Welding Solutions

for Aluminum
Game Change
By 2025, the average car on the road in North America is projected to be 18% aluminum.1 The
new CAFÉ standards as well as consumer demand are forcing lightweighting to improve fuel
economy. With bumpers and body parts next in line for conversion, more plants will be faced
with arc welding on thin aluminum parts.

You still have high production targets, but welding on aluminum can be trickier than on mild
steel. Costly rework due to burn-through and distortion rises. Aluminum wire is soft and can
be a real problem to feed. And a robotic automation system that could easily manage mild
steel now doesn’t operate at the same level of efficiency.

Lincoln can help. We are at the forefront of aluminum welding technology and have developed
a proven, innovative waveform to speed up the aluminum welding process. Both travel speed
and weld integrity are impacted by welding wire, and our aluminum wire is the highest quality
in the industry with unique feedability. Lincoln’s robotic automation is state-of-the-art and
our automation expertise extends to upstream processes, including hydroforming, machine
tending, progressive stamping presses, laser processing and a wide range of fastening and
welding systems. We stay a step ahead, so when the game changes, we can help you do
the same.

1
Why-automotive-engineers-are-increasing-use-of-aluminum-now. (2015, January 1). Retrieved January 1, 2015.
Precision Welding
There is no doubt welding thin-gauge aluminum auto parts
presents a challenge. There are issues of travel speed, burn-
through and distortion. Lincoln has optimized every element of
aluminum arc welding to help you master the process.

Superior welding wire

All welding wire is not created equal. Wire quality is a key factor
in productivity, and aluminum wire quality is even more critical
because it is soft and difficult to feed. Generic wire can cause
burnback and the line can be interrupted by tangles at the
feeder. Lincoln Electric’s SuperGlaze® aluminum welding wire,
manufactured to specifications higher than industry standards,
is chemically and mechanically consistent, to deliver consistently
high performance.

Unique wire feedability

Superior welding wire is not the complete answer; a fully
engineered solution includes the wire packaging. Lincoln has
developed Gem-Pak™, a unique bulk welding wire packaging
system that ensures consistent wire delivery. The combination
of high quality wire and even dispensing results in the highest
aluminum welding wire feedability in the industry, for less
downtime, less rework and cost savings. Our automotive
customers have
proved it.

Advanced waveform
Lincoln has long been a technology leader in welding, and we are
at the forefront of the auto industry’s recent use of aluminum.
We have developed AC Aluminum Pulse™, an innovative
waveform that eliminates burn-through and improves travel
speed and deposition for better and faster aluminum welds.
Robotic Welding
Automation
Lincoln Electric has a full portfolio of robotic automation
equipment and deep experience supporting the automotive
industry. We can help you design, build, install and run
a reliable, robotic line that will perform, even with the
challenges of welding aluminum.
Our automation lines include arc welding, spot welding,
mixed spot/MIG welding and material handling, and can be
customized to your part. We have partnered with robotic
providers to provide aluminum-specific equipment. With
Lincoln as your automation supplier, travel speed is optimized
and reprogramming is user-friendly. We work toward your
objectives of decreasing manufacturing costs, increasing weld
quality and improving welding productivity.

Upstream automation
The effectiveness of upstream processing impacts costs,
assembly repeatability and of course, welding. Look
to Lincoln for experienced automation solutions for
hydroforming, machine tending, progressive stamping
presses, laser processing, and a wide range of fastening and
welding procedures. Lincoln’s upstream systems can be
found on the latest subassembly and assembly lines. Our
hydroform tube handling, laser cutting, and flow drill screw
equipment has been integrated into compact, reliable and
high-performing systems for major automakers. You can also
count on Lincoln for stand-alone laser cutting systems.
LINCOLN ELECTRIC: WELDING SOLUTIONS FOR ALUMINUM
CHALLENGE: Aluminum welding is SOLUTION: Lincoln SuperGlaze aluminum wire performs better because it’s
difficult enough, but welding with The tight distribution
engineered to specifications beyond the industry standard. We use only prime
inconsistent wire chemistry can make shown in this graph
aluminum ingot, no scrap, then process the wire to a precise diameter in a multi-step
it even more challenging, creating illustrates the highly
cleaning and finishing operation. The result is wire that is chemically and mechanically
variations in the weldabiliity. consistent composition
consistent with a smooth surface finish, so it’s easier to feed and provides a more
of Lincoln’s SuperGlaze
stable arc.
aluminum wire.

Chemical Composition of SuperGlaze Wire

CHALLENGE: Generic aluminum wire SOLUTION: SuperGlaze wire not only surpasses industry
Annualized Savings $ Data collected
is hard to feed. It can tangle into specifications, it is also bulk packaged with a controlled savings over 13,800
“bird’s nests” at the drive roll, slowing winding process. As a result, SuperGlaze wire in Gem-Paks converting to Contact tip usage 31,000 production
productivity. is guaranteed tangle-free, with less spatter and fewer liner Lincoln Electric Contact tip labor 86,000 shifts using
and tip changes. With Gem-Pak, automotive plants have SuperGlaze
Liner usage 28,000 30 welding
realized savings up to 100% of the cost of the wire. aluminum robots at an
wire in Liner labor 12,000 automotive
Gem-Pak bulk Average cost to reweld 233,000 parts plant
packaging
Increase In production 327,000
Conversion to bulk pack 6,000
$723,000
WELDING

