Thread: welding powder coated aluminium

Originally Posted by grover7488

hi
does anyone know if you can weld aluminium that has been powder coated. Eg an ARB roof rack?

want to make some mods and was told by said expert that unlike steel if you grind off/ remove the PC you will still get pirosity and a popcorn weld.

cheers

it is in the prep of the aluminum and not the PC its self, remove the PC and grind about 1/2 mm into the aluminum NP

As 85 County has rightly pointed out...it's all in the prep of the weld area. Clean with acetone and stainless steel wire brush if possible.
Are you going to Mig it or Tig it.....?

Originally Posted by grover7488

hi
does anyone know if you can weld aluminium that has been powder coated. Eg an ARB roof rack?

want to make some mods and was told by said expert that unlike steel if you grind off/ remove the PC you will still get pirosity and a popcorn weld.

cheers

I don't think ARB roof racks are Alloy, they are steel, too heavy for alloy and where some of the powder coating has worn , it started to rust

Originally Posted by It'sNotWorthComplaining!

I don't think ARB roof racks are Alloy, they are steel, too heavy for alloy and where some of the powder coating has worn , it started to rust

they now make aluminium too. more sizes in steel though

Originally Posted by iPom

As 85 County has rightly pointed out...it's all in the prep of the weld area. Clean with acetone and stainless steel wire brush if possible.
Are you going to Mig it or Tig it.....?

cool thanks.

If i do it myself i will MIG it but if i get a pro i would rather it TIG

Are you anywhere near the Sunshine Coast.....?

I have access to AC TIG.......

Originally Posted by iPom

Are you anywhere near the Sunshine Coast.....?

I have access to AC TIG.......

No

would love to be there. not just for the Tig but fot the nice long right-hander.. I'm sick of covering myself in rubber

Not too long and our summer water temp will be nearly as warm as your winter water...

Thanks for the offer

Ahhh...No worries Grover....shame about that though....If you are doing the prep yourself get a grinding disc specifically for Aluminium as a Steel disc will clog....If you have to do any cutting coat the disc in Bee's Wax. It helps to have clean weld prep as mentioned before .......If you don't have any Acetone a Citrus based degreaser will suffice...but you must make sure it is rinsed off and dry.......

Good luck with the project....

You should count yourself lucky....some people pay good money to dress in rubber....