Cleaning Aluminum
Cleaning Aluminum
(OP)
What is the right solvent to use for cleaning Aluminum (6082 T6) before welding? The parts to weld have been machined (turning and milling), using cutting fluids. The material has been recently bought, does it steel need wire brushing, after cleaned with the solvent?
Thanks.
Thanks.





RE: Cleaning Aluminum
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
I am asking about wire brushing, because the component is to be anodized (after welding) and as I said previously, the material is recently bought meaning it may have a smooth oxide cover, which mean it could be “easily” removed by the arc itself. (???)
What about the solvent? What to use?
Thanks
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
1) If your parts are shiny, not dull,they don't need
brushing because they're not oxidized.
2) Brush marks usually look really bad after anodizing
because the color makes them stand out.
3) Almost any solvent will remove more than enough oil
film,but acetone,MEK,naphtha and denatured alcohol
all do very well.
4) The continuous hi-frequency setting on your welder
is what actually cleans away most of the oxidation
anyway.
5) THE ALLOY OF YOUR FILLER WILL AFFECT THE LOOK OF
THE ANODIZED FINISH MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE. Check
with your supplier about color compatibility.
Alan L. Bass, toolmaker
RE: Cleaning Aluminum
RE: Cleaning Aluminum