How to Weld 5052 Aluminum

Aluminum 5052, a special aluminum compound known for its heavy duty capabilities, is often utilized in shipbuilding, among other uses. According to the ASM Handbook, there are six different aluminum compounds that will weld to Aluminum 5052: aluminum alloys 4043, 5183, 5356, 5554, 5556 and 5654. These six are the only alloys that will weld together with aluminum 5052.

Aluminum welding alloy
Workbench
Safety equipment
Welder

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the workbench or area where you will be welding. Remove anything that may get in the way of the aluminum or other materials you will utilize.
- 2
  Set the pieces of metal that you want to weld together down on the workbench in the way that you want to weld them together. This includes the aluminum 5052, the metal that you want to connect it to and the aluminum welding compound.
- 3
  Set the welder's amperage between 90 and 120 amps. Pick up the welder's wand. Turn the welder on by striking the end of the welder on a piece of the metal. A flame will shoot out of the end of the welding stick. Keep it far away from your body to prevent yourself from getting burnt.
- 4
  Hold the aluminum alloy in your free hand. Guide the flame at a medium to slow speed across the aluminum alloy as it melts across the two pieces of metal that you are combining. Do not change your speed at anytime as this can cause an uneven weld.
- 5
  Click the "Off" button on the welder's wand when the weld is completed. Allow the newly welded metal to cool as it will be very hot at this point.

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