How to Weld Aluminized Steel
Aluminized steel is used in the manufacture of automotive exhaust parts and other items due to its heat- and corrosion-resistance. Since the aluminum is a coating on steel sheet metal, there is the possibility that the aluminum will begin to wear over time. MIG welders are used when welding aluminized steel and and can either be purchased or rented from tool stores.
Put on the particle mask. Remove the aluminum from the steel in the area to be welded using sandpaper or a sanding disc. The area will need to be completely free from the aluminum coating before beginning the welding process.
Use the shop towel to remove the sanded aluminum from the welding area. Be certain all aluminum powder has been removed or the weld will not stick.
Put on the welding mask and insulated gloves. Turn on the MIG welder and feed the welding wire until it sticks out 1/4 to 3/8 inch.
- Remove the aluminum from the steel in the area to be welded using sandpaper or a sanding disc.
- Use the shop towel to remove the sanded aluminum from the welding area.
Begin the weld by creating a weld pool at the beginning of the weld seam. A weld pool is a puddle of melted metal that will form from the heat of the torch. Once the weld pool forms, drag the wire along the length of the area to be welded until the weld is complete.
Allow the metal to cool. Clean the weld with a stainless steel wire brush to remove any rough areas. Use a shop towel to clean up weld splatter.
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Warnings
- Always weld in a ventilated area.
- Do not weld near flammable materials.
- Never look at a welding spark without the eye protection on a welder's helmet. This includes anyone in the immediate work area.
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Jeff Woodward has been writing since 2007, mostly for "Macabre Cadaver" Magazine, conducting interviews and movie and music reviews. Demand Studios has allowed Woodward to enter the nonfiction article writing market. Woodward's experiences as a parts manager in the trucking industry allow him to write articles for eHow.
