Hi all,
I've bought a welded aluminum cap for my truck, and I noticed
a fairly strong manufacturing smell. Aluminum itself has no smell
of course, so I guess this is left over from welding. I am wondering
if there is a standard way to clean welded aluminum to remove
any scents or toxic residues.
Thank for any help.
It is highly unlikely that you're smelling anything due to welding.
Most likely what you're smelling is outgassing from the solvents
used in the adhesive which attaches the rubber seals to the
shell. That'll stop in a few months.
Gary
It's definitely a metallic smell. I sniffed the rubber pads and
it's different--not entirely different, though. I suspect the rubber
is a component.
Could this smell be due to the flux used?
Flux is only used to gas torch weld aluminum. I very seriously
doubt that's how the cap was welded (normally it would be MIG
or TIG welded). One other possibility, however, is the lubricant
used when forming the pieces. That may not have been thoroughly
cleaned off, and does have a pronounced odor.
Gary
PolyTech Forum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.