Welding on Aluminum Alloy Bodies - MIG Welding Conditions
1. Welding Equipment
Welding Equipment:
Must provide a maximum current of approximately 200 A.
Should allow dual purpose MIG welding of aluminum alloy and MAG welding of steel by changing attachments.
Most often used welding panels are 1.6 to 3.0 mm thick, but this depends on a skill level of the welder. Some newer equipment allows welding of panels of less than 1 mm thickness.
Refer to the welding equipment product specifications issued by the manufacturers.




Welding Wire:

Use a wire specified for MIG welding. Select an appropriate wire which results in the desired qualities (defect, strength, toughness, corrosion resistance etc.).

NOTE: The electrode wire for Honda/Acura’s aluminum alloy vehicle body should be with a diameter of 0.8 to 1.2 mm depending on the thickness of the work pieces.


Shielding Gas:

100% argon gas must be used.

2. MIG Welding Conditions

Welding Conditions (reference):
Thickness mm (in)
1.6 (0.063)
2.0 (0.079)
2.5 (0.098)
3.0 (0.12)
5.0 (0.2)
Wire diameter
mm (in)
0.8 (0.031)
0.8-1.0
(0.031-0.040)
1.0-1.2
(0.040-0.047)
?
?
Current (A)
50-70
60-110
80-120
100-140
120-170
Voltage (V)
10.0-11.0
12.0-15.0
13.0-16.0
15.0-18.0
17.0-20.0
Gas Volume L/min
(CFH) 100% Ar
15-18 (32-38)
?
17-20 (36-42)
?
10-20 (21-42)