What Polarity Is Required to Stick Weld Aluminum?


Welding looks easy on TV, but trying it firsthand was quite an adventure for me. After considering all the intricacies, I spent hours trying to finish my first welding project. The most complex question I had to answer was what polarity is required to stick weld aluminum.  

A flux-covered aluminum electrode is used with a direct current reverse polarity (DCRP) circuit. The aluminum electrode is the positive pole, meaning that a reverse polarity is required to stick weld aluminum.

The learning curve was worth it, and I’ll be sharing all about the right polarity for aluminum stick welding here. I’ve also answered a few other frequently asked questions, so ensure to read it all.  

Selecting the Right Rod for the Job

You should use caution while selecting electrodes for aluminum welding; if not done properly, you may end up with poor outcomes. Numerous individuals prefer the 4043 electrodes for this use. 

Additionally, bear in mind that the flux will most likely spatter everywhere when working with aluminum rods. Moreover, when it cools, it may take on a muck-like look. Therefore, do not panic if it is your first encounter with something similar.

Different alloys produce a variety of variances in the sticks you end up utilizing. As a result, depending on the type of stick you choose, you may avoid this experience. However, it is critical to be aware of and prepared for the process’s hazards and eccentricities in advance.

Choosing the Settings for Aluminum Welding

Aluminum welding requires a higher powerful direct current welder and the proper electrode. Additionally, you should clean the base metal of any oxides or solvent oils and pre-heat it prior to beginning your operation. 

The remaining settings are dependent on the electrode you select. Using MG 405 aluminum rods as an example, the manufacturer recommends amperage settings of around 50-80 amps for 3/32″ rods, 80-130 amps for 1/8″ rods, and 100-160 amps for 5/32″ rods.

Can Aluminum Be Welded with an Ac-only Stick Welder?

Bear in mind that aluminum electrodes have the reverse polarity (Direct Current Electrode Positive). I’ve never heard of someone utilizing a different polarity while stick welding and thus would not advocate it. I’ve also not read anywhere that aluminum can be welded with an AC-only stick welder.

 Generally, these DC flux-coated electrodes cannot be used directly with an AC output due to the possibility of the arc being quenched during the sine wave’s zero voltage periods.

Should the Base Metals Be Pre-heated?

Most folks will recommend that you pre-heat the metal before beginning work; pre-heating the metal allows for a more seamless welding experience.

 Let’s examine how to accomplish this. Prior to beginning your weld, you can clean up the aluminum by directly applying heat to it with a torch equipped with a carburizing flame. 

This will result in the production of soot on the metal’s surface. Switch back to a neutral flame after the first step and focus the heat on the aluminum. 

Wait for the soot to disappear to determine when the heating procedure is complete. This is a rough indicator that the metal has achieved a temperature of approximately 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Aluminum Welding Techniques

Once your base metal has been heated, we can proceed with the following procedures. Before you begin welding, keep in mind that the oxide layer that covers aluminum can be removed in a variety of ways. 

The first, and most likely the best method is to use a stainless steel wire brush. You can also file the metal with sandpaper and gentle pressure or chemical etching, but the first method is likely the best and simplest.

Avoid attempting to utilize the carbon steel grinding wheel, as the results will be precisely the contrary of what was intended. It will eventually result in the oxide layer collapsing into the metal.

The angle at which aluminum should be welded is recommended to be straight toward the intended endpoint (not from an upward, downward, or another angle). This form of welding will also demand you to move while maintaining a brief arc. Keep these points in mind whenever you work with aluminum.

Stick welding aluminum is a method that is relatively similar to that of other metals but keeps these points above in mind. Additionally, you can make life easy for yourself by exposing the electrode’s tip to facilitate the starting procedure.

Should I Weld Thin Aluminum with Stick?

I could not locate a straightforward yes or no response to the question. Stick welding is challenging enough when working with thin metal sheets; adding aluminum complicates matters further. However, if you intend to employ stick welding for thin sheets, I recommend consulting an expert regarding the specifics.

Does Welding Weaken Aluminum?

It’s not only aluminum; welding a wide variety of metals often makes them weaker in comparison to the base metal if proper precautions are not taken. Thus, welding aluminum weakens it in general and for a variety of reasons. The primary cause for this is that heat alters the metal’s temper, resulting in a decrease in yield strength.

Is Brazing Aluminum as Strong as Welding It?

Brazing can generate a junction that is as robust as welding. It has gained popularity in recent years because of the several advantages it has over welding, including a lower cost of entry in terms of economics and skill level, as well as a smooth and speedy procedure. Brazed joints can be as tough as the underlying alloys employed if done correctly.

Good Alternatives to Bond Aluminum in Two Pieces

When it comes to welding aluminum, stick welding isn’t the best option; instead, GTAW or TIG welding is the favored procedure (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). One of the benefits of TIG welding is that it eliminates the need for mechanical wire feeding, which can occasionally cause findability concerns. 

Rather than that, the filler material is manually deposited in the puddle. Another advantage of this method is the cleanliness and neat appearance that results once the task is completed.

Aluminum is also frequently welded using Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or MIG welding. It has the advantage of TIG in that it travels faster and deposits at a higher rate, but it also utilizes a mechanical wire feeding system. 

Aluminum wire feeding is only possible using a spool gun. Additionally, avoid using shielding gases that are 100 percent CO2 or 75 percent argon, or 25 percent CO2. These gases are suitable for steel but not aluminum due to their inability to withstand the reactive Co2 gas.

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