It also has a very soft heat affected zone - really requiring heat treatment
afterwards
-----Original Message-----
From: towertalk-bounces@contesting.com
[mailto:towertalk-bounces@contesting.com] On Behalf Of jimlux
Sent: Wednesday, March 25, 2009 12:02 AM
To: Roger (K8RI)
Cc: towertalk@contesting.com; TexasRF@aol.com
Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 6061 vs 6063
> As a rough comparison, the springy Aluminum alloys are much like a
> steel spring. They can be bent, but exceeding the minimum bend radius
> (which can be quite large) will end up fracturing the material just
> like bending a flat coiled spring too far will cause it to break or
> shatter at the bend.
>
> With the advent of TIG welding, the ability to weld Aluminum has
> become far easier. Oxyacetylene welding of Aluminum can be done, but
> takes practice (One that I never managed to master). Even then it's
> easy to get a "granular" weld which is not all that uncommon on
> Aluminum tower cross braces. The reason "Torch welding" is so difficult
with Aluminum
> is the ability of Aluminum to transfer heat. TIG welding creates a lot
> of heat concentrated in a small area from an electric arc. The
> welding rod is fed into this arc with the two making the weld
> relatively easy to control.
>
Aluminum is difficult to weld for another reason. Unlike steel/iron, which
turn red/orange well before they get to the melting point, aluminum melts at
a low enough temperature that you can't tell by looking how hot it is. The
visual cues are important (and with a good TIG welder with foot pedal
control, you get good at it, at least that's what I'm told.. I'm a terrible
welder)
And, oxidation is a big issue with torch welding.
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