8 best welding aluminum migs

Welding aluminum using the MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding process is a common and widely used technique in the world of welding. MIG welding, also known as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), is suitable for welding aluminum and various other metals. Here's what you should know about welding aluminum with MIG:

Aluminum Welding Wire: When MIG welding aluminum, you will need a specialized aluminum welding wire. This wire is typically softer and more ductile than the wires used for welding steel. It's important to select the appropriate alloy and wire diameter for your specific project.
Gas Shielding: MIG welding requires a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. For welding aluminum, a pure argon gas or an argon-helium blend is commonly used. The choice of shielding gas depends on the thickness of the aluminum and the welding process.
Welding Machine Settings: Proper machine settings are crucial for successful aluminum MIG welding. You'll need to adjust parameters such as voltage, wire feed speed, and amperage to match the thickness of the aluminum and the type of joint you are welding.Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for recommended settings.
Cleanliness: Aluminum is sensitive to contamination, so it's essential to clean the metal surface thoroughly before welding. Remove any oxide layers, dirt, or oil using a stainless steel brush or a suitable solvent. This helps ensure a clean and strong weld.
Joint Preparation: Proper joint preparation is important for successful aluminum welding. Joint designs commonly used include butt joints, lap joints, and T-joints. Beveling or grooving the edges of thicker aluminum sections may be necessary for better penetration.
Welding Technique: MIG welding aluminum requires a different technique compared to welding steel. You should maintain a slight push angle and use a weaving motion to distribute heat evenly. Aluminum conducts heat more efficiently than steel, so you need to control the heat input to prevent burn-through.
Wire Feeding: Proper wire feeding is essential to avoid issues like bird-nesting (tangled wire) and ensure a consistent weld bead. Use a wire feeder with a spool gun or a push-pull system to help feed the soft aluminum wire smoothly.
Pulse MIG Welding: Pulse MIG welding is a technique commonly used for aluminum. It involves alternating between high and low currents, which helps control heat input and reduce distortion.
Post-Weld Cleaning: After welding, it's important to clean the weld area to remove any residual contamination and improve the appearance of the weld. This can be done using a wire brush or appropriate cleaning methods.
Safety Precautions: Always wear proper welding safety gear, including a welding helmet, gloves, and protective clothing. Adequate ventilation and fume extraction are essential when welding aluminum to minimize exposure to welding fumes.

Welding aluminum with MIG is a versatile and efficient process, but it does require specific knowledge and techniques due to the unique properties of aluminum. Proper preparation, the right equipment, and attention to detail are key to achieving strong and aesthetically pleasing aluminum welds.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best welding aluminum migs on the market

Weldcote Aluminum 4043 .030 X 1 Lb. Spool MIG Welding Wire

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Weldcote Metals 4043 (commonly referred to as AlSi5) is a 5% silicon aluminum filler metal that is available in spools or cut lengths for MIG or TIG processes. This alloy is recommended for welding 3003, 3004, 5052, 6061, 6063 and casting alloys 43, 355, 356, and 214. Package of 1

HZXVOGEN MIG Welder 100V/220V 200Amp Weld Aluminum Wider LCD Display Smart Control IGBT Inverter MIG Stick TIG Mix Gases Gasless Flux Cored Solid Core Wire Welding Machine (Model: HBM2280)

