fusion welding aluminium 7075
fusion welding aluminium 7075
(OP)
I would like to know what would be the effect of using a 'fusion welding' process on aluminium 7075-T6 with respect to the materials mechanical properties. The process involves heating to 380°C for the time taken to carry out the 'welding'(probably of the order of 5 minutes).
I have plenty of figures for the effects of thermal ageing over many hours, but nothing that approaches 380°C.
Pete.
I have plenty of figures for the effects of thermal ageing over many hours, but nothing that approaches 380°C.
Pete.





RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
What is the planned use of the component?
How thick is the weldment?
Preheat temperatures up to 800̊F are given for preheat in the ALCOA handbooks it leaves every thing open on the need for heat treating. The one thing it mentions several times is welding as fast as practical.
RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
The 'fusion welding' process is similar to soldering and can be accomplished very quickly with some practise.
Cheers for the help,
Pete.
RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
In any event, consider that the fusion welding will result in the loss of the T6 properties.
If the welding process gives ~homogeneous alloy, proper post-weld heat treatment can restore the properties: Solutionize+quench, then artificially age to the T6 temper. Download MIL-H-6088G, Heat Treatment of Aluminum Alloys, at http://assist1.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/ for additional information.
If this welding process gives a non-homogeneous alloy composition (one which cannot solutionize the welded alloy to a single phase solid in a reasonable time), scrap the part and manufacture anew.
RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
I had no intention of using the repaired part for anything other than testing, largely to satisfy my own curiosity concerning the merits of the process. I have now used the process to repair a sample which was used for tensile testing. I will re-test the part today.
Pete.
RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
RE: fusion welding aluminium 7075
1) I need more practice to achieve a good join. I had successfully joined about 20% of the desired area.
2) That the area where the amalgum had formed, failed in shear at a stress of around 200Mpa.
Not very impressive if you call it a weld, but pretty good for a soldered joint.
Pete.