hey guys im not a welder nor do i know anything about welding.

i have a project i wanted to start but i need some info first before buying materials. can aluminum be welded to steel or metal?

are there many different types of aluminum?

which are the strong version if any?

which ones should i stay away from?

 

I start you out here the rest you will have to google... 2 diss simular metals can not be welded together. They can be brazed tho..

 

mis information:
carbon and stainless can be welded with the right filler metal.

aluminum and carbon can be welded together thru a process called ESW, electro static welding. which is going to be utilized in the 2013 Honda Accord. making the frame lighter by 25%. taking this information from the AWS mothly subscription i get, November/Oct issue.

Esw is a new process that is just now being implemented. However for us normaly broke ppl. well just be stuck with the machines that we have access to.

 

Your going alittle to high class there, Im sure the op cant afford a 30k+ machine (just guessing at price but I am sure its alot)

Would I weld stainless to steel.. no... dont beleave it wouldnt be a strong bond

Are we talking butt weld or lap?

 

I was just making a point that two dis-similar base metals can be joined, with the appropriate filler metal. so it doesnt really matter if it a butt, lap, T, corner...

the welding of stainless and steel is a common practice in the field that im in, Construction. where it warrants the need to do so. refineries, nuclear plants, etc..

choosing the correct filler metal is key. along with the apropriate settings on your machine, technique and such...

 

When u weld aluminum make sure is clean, use acetone to clean or else its going to get contaminated. 2 quick tips :-)