10. Joining by fusion welding

Aluminium and its alloys can be successfully fusion welded, however, this success does not come without challenges. The collective influence of the oxide layer, hydrogen solubility in molten aluminium, high heat capacity, and relatively high thermal conductivity demands welding parameters and processes that differ from those of other metals. Generally, aluminium can be fusion welded using many methods, but in industrial practice only a few are used.

The continuous development of welding equipment, combined with material modifications, have both maintained and promoted fusion welding as a standard joining method for aluminium.