TECH TIP: Your Aluminum Welds Are Telling You Something: Gas Flow





When weld results are not as desired, we often at our welding equipment. More often than not, this can be an easy fix by adjusting your settings.  See below how gas flow can make a difference in your weld results.


The Gas Flow is Too High:
  • You will see spatter around the weld bead. 
  • It will also cause Inconsistency in the bead height due to the gas pressure being pushed into the bead.
When The Gas Flow Is Too Low:
  • It will cause the weld to look too porous (If you look closely, you can see the porosity and the pin holes in the weld). 
If There Is No Gas Flow:
  • It causes Inconsistent Feed, spatter and no penetration
  • It is nearly impossible to weld with.
Incorrect Gas: 
  • This can cause the weld to look like the welding wire is piercing through and cutting the material.
  • It will look like little pellets dropping on the material. 



Follow us on Social Media for news, product info and more...

Twitter

Facebook
Website
Instagram

For more Tech Tips and Videos, visit our YouTube Channel and subscribe to stay updated! 

YouTube







Popular posts from this blog

TECH TIP: SP MIG 'Hot Start': The Why & How!

Image
SP MIG 'Hot Start': The Why & How! The Benefits & Programming of the SP Pulse MIG Welder's Hot Start Function. Quick Overview It's no secret that welding aluminum is different than steel. One of the biggest differences is how heat is dissipated on aluminum. Steel: Heat stays confined to the area where the heat is applied. Aluminum: Heat rapidly transfers throughout the material.  This causes what is known as a " Cold Start ";  the beginning of the weld bead is weak due to not enough heat at the start causing poor penetration. To counter this we have two options:  Tail-In Method -   You start the weld outside and move in toward the weld join so that the material is pre-heated allowing proper penetration.  Hot Start function  - The cleanest way to program it and avoid the cold start. (See VIDEO below) Solution :  The SP series MIG welder's " Hot Start Function ", allows us to dial up the amper
Read more

Tesla Approves the Pro Spot PR-5 Rivet Gun

Image
TESLA TESTED AND APPROVED FOR:   SPR Self-Piercing Rivet (Installation/ Removal), Flow Form (Hole Preparation/ Installation) and Structural Blind Rivets for Tesla repairs. Pro Spot's PR-5 Riveting System has been approved for collision repairs on Tesla vehicles. The Riveting System now has a Tesla Die Kit designed for SPR (self-piercing rivets) installation and removal, Flow Form rivets hole preparation and installation and structural Blind Rivets installation.  Pro Spot has a variety of options available for current PR-5 Rivet Gun owners as well as new systems for new customers.   Learn more about the different PR-5 Applications on our Video Channel !
Read more

TECH TIP: How to Save Your Aluminum Wire

Image
Proper storage for aluminum wire when not in use is KEY to making it last longer and for producing quality welds!  Aluminum  oxidizes rapidly , and this can cause issues with weld quality and overall strength of repair.  When oxidation forms on the aluminum wire it will disrupt the arc and will be nearly impossible to maintain a proper arc. ALUMINUM WIRE WILL GO BAD IF NOT STORED PROPERLY  NO MATTER HOW LITTLE IT IS USED   Although Aluminum is becoming more abundant during production, depending on the shop, Aluminum welding may not be a regular occurrence like steel is. Proper wire storage is very important when not in use, as the aluminum  oxidizes rapidly  and this can cause issues with weld quality and overall strength of repair. This is something that is often an after thought or overlooked in the shop, and blame gets placed on welder instead of looking at the wire. When Aluminum welding wire is not in use, we recommend: Remove from the weld
Read more