Welding Tips and Tricks

I am welding a lap joint between two aluminum sheets, 2mm (top) and 1.5mm (bottom) and always end up with some degree of penetration through the 1.5mm sheet. I have read somewhere that for lap joints penetration is not necessary. I ask: If penetration occurs, is it wrong? Is it better? It's worse?

Current 60-70A, 120Hz

Thanks all.

I would say you don't need so much penetration, but I would also ask is this for a customer? If so what are their requirements?

Is there an aesthetic reason you don't want to see penetration on the back side, if this is for yourself I'd say without any other info about this weldment you're okay

LtBadd wrote:I would say you don't need so much penetration, but I would also ask is this for a customer? If so what are their requirements?

Is there an aesthetic reason you don't want to see penetration on the back side, if this is for yourself I'd say without any other info about this weldment you're okay

I do not care about aesthetics (in this case). Every inner part of the box is lined and customers can not see the inner part of the weld. My concern is only relevant if this could result in a weakening of the weld or material. I added two more (better) pictures of the exterior and interior that was welded today.

Thanks.

Looks good to me, you don't want to see too much penetration (heat input) and I think you did well

What is the base material (6061?) and what filler? Will this part get anodized?

LtBadd wrote:Looks good to me, you don't want to see too much penetration (heat input) and I think you did well

What is the base material (6061?) and what filler? Will this part get anodized?

Base material is the 5052 and the filler rod 4043. I've already been told that it would be better to use 5356 filler but it is not common to find it in my city. I found a supplier in a nearby city and I'm going to do a test next week. It will not be anodized.

Thanks.