While MIG and TIG are commonly used methods for welding aluminum, there are several other types of welding that can be used:

• Laser beam and electron beam welding: Beam welding techniques are commonly used for aluminum. Electron beam welding has a very precise heat-affected zone that can be easily controlled, which makes it great for aluminum. Laser beam welding is great for fast, clean welds and is ideal for materials sensitive to cracking, such as aluminum.

• Resistance welding: This type of welding joins metals by applying pressure and passing current through the metal areas being joined. It can be used for aluminum— however, the welder must be aware of the high thermal and electrical conductivity of this metal.

• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): This type of welding could be used to weld aluminum but is not recommended. In some cases, it is used to repair cast aluminum using constant current equipment with an aluminum electrode using electrode positive polarity.

So what types of welding should be avoided with aluminum? In general, any type of welding that uses a flux is not ideal for aluminum, as it can result in porosity. These include flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding and stick welding.