Welding Aluminum with Helium

June 16, 2023 9:15 am

Welding aluminum with helium has several advantages, but it’s not the most common method used in the industry. Here are some of the benefits of using helium in aluminum welding:

  1. Improved heat distribution: Helium has a higher thermal conductivity than argon, which is commonly used in aluminum welding. This means that helium can distribute heat more evenly and quickly, reducing the likelihood of burn-through or warping of the metal.
  2. Better penetration: Helium can provide deeper penetration into the aluminum, allowing for stronger welds and reducing the likelihood of defects.
  3. Increased travel speed: Helium can help increase the travel speed of the welding process, allowing for faster production times and increased efficiency.

However, there are some drawbacks to using helium in aluminum welding, including higher cost and the need for specialized equipment. Additionally, helium can be more difficult to control during the welding process and can lead to increased spatter and porosity.

Overall, whether or not you should weld aluminum with helium depends on your specific needs and requirements. In many cases, argon is the preferred gas for aluminum welding due to its lower cost and ease of use, but helium can be a viable alternative in certain situations where improved heat distribution, better penetration, and faster travel speed are important.

For help on helping you choose helium over argon in welding aluminum, call the welding experts at Josef Gas at 416.658.1212, or find more information on our website here. https://josefgases.com/gas/argon-helium/