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Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:13 am
by hendeg
I have a mate that would like to weld thin aluminium sheets to his iron gates.

I was just wondering if anyone knows if this is possible or he should just cut holes in the sheet and use cable ties.

Re: Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:20 am
by BiggestNizzy
No you can't weld it together.

Re: Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 11:57 am
by Rich H
Technically Incorrect. It can be done with friction stir welding.

But rivets, screws, bolts are the only real practical means.

Re: Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 12:13 pm
by BiggestNizzy
Rich H wrote:Technically Incorrect. It can be done with friction stir welding.

But rivets, screws, bolts are the only real practical means.
you learn something new every day, I am suprised cast iron* takes to anything it's sh*t



*I assumed they were cast

Re: Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 12:43 pm
by hendeg
Thanks guys. I suspected it was possible but very difficult.

Nothing like a challenge for SE though...

Re: Welding aluminium to iron (NLC)

Posted: Fri May 04, 2012 12:46 pm
by Rich H
Apparently can be explosively welded too.
Apparently cruiseliners use Friction stir to weld ali superstructures to steel hulls.
I suspect that it's got to be special types of steel though to stop it rotting instantly.