If you plan on hiring a welding company to put together products for you, you might be wondering about the processes or materials used. Depending on what your project entails, there might be certain limitations or obstacles to overcome. For example, if you plan to use both aluminum and steel, there are some factors to consider. The following guide outlines what you should know in these cases, so you know what to expect when working with a professional. 

Does Welding Work When Using Aluminum & Steel?

Aluminum and steel can’t be welded directly together due to the compounds of each element. When the two substances are welded directly together, they become brittle and frail, which could compromise the stability and integrity of your structure or product. Luckily, though, there are work-around solutions that allow fabrication professionals to utilize both materials within the same product. 

How Can Welders Use Aluminum & Steel Together?

In the event your prototype requires both materials to be welded together, professionals will utilize one of two methods. The first is creating a bimetallic transition insert. With this approach, welders use supplementary pieces of metal that are easier to shape and adhere to bond the two pieces together. The second approach is to apply a protective coat to the steel before you begin bonding it to the aluminum. This will help prevent the material from becoming brittle once it’s exposed to the intense heat involved in the welding process. 

When you have welding projects that need to be done, turn to the professionals at Nadler Welding & Repair Shop. Based in Wentzville, MO, and serving residents throughout St. Charles County, they have close to 70 years of experience handling a variety of projects, from metal fabrication to cast welding. Visit their website to learn more about what they do, and call (636) 327-4404 to discuss your project with a team member today.