Argon Gas Flow For Aluminum Welding. Because the oxide melts at a temperature approximately 2500F 1370C higher than the aluminum itself the oxide must be cleaned from the metal before welding can begin. Using the wrong shielding gas or gas flow can significantly impact weld quality costs and productivity in your GMAW applications.
The recommended flow rate for MIG welding aluminum is 20-30 cubic feet per hour. This is a quote from miller siteThe most common shielding gas for MIG welding aluminum is 100 argon. Otherwise I was running a 12 to 15 cfh with the standard collet body.
So shielding gases used for TIG welding or any other gases that have CO2 are not suitable.
This process is a very smooth transfer of molten metal droplets from the end of the electrode to the molten pool. At work We run maximum 20 cfh on our 4 Dynasty 350s welding 1 to 1 alum plate and bar and 8 cups. This is a quote from miller siteThe most common shielding gas for MIG welding aluminum is 100 argon. I just put a gas lense on my DX200 with air cooled torch and pulled my gas flow down to 10cfh.