Can You Weld Magnesium?

Magnesium alloy is made from aluminum, zinc, manganese, etc, which has strength similar to steels. It can also be converted into strips, plates and turned into various shapes.

It is also used in aircraft as a structural metal proving how useful it is. Magnesium is a strong metal and light in weight which provides it much more strength.

Magnesium can be welded by using various types of arc and resistance welding process. You can also use Oxygule gas welding process for the welding of the magnesium.

So here you can find all the information about how you can weld magnesium and the safety precautions you need to take.

Check out these awesome welding helmets for welding magnesium:

1. Miller Electric 282000 Digital Performance
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3. Welding Helmet by Aver

Overviews of magnesium welding

Similar to the production of aluminum, magnesium is also produced with various tempers. The welding of the magnesium depends not hew work hardening and the heat treatment. In the case of base metal, the weld joint’s strength gets lowered.

This is due to the recrystallization in the heat-affected zone. By using the gas metal arc welding the effect can be minimized which is because of the greater welding speed.

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Why the welding of Magnesium is different than Steels?

There are various reasons as to why the welding of the magnesium is so different than that of the steels. If you want to get more information about it then you can read the following points.

• Due to the surface coating from magnesium oxide
• As Magnesium has a high thermal conductivity
• Melting temperature of the magnesium is relatively low
• The thermal expansion coefficient of magnesium is relatively high
• Change in the color when the temperature is near the melting point

While all the other normal metallurgical factors are also applicable to the magnesium similar to the other metals.

Various Types of Welding Process for the Magnesium

There are various types of welding process that can be used for the welding of magnesium. If you want to learn about can you weld magnesium then you need to read the following methods.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

Before the start of any welding process, you need to make sure that you take care of all the safety precautions. You can use a short arc for welding the magnesium and the torch should have a leading angle for it.

By using a filler metal during the welding you need to bring it very close to the surface. It will help in joining the main part of the welding of magnesium.

For welding the magnesium you need to use high-frequency current to start the direct current. The arc should be of high-frequency alternating current and use on the surface continuously.

You can use it on any metal just leaving the thinner materials as it might penetrate. Also, use weld bead during the welding process and the speed should be uniform. For thicker materials, you need to use argon and Helium.

Gas Metal Arc Welding of Magnesium

This welding process is mostly used for thicker sections of the materials and it is much faster than the tungsten arc welding. So if you want to know can you weld magnesium then this process can be helpful for you.

For the welding of magnesium, you can use the normal power supply and wire feeder similar to the one used in aluminum welding. While the magnesium electrode wire has a high melt-off rate which means that you need to use the high-speed gear.

If you are welding magnesium then you can achieve several types of the arc transfer process. It can help in providing you much more efficient results without causing any type of troubles for you.

You need to focus on the current density and level along with the voltage setting during the welding of magnesium. Keep the thickness of the metal in mind while using an arc for welding.

More Applicable Welding Processes

If you are looking answers for can you weld magnesium then you can find various processes which can be used for welding magnesium. You can use spot welding, flash welding, and seam welding which is very helpful.

You can also join magnesium by using brazing by using different techniques. If you are using flux for brazing then you need to remove the residue later on.

You can also use stud, gas and plasma weld for the welding of magnesium. You need to make sure to remove any fine magnesium particles from the magnesium areas as they risk of getting burnt.

You do not have to worry about fire issues during the magnesium castings as it is highly unlikely.

ALSO READ: Can You Weld Cast Aluminum?

Safety Precautions you need to consider during the welding of magnesium

In order to learn more about can you weld magnesium, you need to make sure that you follow maximum safety during the work. You need to take care of every little thing like the fire issues during the welding can be risky for you.

By using the help of these safety precautions you can prevent any major accidents.

• The first thing you need to do is buy a class D fire extinguisher when you are welding magnesium
• Make sure to keep a bucket of plain sand near the welding area
• Keep the welding area clean from the dust and shaving as they can catch sparks
• Welding should be done in a place where you have a proper ventilation system
• Magnesium particles can ignite so consider special ventilation system for it

Tips to Help you with the Welding of Magnesium

Here are some of the tips which can be very helpful for you during the welding of magnesium.

• Clean the burr and particles of magnesium from the work site
• Preheat the thick parts of the magnesium for proper welding
• Keep the arc length for magnesium much close that that of aluminum
• You can use a simple brush to remove the particles of magnesium

Conclusion

So if you really want to learn about can you weld magnesium then all the above things will prove quite helpful for you. Just follow all the safety precautions and use proper tools for the welding work.

Make sure to do such work under the supervision of an expert to avoid any accidents.