Tensile Properties of AWS A5.10Aluminum Welding Rods

[tc7]

Just about every AWS spec for welding rods or wire will list the as-welded or PWHT tensile and yield properties of the respective rods & wire but NOT AWS A5.10, Specification For Bare Aluminum Welding Electrodes and Rods!! Why not? Can anyone advise on the where I might find the minimum requirements for yield and tensile strength on as-welded 5556 and 5356 filler?

 

[gtaw]

The strength is ultimately determined by the combination of the filler metal selected and the alloy being welded. It is not unusual for the mechanical properties to be limited by the properties of the heat affected zones along side of the weld.

The filler metal is often selected based on compatibility with the base metal chemistry, i.e., not all filler metals meeting A5.10 can be used to weld all aluminum alloys.

Reference books by Alcoa or Kaiser (sorry if the spelling is incorrect)will suggest what filler metals are suitable for different aluminum alloys and combinations of aluminum alloys. You may also find some recommendations in AWS D1.2 Structural Welding Code/Aluminum.

The same references will list the minimum tensile strength you can expect if the weld is sound.

Best regards - Al

 

[tc7]

Al-
I understand that some alloys dictate a gven few weld rods for compatibility reasons of one sort or another and as it happens in my present case, AWS D1.2 specifically recommends the two fillers I mentioned, 5356 & 5556 for joining 5456.

I have since found manufactures tensile reference data for the 5456/5556 combination, but I am in most need of 5456/5356 data.

Kaiser? Haven't heard mention of that name in years, I didn't know they were still in business.

 

[gtaw]

Your mechanical properties will have to meet the published values published in AWS D1.2 or ASME Section IX or other applicable welding standard. For the most part the value will be that of the base metal in the "annealed" state for the thickness being welded. Provided the proper filler metal is used, the weld usually fails in the HAZ because it is over-aged in the case of heat treatable alloys or because it is softened (the HAZ) if it is a work (strain) hardened alloy.

I bet you can find Kaiser's book on eBay or Amazon. I purchased mine new a couple of years ago so it must still be in print. I'm in a hotel room as I type, so I can't give you more specific information at this time.

Best regards - Al

 

[GTAW360]

I have found the most up to date information on aluminum consumables and welding is found in the Aluminum Association's book on aluminium welding. The book can be ordered from the Aluminum Association website. The Kaiser book is pretty old and unless revised, may not have some of the newer alloys.