Welding an unknown aluminum alloy
Welding an unknown aluminum alloy
(OP)
I am providing a repair to an aluminum impact gun housing to replace stripped threads. The OEM of the impact gun will not reveal the base aluminum cast material (not even the alloy series). I can select the aluminum plug material and the filler rod. I will perform post weld testing to verify the welded plug is secure. If the welded plug repair passed the tensile testing, shouldn't this qualify the weld integrity? What would be a safe assumption for the aluminum casting material? 5052?





RE: Welding an unknown aluminum alloy
If it is necessity I would try 4043 Al rod using a welder well versed in aluminum welding. If there is any problem during the attempt get a new housing. You will have to have a very clean surface for welding or you are going to have porosity.
Is there no way to repair the thread mechanically, like a bushing?