Materials

Can you stick welding aluminium?

Quick answer

Yes — possible with ally rods, rarely worth it. Stick on aluminium: match technique to the material; filler ER4043.

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The verdict and why

Possible with ally rods, rarely worth it. Oxide melts at ~2000°C while the metal underneath melts at ~660°C — cleaning and AC balance are everything

Watch-outs

  • stainless brush the oxide layer off right before welding — it reforms within hours
  • Prep: stainless brush the oxide layer off right before welding — it reforms within hours