How to Weld Magnesium – TIG Basics

Countless welders are hesitant to try welding magnesium, despite the fact that it is possible. If magnesium is heated far too much, it will burst into flames and help you start a magnesium fire once it has begun.

Magnesium has a high boiling point of 880degrees Fahrenheit and burns at 4,010 degrees Fahrenheit. Because this level of heat can transform liquid or even carbon dioxide into fuel, few people want to try welding magnesium.

How to TIG Weld Magnesium?

Step 1: Identify the Surface

It's frequently difficult to tell what metal you're working with because they all seem similar. It's much more difficult to distinguish magnesium from aluminum because the two are physically and aesthetically similar. As a result, this is a major issue. TIG welding magnesium & TIG welding aluminum are two fundamentally distinct processes.

Using the inappropriate procedure on any one of them will have disastrous consequences. That is the chief factor why you should always inspect the base metal prior to welding it.

Step 2: Alloyed Composite Classification

Alloyed composite classification is a term that refers to a type of identification when it comes to TIG welding, simply determining if the metal is aluminum or magnesium isn't enough. You should also verify the alloy makeup of the metal. Magnesium is seldom present in pure form on earth due to its strong reactivity.

Consequently, it is always combined with other metals such as aluminum, zinc.  Magnesium alloys are the result of these unique mixtures. After determining that the welding component is magnesium, the next step is to determine the metal's alloy. And, depending on the combination of metals, the filler metal will alter too.

Step 3: Ensuring the Welding Area

Now that all metal and alloy issues have been handled, it's time to go back to welding! Confirming the precise welding area is the first step to preparing the magnesium for welding. This assists in the appropriate preparation of the welding metal component.

In a nutshell, it's like a small map that guides you through the processing phase. If you're skilled enough, you can make a visual mind map for the exact place. Alternatively, you may use a metal pen to just sketch around the borders that you'll be working on later.

Step 4: Grinding the Welding Area

It's essential to bring in the heavy guns now that you've decided which sector you'll focus on. You may now begin grinding the area, which is a crucial stage in the welding process. It will assist you in filling in the gaps throughout the foundation.

Many welders, on the other hand, prefer to aggressively break the surface rather than grind it. After that, they use the filler material or magnesium beads to fill or hide the crack. Meanwhile, because all of the holes are roughly the same size after grinding, filling becomes easy. That way, the filler material can quickly reach all of the crannies with no effort.

Step 5: Filling Up the Gap

Finally, use the filler metal to fill in the gap created by grinding. Remember to correctly set the temperature before beginning to weld.

Also, utilize inert gases as a buffer, particularly Argon, because reactive gases and alloys will burst into flames at this temperature.

What’s The Best Way To Weld Magnesium?

When it comes to mending magnesium castings, it's crucial to remember that, while there are alternative options, TIG welding is by far the most popular procedure.

Argon is the preferred gas for AC-TIG welding of magnesium; however helium and argon–helium mixes can also be utilized. Argon produces a broad, deep piercing weld bead, although the weld appears brilliant and shiny.

Can You Weld Magnesium with A MIG?

Of course, you can weld magnesium with MIG. For MIG welding on magnesium alloys, substantial progress has been achieved in the domains of welding sources of power and filler materials. This advancement led to a better welding technique and, as a result, far better welding results.

Do You Weld Magnesium on AC or DC?

Ac or alternating current is used for welding magnesium. Cleaning, which includes the removal of surface oxide? So when the electrode is negative in relation to the material, the electrons carried heat into the work material, frequently fairly deeply, resulting in perfect penetration.

Final Note

There you go. We have shown you how to weld magnesium step by step. Follow our procedure to weld on your own at home.