A review porosity in aluminum welding

Abstract

Aluminum is a material that is often used in the transportation industry because it has a low density, high strength, and good corrosion resistance. The transport structure requires connection to achieve a form as designed. The joint process usually uses a welding process because welding has good metallurgical properties, superior mechanical properties, and low cost. Aluminum welding generally has disadvantages. One of these weaknesses is the formation of porosity, which will affect the welded joint’s mechanical properties, so the discussion of porosity in aluminum welded joints is critical. This paper attempts to provide an overview of the formation mechanisms and types of porosity defects in aluminum alloys’ welding method. A brief description of the effect of the environment on porosity defects, the causes of porosity formation, the impact of porosity, and how to reduce porosity in aluminum welding will be discussed. In conclusion, the formation of porosity in the welding process is due to dissolved hydrogen in the weld metal, air/bubbles from the welding process, filler/filler wire, and the environment welding influence. The impact of porosity can cause cracks in welded joints, decreased ductility, and failure of fatigue. This study’s results can be used as a basis for analyzing the relationship between the welding environmental parameters and the welding defect porosity.