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

THE MOST ADVANCED MULTIFUNCTIONAL WELDER - HZXVOGEN HBM2280 MIG welder with wider LCD displayed, it is a smart control welder. It is super easy and convenient to chose the welding mode, material, welding wires, tungsten rods, electorde and the workpiece thicness you need by spinning and pressing the buttons. It will show all the parameters clearly
CAN WELD ALUMINUM - This welder can weld aluminum, iron, carbon steel, stainless steel, etc. This mig welder came with qualify accessories: MB24 Mig Gun, graphite wire feed tube, earth clamp, electrode holder, welding brush/ hammer combo, hose clamps, gas tube and US plug. This welder features a easy carrying handle, compact design, easy for transportation and storage
MIG FUNCTION - 1. MIX GAS can use 0.6/ 0.8/ 0.9/ 1.0mm flux wire. When using 0.6/ 0.8/ 0.9mm wire, it can weld 0.7 ~ 3.4mm thickness. When using 1.0mm wire, it can weld 1.2 ~ 6.4mm thickness. 2. GAS (CO2) can use 0.8/ 1.0mm wire. When using 0.8mm wire, it can weld 0.9 ~ 4.8mm thickness, when using 1.0mm wire, it can weld 1.2 ~ 6.4mm thickness
TIG FUNCTION - Can use 1.6mm and 2.4mm tungsten.When using 1.6mm tungsten can weld 0.7 ~ 4.8 thickness, using 2.4mm tungsten can weld 1.2 ~ 6.4mm thickness. This machine came with 4 pins socket. With the 4 pins socket, you can use spool gun with this machine for aluminum welding. This machine can use WP26V tig torch.
MMA FUNCTION - Current 10 ~ 170 amp. Can weld 2.5/ 3.2/4.0mm electrode. Using 2.5/ 3.2mm rods, can weld 1.6 ~3.4mm thickness. Using 4.0mm rods, can weld 3.4mm ~ 8.0mm thickness

User questions & answers

Question:	What size wire reel does it take
Answer:	Nowhere does it state that it comes with gloves.
Question:	What amp breaker does it need to be on to not trip the breaker
Answer:	Yes it does
Question:	Can I use this to weld my motorcycle frame
Answer:	Yes, this MIG welding machine has the function of automatic adjustment of current and wire feeding speed, which is ideal for beginners.It can meet your needs.
Question:	Is it dc
Answer:	Yes, it does come with wire and is 0.8mm matched with the machine.

Product features

ZESUPER, Welder Expert

Your purchased Welder Machine is designed with the highest-quality materials, including stainless-steel and is painted with a black finish that ensures it will resist corrosion, rust, and wear and tear. Up to 160 Amp output that allows you to weld mild steel up to 1/4 in plate and to weld mild steel and other metal materials.

Easy to operate

The welder operation manual comes with the welder, and when the welder is assembled, it is easy to start working.

Clear instruction

At the same time there are instructions, the machine body has clear instructions, more convenient operation.

Overheating protection

The welder has two heat sinks, one providing air to cool the body and the other overheating protection.

Welding machine

Parameters

Rated input voltage (V) - 110V/220V
Frequency (HZ) - 50/60
Rated input power (KW) - MIG: 5.7; TOG: 4.37; MMA: 6.3
Rated input current (A) - MIG: 36.0; TIG: 28.1; MMA: 40.5
Rated input apparent power (KVA) - MIG: 7.8; TIG: 6.21; MMA: 8.9
Welding current adjust range (A) - 10 ~ 200
Welding voltage adjust range (V) - 10 ~ 26
Duty cycle (40℃ 10min) - 25%, 200A; 60%, 150A; 100% 130A
No load voltage (V) - 50V (adjustable)
Power factor - MIG: 0.73; TIG: 0.70; MMA: 0.71
Efficiency(%) - ≥80%
Protection>

ER4043 - MIG Aluminum Welding Wire - 16 Lb x 0.030"

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ER4043, commonly referred to as “AlSi5", has a 5% silicon and is the oldest and one of the most widely used aluminum welding wires for general purpose applicationsLess sensitive to weld cracking than other aluminum alloys and the 5% silicon content lowers the melting point, increases fluidity of the weld puddle and leaves a bright shiny weld deposit.ER4043 is commonly used for welding grades 6061, 6063, 5052, 3004, 3003 and cast alloys 356.0, 357.0, 413.0, and 443.0 to name just a fewMelting range is 1065 °F - 1170 °F, density is 0.097 lbs/in3 and post anodizing color is gray16 Lb of wire per Spool - Available diameters: 0.030", 0.035" and 0.045" - Select your choice from the menu.

