About weldability and welding of Al alloys: case study and problem solving

Among many disciplines within engineering, welding is probably one of the most inexact – rather more of an art than a science. As weldment is meant the complete joint comprising the weld metal, heat affected zones (HAZ) and the adjacent parent metal and should have the same properties as the parent metal. This paper aims provides a basic understanding of the metallurgical principles involved in how aluminium alloys achieve their strength and how welding can affect these properties. The most important and applied welding processes to Al alloys are here shortly introduced, as well as the preparation of parent metals prior to welding and good welding practice to avoid and/or keep under control defects and failures. Some case studies with possible failures will be introduced together with actions and suggestions to solve the observed problems.