How To Weld An Alloy Frame. Welding Aluminum-Bronze Aluminum bronze is also an alloy with almost 12 aluminum 5-6 iron and nickel metal and copper. The reason that frames crack on welds is because you have areas of higher hardness near welds and the softer aluminum next to these hard areas is.
It has one of the lower stress jobs in a firearm Ive seen slides cut in two welded back together. When MIG or TIG welding Non-Heat Treatable aluminum alloys note that the HAZ will be annealed during the weld. By building up the frame using an aluminium TIG welder I carefully build up the damaged area with an additional layer of aluminium material ensuring sufficient strength to withstand future punishment in the same area.
Use a string bead technique as you move along the weld but be careful.
If you have any doubts about the alloy your frame uses then look up the specs or contact the manufacturer. Manual Metal Arc WeldingOne of the earliest welding processes developed arc-welding uses an electric arc to generate the heat required to melt the metals involved. When welding aluminum each alloy must be used with the proper welding wire. TIG welding can be the preferred choice if you are dealing with frames that have chrome-moly tubing or if the frame contains curvatures for example if you are dealing with racing cars.