CHALLENGE: When optimized, SOLUTION: AC Aluminum Pulse is Lincoln’s proprietary waveform

aluminum welding is performed UM for aluminum. Compared to traditional pulse welding, the waveform
The AC Aluminum
“hot and fast”. The high thermal increases travel speed up to 40%, decreases burn-through, increases
Heat Input (degrees)

Pulse waveform can

IN
SE

conductivity of aluminum means deposition up to 75%, improves gap bridging and improves weld bead
be run at a higher
UM

temperature settings have to be higher profile. Show side weld distortion apppearance is also improved.
PUL

wire feed speed than

for effective welds, but unless travel
AL

traditional pulse
speed is fast, you risk burn-through,
AC

welding without
especially on thin parts.
burn-through.
Wire Feed Speed (in/min)

CHALLENGE: Multi-step welding

operations can be complex, especially The Weld Sequencer® software SOLUTION: Weld Sequencer is process control software for Power
when there are varying part designs for the assembly of this part Wave® welders that can assist operators in programming multi-step
and multiple welds. controls 11 welds, 2 welding operations. It can improve procedures for every weld and maintain
procedures and a welding tight control of weld parameters when part designs and weld
sequence to minimize distortion. sequences vary. Weld integrity improves and rework is reduced.

CHALLENGE: The tricky process of SOLUTION: Lincoln offers a full portfolio of robotic automation equipment to support
welding aluminum requires automated aluminum arc welding technology. Both pre-engineered and custom solutions are available.
lines that are state-of-the-art, flexible What sets us apart is our integrated approach, coordinating robots and hardware with
ROBOTIC and reliable. software, waveforms, best-in-class consumables and even automated upstream equipment.
WELDING Robotic systems for aluminum welding can increase weld quality, decrease manufacturing
costs and free up your skilled workers for more challenging tasks.
AUTOMATION
Our Power Wave advanced welding system is a proven, reliable solution for robotic aluminum
welding. The Lincoln AutoDirve™ SA servo torch system is a fully integrated push-pull wire
feeding system, optimized for aluminum feeding.
Automation Solutions
Lincoln Electric’s expertise goes beyond the weld process to all
aspects of automated metal fabricating.
• Flexible, automated systems for metal forming, fabricating
and joining, including fixturing, laser and plasma cutting
systems, press automation, tube bending and fabricating
systems, tubular hydroform/structural frame automation and
build-to-print manufacturing services
• Turntables, positioners, robot transport units, tool shuttles,
transfer fixtures, conveyors and lifters
• High quality toggle, tube and wire clamps and retract
pin devices
• Lincoln’s advanced automation team is experienced in
all sorts of upstream automation, including stretch bend
capabilities, components processing such as maching and
de-burring, and laser cutting and welding

Environmental Solutions
Lincoln Electric supports safety and regulatory responsibility
around the welding process with a full suite of audit services and
safety equipment, including:
• Portable, stationary and engineered weld fume
control systems
• Systems for fire detection and suppression

Robotic Welding Solutions

Lincoln Electric knows welding, and we also know automation.
We have the depth and breadth of experience to deliver the
fastest, highest quality, most repeatable results for your robotic
line. Our advanced technologies include:
• Workhorse welders
• AutoDrive SA Servo driven feeding
• Innovative waveform technologies for strong, clean welds
• Unique welding consumables to optimize your results
• Laser welding systems
www.lincolnelectric.com/tig-welders | 7
 Lincoln Electric is the world leader in arc welding equipment, consumables and automation. We have been at the forefront of welding
technology for more than one hundred years. Our product line now spans the breadth of the assembly floor, from plasma and oxyfuel
cutting systems to arc welding products, weld fume removal products and robotic welding systems.
We offer a complete line of welding automation equipment and solutions for automotive assembly plants. We can customize your
system with flexibility to meet the rapid changes in the industry. And with Lincoln, you receive full support, including modeling, procedure
development, on-site programming, and training.

C U S TO M E R A S S I S TA N C E P O L I C Y
The business of The Lincoln Electric Company® is manufacturing and selling high quality welding equipment, consumables, and cutting equipment. Our challenge is to meet the needs of our customers and to exceed their expectations. On occasion, purchasers may ask
Lincoln Electric for information or advice about their use of our products. Our employees respond to inquiries to the best of their ability based on information provided to them by the customers and the knowledge they may have concerning the application. Our employees,
however, are not in a position to verify the information provided or to evaluate the engineering requirements for the particular weldment. Accordingly, Lincoln Electric does not warrant or guarantee or assume any liability with respect to such information or advice. Moreover,
the provision of such information or advice does not create, expand, or alter any warranty on our products. Any express or implied warranty that might arise from the information or advice, including any implied warranty of merchantability or any warranty of fitness for any
customers’ particular purpose is specifically disclaimed.
Lincoln Electric is a responsive manufacturer, but the selection and use of specific products sold by Lincoln Electric is solely within the control of, and remains the sole responsibility of the customer. Many variables beyond the control of Lincoln Electric affect the results obtained
in applying these types of fabrication methods and service requirements.
Subject to Change – This information is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of printing. Please refer to www.lincolnelectric.com for any updated information.

The Lincoln Electric Company

22801 St. Clair Avenue • Cleveland, OH • 44117-1199 • U.S.A.
Publication MC15-72 | Issue Date 05/15
© Lincoln Global, Inc. • All Rights Reserved. www.lincolnelectric.com