When welding aluminum metal alloys with GTAW, what is the recommended current flow?

When welding aluminum metal alloys using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process, the recommended current flow is AC, which allows for effective welding of aluminum due to its conductivity characteristics. AC provides the necessary balance of heat required for cleaning the aluminum surface during the positive half-cycle and a stable welding arc during the negative half-cycle.

Aluminum requires specific electrical characteristics because it is a highly conductive material and can form a thin oxide layer that significantly affects welding quality. The use of AC helps to break this oxide layer effectively, ensuring proper fusion between the base materials.

While direct current options, such as DCEN or DCEN with high frequency, can be suitable for some materials, they are not ideal for aluminum because they do not offer the same cleaning action as AC. AC allows the welder to maintain arc stability while effectively managing the heat input, which is crucial for managing distortion and ensuring that the weld pool behaves properly.

Choosing AC as the current flow contributes to achieving a clean, strong weld when working with aluminum alloys, making it the optimal choice for this specific welding application.