Welding of 6061-T6

[inconel]

Dear All,

I need your help.I want to join 6061-T6 plate to plate, and what is the esab/lincoln welding consumable ?What precautions I have to take during metal joining?Any Heat treatment requirement required for weldment?

Thanks and Regards,


Inconel

[arcpro]

Go for 4043 which is most commonly used for aluminium 6xxx series and available with ESAB and LINCOLN.
The heat input shall be restricted to as minimum as possible as the tensile strength reduces significantly during welding of this material. Also hardness also reduces significantly in HAZ area.
Heat treatment is recommended after welding in order to restore the mechanical properties of 6061-T6. Heating at 530-550 deg C and following quenching in water and then reheating upto 150 deg C would do the job.

[ashfaqanwer]

Hi Inconel,
The welding of 6061-T6 is tricky. The actual tensile strength of the said material is 45 ksi and as mentioned by arcpro, welding operation with high heat input will significantly reduce the tensile strength.
I would suggest you that you first consider the application of this plate as to where it has to be used, how much strength would be required in those specific conditions and then you must qualify the welding procedure with 4043. A PQR is a must before you weld.
For much of informative information follow the links below. These will surely help you out in looking into each and every dimension.
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/education/k ... 061-T6.cfm
http://www.esabna.com/us/en/education/k ... 061-T6.cfm

[mechcolor]

In my opinion, using 4346 would be the good option for 6061-T6 if you really want to heat treat and retrieve the mechanical properties. 4346 has almost the same characteristics as of 4043 but the biggest advantage is its heat treatable ability.

[inconel]

Dear all,

Thanks for quick and valuable advice.

Rgds,

Inconel