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When preparing an aluminum panel for welding, this often overlooked detail can cause unnecessary frustration. Let's take a look at this important step.
Poor welds occur when aluminum surfaces are contaminated. Every area of the weld joint, including the backside and the edges, should be thoroughly mechanically cleaned. If there are coatings, aluminum oxide, or any other contaminants too close to the weld zone, they can cause defects in the weld.
The best time to clean the weld zone is just prior to welding. This means that all test-fitting should already be completed before the weld zone is prepped. Aluminum oxide begins to form almost immediately, so the less time aluminum oxide has to form, the better it will weld.
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Article validated in 2025