Welding 5086 Alum With 4043 Filler? 2

[tc7]

We have some cabinets to build for a bank of electronic equipment which must withstand a severe vibration and impact environment. The specified mat'l is 5086-H116. We TIG welded the first cabinet. Our weld procedure calls for fillers 5356 or 5556. Everything appears to look good and met all visual and NDT inspections.
However, we determined afterwards that 4043 filler was used. Since the project is commercial item and not subject to either AWS or military reqts, and the inspections show the welds to be acceptable can I deduce that 4043 filler is metalurgically compatible with the 5086-H116?

Advice please.
Should I repost this question on the Metallurgy forum?

Thankyou.

P.S. We have investigated why deviation from procedure occured and have corrected that problem.

 

[Goahead]

If the cabinets are to be anodized the 4043 welds will stand out. You will also have less ductility and less strength than with the specified material.
The customer should determine if the deviation is acceptable.

http://www.welding-advisers.com/

 

[kenvlach]

Re "If the cabinets are to be anodized the 4043 welds will stand out."
-- Unless the anodize is dyed black.

 

[9687]

No! 4043 is not a copatable filler metal for that base alloy. Your welders screwed up.Please don't try to butter over with 5356 now or you will have worse problems with mag silide weld fractures.The welds have to be cut out and replaced with 5356 or you are putting your company in a very bad possion. Sorry.

 

[weldtek]

tc7
What bothers me most about your question is that fact that you say they 'must withstand vibration and impact environment'. While it's difficult to imagine a cabinet in this service, nevertheless, I would be concerned as to the ability of the welds standing up. If I were you and wanted to get an expert opinion I would contact the folks at alcotec.

 

[tc7]

Hi Weldtek-
I'm glad you replied as this reminded me to close this issue out. We have been in touch with Mr. Anderson at Alcotek and he offered MUCH valuable advice and as suggested by other, the 5356 rod was the appropriate selection.

Thanks to all for your interest in my question.
Regards,
T