Aluminum Weld Buildup Methods???

[Kromm]

Can anyone tell me a good method to buildup thin layers(thinner than a typical MIG weld bead) of Aluminum to add machine allowances?

Is there a simple spray-MIG procedure available?

Best regards,
Tim Smith, A.Sc.T.
Manufacturing Engineer
tj7734.smith@shaw.ca

 

[GRoberts]

You can spray alumnim using a twin wire mig spray gun, but the coating may or may not be satisfactory to you. The coating is porous, and is not fused to the base material, but only forms a mechanical bond due to its plasticity and impingement velocity at impact. The coating however, can be machined. The good thing about the coatings though, is you are not limited to aluminum. You could spray it with ceramic, or carbide if you want to increase wear resistance, or many other options. For a better explanation, contact your local spray shop, they are the experts.