Welding rod for 6061, to be heat treated 1

[Ibreakstuffdigitally]

Hello, I'm hoping that someone could suggest a solution or a good reference for a welding rod.

We're welding a large component out of 6061, which must then be heat treated to the T6 condition.

What would be the preferred welding rod, given that post treatment properties of the weld material, and the HAZ will be critical? In other words, I'm at least as interested in trying to heat treat the weld metal as I am in heat treating the rest of the structure.

Where might I look for a reasonable value for post treatment strength in the weld zone?

I've been able to find codes for strength reductions in an untreated condition, but nothing about how much of the strength I can get back.

Thanks in advance

 

[metengr]

You have several filler metal options for welding heat treatable aluminum, like 6061. The two web sites below should be able to get you started with the necessary information.

http://www.jwharris.com/welprod/alalloys/

http://www.alcotec.com/techpage.htm

 

[boo1]

We find that ER 4043 is the refered rod.

 

[IFRs]

My 2 cents: While 5356 is a higher strength alloy, for high temperature (above 150 DegF) applications, 5356 is not recommended. ALso, if the part is imersed in some chemicals, the weld wire selection chagnes. 4043 is a more forgiving alloy, yielding better results for the average welder.

 

[Ibreakstuffdigitally]

Thanks for the help and advice.

One alloy I've come across from some of these references is 4643. Does anyone have any experience using this rod?

I'm a little concerned about what the post heat treat ductility of this might be.