When MIG welding aluminum, good welding performance starts with proper preparation, quality MIG welding techniques, and travel speed.

Watch as Alvin Kirksey, Hobart welding engineer, explains MIG welding techniques and how to set up the Miller® AlumaFeed® Synergic MIG Aluminum Welding System paired with Hobart® MaxalMIG® 4943 aluminum welding wire. He provides some basic techniques to help improve the process of welding aluminum, which will result in a higher-quality weld.

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Aluminum MIG Welding Setup and Technique

When MIG welding aluminum, help ensure good welding performance and high-quality welds with proper preparation, equipment setup and travel speed.

Alvin notes that it is important to make sure you:

• Properly prepare the part using acetone to wipe the piece clean.
• Grind the part with a stainless steel brush that is dedicated to aluminum.
• Use the correct type of wire.
• Program the feeder parameters with the data sheet found on hobartborthers.com.

From removing the oxide layer on the base metal before striking an arc to selecting the right consumables, learn how best practices can lead to the best results.

For more guidance on welding various metals and what filler metals to use in your industry, explore our collection of Technical Articles.