must be removed prior to welding.

HEAT EXPANSION: When heated, aluminum expands twice as much as steel. As a result, warping and bending are significant issues.

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY: Since aluminum conducts electricity better than steel, welding parameters like amperage must be adjusted for different conductance.