Table 10-8.--Recommended Practices for GTA Welding of Aluminum
(2)
Filler
Dia. of
(3)
Rod
Argon
No. of
Welding
Current
Tungsten
Material
(1)
Dia.
Joint Design
Amps
Electrode
Gas Flow
Passes
Position
Thichness
Inches
AC
Inches
CFH
Inches
70-100
1/16
20
3/32
1
Flat
1/16
Sq. Butt
Horiz & Vert.
Sq. Butt
70-100
1/16
20
3/32
1
Overhead
Sq. Butt
60-90
1/16
25
3/32
1
1
Flat
Sq. Butt
125-160
3/32
20
1/8
1/8
Horiz & Vert.
Sq. Butt
3/32
1
115-150
20
1/8
1
Overhead
Sq. Butt
115-150
3/32
25
1/8
5/32
30
Flat
60 Single Bevel
225-275
3/16
2
1/4
Horiz & Vert.
60 Single Bevel
200-240
5/32
3/16
30
2
3/16
Overhead
100 Single Bevel
210-260
5/32
35
2
Flat
35
60 Single Bevel
325-400
2
1/4
1/4
3/8
Horiz & Vert.
60 Single Bevel
250-320
3/16
35
3
1/4
Overhead
100 Single Bevel
275-350
3/16
3
40
1/4
Flat
3
60 Single Bevel
375-450
35
1/2
1/4
1/4
Horiz & Vert.
60 Single Bevel
250-320
3/16
35
3
1/4
Overhead
100 Single Bevel
275-340
3/16
40
4
1/4
1
Flat
60 Single Bevel
500-600
5/16-3/8
1/4-3/8
35-45
8-10
(1)
See exercises for joint designs.
(2)
For standard (non-thoriated) tungsten electrodes.
(3)
Helium is not generally used on gas tungsten-arc welding; however, gas flow rates for it are slightly
higher than for argon.
Filler Metal
PRACTICE EXERCISES FOR
GTA WELDING
Additional filler metal is not necessary in GTA
welding when enough parent metal is provided by
Now that we have covered various fundamentals
the joint design to form the weld bead. For other
of GTA welding of aluminum, let us turn our
welds, it is often necessary to add filler metal. For
attention to some practical exercises that will help
filler metal in the form of straight length, bare rod
you acquire skill in performing GTA welding
is used for manual welding, while filler metal in wire
operations.
A thorough knowledge of the
form, spool wound is used for automatic welding.
procedures covered in the following projects will aid
you in assignments as the operator on GTA welding
Filler rods of EC, 1100, 4043, 5154, 5183, 5356,
jobs.
5556, and other alloys are available in various
diameters. Take care to see that a compatible filler
Setting Up Equipment
metal is used in welding different aluminum alloys.
Weld craters and longitudinal cracks may result
This exercise in setting up equipment will
from using incorrect filler alloy. Make a special
acquaint you with the equipment and accessories
effort to see that only clean rods are used. Dirty
commonly used in GTA welding. The basic
rods contaminate the weld. Store rods in a hot
equipment and accessories required for GTA
locker or warm dry area and keep them covered.
welding of aluminum are as follows:
10-29