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Aluminum tig weld appearance

I've noticed that when I'm tig welding with aluminum I'll get small patches after welding that look pretty shiny but the rest of the weld is dull. Is the entire joint supposed to be shiny? For instance today I did two different welds. Both looked good except for the dullness. Both were using a Dynasty 300DX with a watercooled torch. One was:

1/4" fillet with 4043 filler. Argon: 15 CFH Tungsten: 3/32" lanthanted (2%) Gas lens collet with #8 cup Current 250A Frequency: 120 HZ Balance: 65% Tungsten extended approximately 1/4"

1/8" butt with 4043 filler. Argon: 12 CFH Tungsten: 1/16" lanthanted (2%) Gas lens collet with #8 cup Current 110A Frequency: 120 HZ Balance: 65% Tungsten extended approximately 1/8"

Reply to
signaturefactory
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Dullnes is usually a shielding problem, but could be something else. Your settings seem fine.

Are you keeping the torch at a steep angle (around 70 - 80 degrees)? Are there any drafts in your shop? Is the metal really clean?

Reply to
Ernie Leimkuhler

There shouldn't have been.

Probably not as clean as it could have been. I just wire brushed it and nothing else.

I'll pay more attention to those three things next time I weld. Should an aluminum joint always be shiny?

Reply to
signaturefactory

Yes unless you are getting etching from the high frequency, or the metal or filler rod is dirty

Reply to
Ernie Leimkuhler

I've also seen that dull appearance caused by excessive gas or 'jetting' of the sheilding gas.

Reply to
Potblak

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