Pulsed gas metal arc welding of Al-Cu-Li alloy

An experimental Al - Cu - Li - Mg - Ag - Zr type alloy in the form of 13.7 mm thick plates was studied for its fusion characteristics using gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and pulsed gas metal arc welding (P-GMAW). High copper 2319 filler of 1.6 mm diameter was used. The burn-off characteristics of 2319 filler wire in GMAW and P-GMAW were experimentally determined, including the relation between pulse current and pulse duration for the desired one-drop detachment per pulse ( ODPP) condition and feasible range of pulse parameters. The effect of welding parameters on bead geometry and shape relationships was investigated through bead-on-plate experiments in the welding current range above the spray transition current. Reasonably good weld beads were obtained in P-GMAW at currents as low as 194 A and welding speeds of 45 cm min(-1). P-GMAW yielded significantly higher weld penetration compared to GMAW.