ER4043, commonly referred to as “AlSi5", has a 5% silicon and is the oldest and one of the most widely used aluminum welding wires for general purpose applications
Less sensitive to weld cracking than other aluminum alloys and the 5% silicon content lowers the melting point, increases fluidity of the weld puddle and leaves a bright shiny weld deposit.
ER4043 is commonly used for welding grades 6061, 6063, 5052, 3004, 3003 and cast alloys 356.0, 357.0, 413.0, and 443.0 to name just a few
Melting range is 1065 °F - 1170 °F, density is 0.097 lbs/in3 and post anodizing color is gray
16 Lb of wire per Spool - Available diameters: 0.030", 0.035" and 0.045" - Select your choice from the menu.

Harris 0404329 4043 Aluminum MIG Welding Wire, 3/64" x 20 lb. Spool

The Harris Products Group

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

4043 is an all position 5% silicon alloy used to weld heat treatable base alloys. It is most often used to weld the 6XXX series of alloys. The silicon addition improves puddle fluidity, producing an appealing bead profile. It is less crack sensitive on the 6XXX series than other welding alloys. Common applications are automotive parts, truck trailers, bicycles.

Package Dimensions: 10.922 cms (L) x 31.242 cms (W) x 33.528 cms (H)
Product Type: Mechanical Components
Package Quantity: 1
Country Of Origin: Canada

Product features

Firepower

With nearly a 100-year heritage of authenticity, innovation and a deep connection with end users, Firepower products are designed to meet the unique needs of the do-it-yourselfer along with professionals who have a need to cut & weld.

Our vision is to empower people in shaping their world with our branded solutions in oxy-fuel cutting, heating and gas welding; brazing and soldering; gas regulation; automated and manual plasma cutting; plasma arc welding; arc welding and arc accessories; all of which are designed to make your job easier, faster and safer.

When you choose Firepower products, expect them to offer unparalleled performance, superior productivity and built-to-last dependability in end-user applications

Harris 0535627 5356 Aluminum MIG Welding Wire, 3/64" x 16 lb. Spool

The Harris Products Group

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Alloy 5356 is an all position non-heat treatable MIG wire used to weld the 5XXX series alloys when 40, 000 psi tensile strength is not a requirement. 5356 is a very good all purpose wire. It is the most widely used of all aluminum fillers metals. Common applications are welding of boats/ships, bicycles, trucks, pressure vessels and automotive parts.

Product Type :Mechanical Components
Package Dimensions :30.48 cm L X31.496 cm W X11.43 cm H
Country Of Origin :Canada
Package Weight :18.2lbs

LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder with Free Spool Gun, Mask, Aluminum Welding Wires, Solid Wires, Argon Regulator, Standard MIG Gun

LOTOS

Based on 209 reviews Check latest price

Product description

About Lotos Technology

Headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA, Lotos Technology supplies quality welding and cutting tools to small businesses and Do-It-Yourself (DIY) buyers. Since 2007, our products have gained recognition as a reputable source for affordable industrial and consumer based portable plasma cutters and welders. We are proud of our product, quality and after-sale service. We offer quality welding and cutting tools to small businesses and DIY buyers. Our tools help you with your DIY projects to "Cut it, Weld it, Build it" to get the job done!

The LOTOS MIG175 is one of the most versatile welders. It is able to weld aluminum with the spool gun. Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable. MIG175 can easily connected to your existing 220V wall outlet and can be setup quickly within 10 minutes. It handles industrial standard 4" or 8" wire spools and incorporates re-settable overload protection to assure long operating life.

★ Aluminum Wire Feeder--The durable high quality aluminum wire feeder offers a much more stable and better welding experience.
★Spool Gun Include-- High-speed MIG spool gun for aluminum welding, 10 feet 4 inches long, 4-prong end connection, 1lb aluminum wire with dia. 0. 9 millimeter included. Can welder 3/16" or thinner aluminum plate.
★Reliable and Durable-- Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable.
★Rated Output--175-amp MIG welder; mild/stainless steel: 18 Gauge – 1/4"; Aluminum: 3/16" or Thinner. Input voltage: 220/240V AC.
★Multi Use--Welding stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum (with a spool gun, already include in the package, no need to purchase separate) and other metal materials.
★Wire Range-- . 025"-. 030" (0. 6-0. 8mm) Solid Steel; . 030"-. 035" (0. 8-0. 9mm) Flux Cored.
★What’s Include--MIG torch, Aluminum Spool Gun, Ground Clamp Cable, Gas Hose, Argon Regulator, . 023” (0. 6mm) & . 035” (0. 9mm) Contact Tips, Welding Mask and Wire. Wire range: 0. 025 in. - 0. 030 inches
★ BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: We offer a 30 day refund and 1-year , please submit registration form on our website.

