Among the variety of aluminum filler metals, 4043 and 5356 alloys are the most common and the least expensive. Together, those filler metals are used for welding about 80 percent of the time and are available in wires for MIG welding or cut-lengths (often called filler rods or straight lengths) for TIG welding. Knowing how to choose between the two alloys, as well as the characteristics each provide is important to producing good weld quality.

Thin with Lab Solvent to ease spreadability. Typically dries in 24 hours, heat cure at 425 degF for 1 hour before exposing to high temperatures. Great for filling surfaces before powder coating where 2 or more coats are required.This fast curing Epoxy Metal Filler is suited to repair car surface damage to metal parts such as dents, reshaping of surfaces or fully sealing welded seams to provide corrosion protection. 3M™ FC Epoxy Metal Filler has a unique formulation, is lead-free, contains 100% solids and thus will not shrink whilst curing. It shows excellent adhesion and corrosion protection properties. Be attentive while applying the product. Its fumes may be rather toxic. Special attention should be paid to the methods of using the epoxy. Never combine the substance with any other materials you do not know much about. That depends on what the aluminum is being used for. The most common type of coating for aluminum is anodizing, which provides a durable finish and helps protect it from corrosion. Another option is powder coating, which can be customized with various colors and textures and also provides protection. There are other options such as chrome plating or galvanizing that are best suited to certain applications. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the intended use of the aluminum and any specific requirements you may have. When trying to choose between the common 4043 and 5356 aluminum filler metals, there is a series of five questions to ask to narrow down the selection. Applications that will be subject to long-term elevated temperature exposure (above 150 degrees Fahrenheit).

Please be aware that upon opening the tin the product will have settled and the resin will be sitting atop of the filler paste. The product will require breaking up and stirring for 10-15 minutes until a smooth even paste is achieved. As a rule, this factor does not influence the quality of repairs if the issue needs to be fixed. It does not matter how much time it will take to do it if you need a satisfactory result. Aluminium trihydroxide can be added to casting resins at an approximate maximum percentage of 200% by weight (e.g. 200g of filler powder to 100g of resin). Doing so will reduce shrinkage, improve thermal stability considerably and result in a heavier more substantial feel to cast products however the resin will become harder to pour and reproduction of fine surface details will be impaired as the filler content is increased.

Material types

Aluminium and its alloys can be readily welded providing appropriate precautions are taken. The most likely imperfections in fusion welds are: There are many aluminum filler metals available in the marketplace, including those for applications found in aerospace or architectural structures to filler metals for heat exchangers, trailer fabrication and more. The filler metals range from pure aluminum to varieties with added copper, silicon or magnesium. Material hardness and strength depend on alloy composition and heat treatment (solution heat treatment and quenching followed by either natural or artificial ageing produces a fine dispersion of the alloying constituents). Principal alloying elements are defined in the 2xxx, 6xxx and 7xxx series. Fusion welding redistributes the hardening constituents in the HAZ which locally reduces material strength. Processes