From trailer fabrication to shipbuilding and aerospace applications, companies rely on aluminum for its versatility, its strength and, in certain service environments, its corrosion resistance. Aluminum, however, requires special attention during the welding process. Proper pre-cleaning procedures, careful control of heat input and the use of appropriate welding equipment are all critical.

Proper filler metal selection is, too. 
The most common of aluminum filler metals are 4043 and 5356 alloys, both of which are available in wires for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or cut-lengths (often call filler rods) for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). Knowing the basics of how to select these alloys for a given application, as well as the characteristics of each and their welding requirements is critical to obtaining the best results. Here are some guidelines to assist you.

This article has been published as a web-exclusive on thefabricator.com. To read the entire story by Hobart Brothers/MAXAL aluminum filler metal expert, Brian Farkas, please click here.