Materials
Can you tig welding aluminium?
Quick answer
Yes — AC TIG is the benchmark. TIG on aluminium: AC TIG for quality, MIG with a spool gun for speed, 1.6 mm+ only; filler ER4043.
The verdict and why
AC TIG is the benchmark. 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