If welding in the T6 condition, you will loose properties in and around the weld area. The properties in the welded area will be comparable to those in the annealed condition. In addition, when welding in T6 (if welding is significant)you may induce stress which may result in cracks. In order to obtain the original T6 properties after welding, you will need to re-solution heat treat (T4) and then age to obtain your T6 propertes. If you may be concerned about cracking, I would suggest annealing the part (375 F for 2 hours) prior to welding then solution heat treat and aging (after welding).
Red Flag Submitted
Thank you for helping keep Eng-Tips Forums free from inappropriate posts. The Eng-Tips staff will check this out and take appropriate action.
Reply To This Thread
Posting in the Eng-Tips forums is a member-only feature.
Learn methods and guidelines for using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs and lead time. Discover how this hybrid manufacturing process enables on-demand mold fabrication to quickly produce small batches of thermoplastic parts. Download Now
Examine how the principles of DfAM upend many of the long-standing rules around manufacturability - allowing engineers and designers to place a part’s function at the center of their design considerations. Download Now
Metal 3D printing has rapidly emerged as a key technology in modern design and manufacturing, so it’s critical educational institutions include it in their curricula to avoid leaving students at a disadvantage as they enter the workforce. Download Now
This ebook covers tips for creating and managing workflows, security best practices and protection of intellectual property, Cloud vs. on-premise software solutions, CAD file management, compliance, and more. Download Now
RE: What happens to the strength of aluminum, A356 T6, after welding
in and around the weld area. The properties in the welded area will be comparable to those in the annealed condition.
In addition, when welding in T6 (if welding is significant)you may induce stress which may result in cracks.
In order to obtain the original T6 properties after welding, you will need to re-solution heat treat (T4) and then age to obtain your T6 propertes. If you may be concerned about cracking, I would suggest annealing the part (375 F for 2 hours) prior to welding then solution heat treat and aging (after welding).