What characteristic of AC current is beneficial for welding aluminum?

What characteristic of AC current is beneficial for welding aluminum?

• A. Increased penetration
• B. Cleaning action
• C. Reduced arc flicker
• D. Fine adjustments

Answer: (B)

The cleaning action of AC (Alternating Current) is particularly beneficial for welding aluminum due to the unique properties of aluminum oxide. Aluminum naturally forms a layer of oxide on its surface, which can hinder the fusion during the welding process. The use of AC current allows for a cleaning action that intermittently breaks through this oxide layer. In AC welding, the current alternates between positive and negative cycles. During the positive half-cycle, the electrode becomes positive, and this causes a cleaning effect, effectively removing the aluminum oxide from the joint surface. The negative half-cycle helps in achieving a more efficient heat distribution. This dual action not only aids in preparing a clean weld surface but also improves the overall quality of the weld by ensuring proper penetration and fusion. Thus, the cleaning action provided by AC current directly addresses the challenges posed by the oxide layer on aluminum, making it a crucial characteristic for successful aluminum welding.

The cleaning action of AC (Alternating Current) is particularly beneficial for welding aluminum due to the unique properties of aluminum oxide. Aluminum naturally forms a layer of oxide on its surface, which can hinder the fusion during the welding process. The use of AC current allows for a cleaning action that intermittently breaks through this oxide layer.

In AC welding, the current alternates between positive and negative cycles. During the positive half-cycle, the electrode becomes positive, and this causes a cleaning effect, effectively removing the aluminum oxide from the joint surface. The negative half-cycle helps in achieving a more efficient heat distribution. This dual action not only aids in preparing a clean weld surface but also improves the overall quality of the weld by ensuring proper penetration and fusion.

Thus, the cleaning action provided by AC current directly addresses the challenges posed by the oxide layer on aluminum, making it a crucial characteristic for successful aluminum welding.