Can You Weld an Aluminum Fence?
Very often, when you’re installing any kind of fence, you will run into situations where you need to modify your fence or gates or both.
Since many on-site modifications often require welding, it’s not uncommon to ask the question, “Can you weld aluminum fence?” Here’s what you need to know.
You Can Weld aluminum Fence
The first thing you need to know is good news: you can weld aluminum fences and gates.
Since welding is the process of melting two metal edges while they are close together and then allowing those edges to merge, it’s actually possible to weld many different types of metal.
In fact, aside from aluminum and carbon steel, you can weld copper, titanium, nickel, tin, and several other metals. However, there’s a little more to it than that.
Different Consumables for aluminum Welding
Most metals are MIG welded, TIG welded, or stick welded, and that usually applies regardless of the metal you are welding because you will use the same equipment, and that’s how each kind of welding gets its name.
However, while you’ll still use the same welding equipment, the consumables required for welding aluminum are different.
For instance, you will need different types of MIG wire to MIG weld aluminum, or you will need different types of welding rods to stick weld aluminum.
If you already weld steel, the best thing you can do to ensure you’re using the right materials and consumables for your aluminum welding project is to speak to your welding supplier and ask them what they recommend. They should be able to tell you exactly what else you will need to get the job done right.
Recommended Product: Aluminum Welding Rods
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If you plan to weld an aluminum fence or gates on site, you might be considering stick welding or arc welding, as it's also known. Before you do, remember to stock up on welding rods that are made for welding aluminum. We recommend buying more welding rods than you think you will need so you have some extra to practice on scrap material before you get to the main job. |
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Is It Easy to Weld Aluminum Fences?
Another common question people ask about welding aluminum fences is whether it’s easy.
Unfortunately, the answer is usually no.
Even if you are used to welding steel, aluminum is a much softer metal, and it’s a lot easier to overheat the area being welded and ruin the material than it is with steel. So, it really requires a lot of skill to do this kind of welding.
Many aluminum fences (like ornamental fence systems) also have components with very thin wall thicknesses, which means they’re even harder to weld.
If you’re not a professional-level welder, this is definitely a job left to the pros, and even if you are, make sure you give yourself time to practice on some scrap material before you tackle the job of welding aluminum fences and gates.
What Else Should You Know About Welding Aluminum Fences?
The good news about welding aluminum fences and gates is that aluminum doesn’t rust, so you don’t need to worry too much about treating the welds after you’ve done the job.
However, many aluminum fence systems are painted or powder coated after they are manufactured, so you will probably have to spend some time cleaning those coatings off the area to be welded and reapplying a touch-up product after you’ve finished welding the fence or gate.