User questions & answers

Question:	Pictures says the 175 can weld and use as plasma cutter, is this right
Answer:	Hello, Flux Rx is simple and effective with levels easily achieved and maintained quickly for effectiveness when Bryopsis or Green Hair Algae are present. FishFlux Rx is an antifungal medication used to treat topical and systemic fungal infections in both freshwater and marine ornamental fish. It is used in aquariums for the treatment of fungus susceptible to Fluconazole like Ichthyophonus hoferi and Saprolegnia fungus. Regards Etherealsilver LLC
Question:	Looking to see if you have 220 plug adapters as my wall outlet and other welders and plasma use a different plug end
Answer:	You need to know what you exact tank size is. If you have a cell phone, most have a measurement calculator.
Question:	Hello I would like to use this machine with a portable generator, Do you know what specs. Should have the generator
Answer:	Hello The directions are: Turn off skimmer and discontinue using activated carbon and phosphate remover for 72 hours; they may be resumed after 72 hours but all other chemical filtration should be removed during the course of treatment. Filter socks are recommended to aid in cleaning the aquarium. Do not use if you have macro algae or a refugium. Allow 10 to 14 days for results. Also, take a look on the box if any info on amount of scoops to use. Hope this helps.
Question:	can i used this on 110 v
Answer:	Hello, The active ingredient in Flux Rx is Fluconazol (Powder). Regards Etherealsilver Team

Product features

175 A Welding Output

Suitable for welding stainless steel, mild steel, aluminum, and other metal materials.

Welding Capacity:

Mild/Stainless Steel 18 Gauge – 1/4";

Aluminum: 3/16" or Thinner.

Reliable and Durable

Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable. MIG175 can easily connected to your existing 220V wall outlet and can be setup quickly within 10 minutes.

Spool Gun Included(Aluminum Weld)

MIG Spool Gun:

High-speed MIG spool gun for aluminum welding, 10 feet 4 inches long, 4-prong end connection, 1lb aluminum wire with dia. 0.9 millimeter included.

Can welder 3/8 Inch or thinner aluminum plate.

MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder

The LOTOS MIG175 is one of the most versatile welders. It is able to weld aluminum with the spool gun. Its transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable. MIG175 can easily connected to your existing 220V wall outlet and can be setup quickly within 10 minutes. It handles industrial standard 4" or 6" wire spools and incorporates resettable overload protection to assure long operating life.

Diy Handmade Steel Fire Pit Using Lotos MIG140 and LTP5000D

Building a Welding Table Using MIG140 and TIG200

MIG175 Customer Welding Performance

Lotos Technology MSG094 Spool Gun for Aluminum Welding for Lotos MIG Welders MIG140, Black

Lotos Technology

Based on 62 reviews Check latest price

Product description

9ft 4 prong MIG spool gun with 1lb Φ0.9mm Aluminum welding wire installed; It only works for genuine Lotos MIG welders

9ft 4 prong MIG spool gun with 1lb Φ0.9mm Aluminum welding wire installed
Rated welding current: 130A@30% duty cycle; Rated input voltage: 12V
Spool size: 4
Wire feed Speed: 3.2~42.7 ft/min (1~13 m/min)
It only works for genuine Lotos MIG welders

User questions & answers

Question:	what thickness of aluminum will it weld
Answer:	No
Question:	Will this fit the Eastwood mig 250 welder
Answer:	No. MIG/FLUX core only.
Question:	Will this work with a hobart handler
Answer:	Yes
Question:	Because it spins the wire itself can you use it on a tig/stick welder
Answer:	Yes.this neck shoulder massager has heating function.