I think I know the answer to this question but I want to make sure
since i'm not an expert on metal.

When welding metal together, it has to be the same or similar metal,
correct? Therefore, for example, I assume aluminum and steel can't be
welded together. How can I learn about what type of metals can and
cannot be welded together?

Thank you

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I think I know the answer to this question but I want to make sure
since i'm not an expert on metal.

When welding metal together, it has to be the same or similar metal,
correct? Therefore, for example, I assume aluminum and steel can't be
welded together. How can I learn about what type of metals can and
cannot be welded together?

Thank you


When I went to welding school, I got the best book I have ever seen about
welding. I wish I could find it again.

In it was a section about welding "dissimilar metals." It can be done, but
it has limits, and then, the finished product has/may have properties that
are weaker than the parent metals.

I just googled dissimilar metals, and the second hit was ARC WELDABILITY OF
DISSIMILAR METALS. Should give you lots of reading time.

That seems to be the proper term.

Steve

On 13 Mar 2006 17:16:11 -0800, wrote:

When welding metal together, it has to be the same or similar metal,
correct?

Almost any combination of metals can be welded, but the techniques
needed for some combinations are very complex.

Some techniques, like friction welding or explosive welding, are
relatively good at these awkward heterogeneous welds. One technique that
is used and is relatively easy is to have a coupler disk or tube of two
metals welded for you by a specialist, usually with one of these
processes. The two sides of this disk can then be welded into your
structure as two distinct homogeneous welds, by standard techniques.

It's also possible to join many combinations, only to have them crack or
warp when cooling down.

How can I learn about what type of metals can and
cannot be welded together?

Standard textbook (try the S/H racks in a university bookshop). Read the
hands-on guides for what you can weld together, read the theory books
for descriptions of techniques you'll probably never see.

For "commonplace" welding techniques, then many metals can be joined
provided that your skill is adequate and their melting points aren't too
dissimilar - one trading off against the other.TIG will join a lot of
things, so long as you have the skill to control heat accurately enough.

PS - the newsgroup sci.engr.joining.welding is good too.