Can i solder aluminium

If you are connecting two pieces rather than repairing a single object, clamp the two pieces together in the position you wish to join them. If the pieces do not fit together smoothly, you will need to make the joined areas smooth through sanding or bending. Because the aluminum should be given as little chance to oxidize as possible, you may wish to clamp the pieces together loosely, clean them while they are clamped, then tighten the clamp. Apply the flux. Immediately after cleaning the metal, apply the flux along the area to be joined using a rod of solder or a small metal tool.

This will prevent further oxide from forming and draw the solder along the length of the join. If soldering wires, dip them in the liquid flux instead. If your flux came in powder form, refer to the label for mixing instructions. Heat the metal. Use your torch or soldering iron to heat the metal object adjacent to the join, starting at the lower end of the workpiece. A direct flame on the repair area is likely to overheat the solder and flux.

If using a torch, hold the torch tip at least 4 to 6 inches Soldering irons may take up to ten minutes to heat up before they can be used.

Apply solder. Drag the rod or wire of solder material over the join, continuing to heat the area indirectly from the opposite side of the metal, or a nearby surface. It should be drawn along the gap already, but constant, slow movement on your part is necessary to create an even bead. Making an attractive and strong even join can take practice if you haven't done much soldering before.

If the solder will not bond to the aluminum, it could be that more aluminum oxide formed on the surface, in which case it needs to be cleaned and immediately soldered again. It could also be that you have the wrong type of solder, or your aluminum is actually a difficult-to-join alloy. Remove the excess flux and oxide. If you are using a water-based flux, the flux can be rinsed off with water once the finished piece has cooled. If you are using a resin-based flux, use acetone instead.

After the flux is removed, you may wish to put the finished piece in a "pickling solution" to remove any oxides that may have been created under the high heat. Just flux for aluminum soldering and lead-free solder. Avoid lead in any case. Zinc-tin solder is the preferred option. One example of flux is Russian F61A. Practice first on sample and smaller pieces of original work to understand how it works. Not Helpful 3 Helpful 6. Under what conditions could I pour molten lead on an aluminum surface and obtain a permanent bond?

It would depend on your definition of "permanent", how thick of a lead layer, and how harsh an environment the "alumi-lead" has to survive in. Typically aluminum does not "play well" with other metals.

The vapor deposit method might work if you need only a very thin layer. There is also a process in development by Luminor that can "paint" metal onto another surface, but I don't think it is widely available. Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4. There are a number of methods for pickling aluminum. Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2.

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. By using this service, some information may be shared with YouTube. Aluminum conducts heat very well, which makes it difficult to heat the one area to be joined until the entire object is hot. If you can't get the solder to melt, try placing the aluminum on a wire stand or other heat sink with a smaller surface area, or using a hotter torch. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 5. Sometimes it is necessary to heat the tip of the solder rod with the flame to help the solder flow more easily onto the repair area.

Use caution in heating the rod, as overheating will prevent the solder from bonding. Helpful 5 Not Helpful 7. Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. When using solder and flux, do so in a well ventilated area as flux fumes are toxic.

And you want to be measuring the temperature of the aluminum, not your heat source. Aluminum is a great heat sink, so the heat source will need to be even higher to get the aluminum up to the right temperature. In addition to this, it has to reach this temperature within a certain time period usually under 8 minutes or else the flux will be spent, all without having done its job.

Fortunately, there are many heating methods out there, such as ovens, induction, torch, hot plates, etc. Read the article , check out our other Aluminum Fluxes , or Contact Us about your aluminum soldering challenges. Look forward to more articles on aluminum soldering, as well as on other pioneering areas in soldering, brazing and welding. Once again, Superior Flux has made the news!

Soldering aluminum can be a challenging task without the proper tools. When faced with thin aluminum parts, we recommend soldering at a low temperature with Super Alloy 5 aluminum welding, brazing, and soldering kit. The Super Alloy 5 kit is comprised of 18 inch long aluminum alloyed rods and an accompanying powder flux. These two elements work together to enable anyone to repair aluminum with nearly any torch—without overheating or melting the aluminum.

Simply apply the flux to the joint of the thin aluminum parts, apply broad heat, and watch for the transformation. If you wish to conserve flux , you may pre-clean the aluminum with a wire brush.