AWS D1.2 Certified Aluminum Welding Consumables

Specification

Applications and Solutions

• Infrastructure and Bridges: Welding load-bearing aluminum components in public works projects.

• Rail and Transit Vehicles: Structural frame and body welding for passenger rail cars and cargo containers.

• Crane Booms and Heavy Equipment: Fabricating dynamic, cyclically loaded structural members in construction and material handling equipment.

• Military and Defense Structures: Welding aluminum components that must meet stringent D1.2 strength and quality requirements.

FAQ

• Q: What is the biggest challenge D1.2 solves for aluminum?A: D1.2 focuses heavily on the loss of strength (softening) in the HAZ of heat-treatable alloys (like 6061) and provides rules and tables (e.g., Table 7.1) for calculating the allowable reduced design strength after welding.

• Q: Does D1.2 require a specific filler alloy?A: No, but D1.2 provides guidelines on matching base metals to compatible A5.10 filler metals. For structurally critical 6061, D1.2 often pushes toward ER5356 or even ER4943 for optimal strength, rather than the general-purpose ER4043.

• Q: Can a non-certified wire be used on a D1.2 job?A: No. While the wire might meet the chemistry, the lack of certified documentation and traceability makes it non-compliant and risks rejection by the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).