About using aluminium

[albertoxepa]

hello,
I am interested in using aluminium as a frame for the body of a 1/18th scale ambulance. I have several questions such as:
a). welding. It is difficult, the thickness is 0.8 millimetres and in the tests I have done, I have to raise the temperature of the material and it bends very easily.
Another option is to use two-component "cold-soldering" glue.

b). Painting; I know it is difficult and not just any primer will do. Is it better to sand, decontaminate and use a specific primer?

[IvanGraham]

hello,
I am interested in using aluminium as a frame for the body of a 1/18th scale ambulance. I have several questions such as:
a). welding. It is difficult, the thickness is 0.8 millimetres and in the tests I have done, I have to raise the game mod of the material and it bends very easily.
Another option is to use two-component "cold-soldering" glue.

b). Painting; I know it is difficult and not just any primer will do. Is it better to sand, decontaminate and use a specific primer?

a) Welding aluminum can be difficult due to its low melting point and high thermal conductivity. TIG welding is a good option for precise control over heat input, but if it proves too difficult, a two-component cold-soldering glue can be used.

b) Proper preparation is key for painting aluminum, including sanding the surface and cleaning with a degreaser. Using a specific primer designed for aluminum can also ensure good adhesion and a smooth finish.

[Waspie]

Having worked in the aviation business, welding aluminium is a specialist trade due to the difficulties encountered.

We also used to coat the aluminium with a chemical called 'alacrome' (to reduce the corrosive issues the metal is prone to). Then prime and topcoat.

I would suggest a specialist metal bonding compound! There used to be many two part mix that is easy to work and sets like metal. (Been a long time out of it now).

[Ian M]

What about soldering I have seen a few sets here and there.

[Mark1]

With the thickness of material your using glue is your only option really, soldering ali still needs a great deal of heat.

[albertoxepa]

thank you for your replies

the project is a long-term one; I will keep you posted on progress