> 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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