June 7, 2018 by Bob Wilson Aluminum is the most abundant metal in the earth, so it is no surprise that several industries, businesses, and even private individuals use it as a go-to metal for their products and projects. In fact, its use dates back thousands of years and proves that it is still an ideal material for many applications today.
While it’s known for being pliable, easy to work with, and durable enough to maintain its shape for a long time, it is also highly conductive and has a low melting point, making it a challenge to handle. There are different ways to combine aluminum to make sure it does not deteriorate in quality.
Adhesives
Adhesives or a special type of glue can combine two aluminum pieces. There are many types of metal glue in the market, but substances such as two-part epoxy or superglue create the strongest bonds. You can purchase these materials at your local hardware store.
After cleaning and sanding your surfaces, be careful not to touch them with your fingers since the oil from your skin can lessen the glue’s effectiveness. Afterward, you can apply the glue based on the instructions.
While aluminum is a non-toxic metal, be careful of the hazardous fumes, coming into direct contact with superglue, and other precautions. You also need to let the metals rest for at least 24 hours to allow them to stick effectively together.
Brazing
Brazing involves attaching two metal pieces with a heated alloy mixture to connect them. After using high temperatures on the joints, filler metal is melted and flows down the crack or joint, where it bonds the two pieces together.
While it is useful in forming a strong bond between aluminum, brazing may not provide the cleanest results due to the filler metal.
Welding
Professionals recommend using solder for all metal projects. Welding consists of applying heat to melt two pieces and combining them. It provides a more stable, durable, and cleaner combination, which is important when it comes to welding joints with small points. However, welding involves high temperatures. Only professionals who can handle aluminum’s properties while heated should attempt to weld if they want the best results. This is particularly important for projects such as architecture, machinery, and other structures that require permanent attachment. There are different ways to put aluminum pieces together, each with its advantages. However, if you want the cleanest joint with the best, permanent results, you should weld aluminum on your project. For welding shops in Edmonton that provide superior aluminum welding, let Advantage Manufacturing Ltd. handle all your needs. We are a one-stop shop for aluminum products and are one of the leading welding companies in the area. Contact us today and let our team provide you with quick and efficient service for all your aluminum project needs.