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Aluminum's surface oxide melts at about 3,700 F. At what temperature does the aluminum underneath melt?

About 1,221 F, far lower than the oxide.

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  1. About 2,800 F
  2. About 1,221 F ✔
  3. About 600 F

Why: The tough oxide skin melts at a much higher temperature than the metal under it, which causes penetration problems. That is why the oxide must be removed before welding.

Huh, didn't know that: Hobart warns never to clean aluminum with a liquid containing chlorine, because chlorine becomes toxic in the heat of the arc.

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What did the fire say was his New Year's resolution? "This year, I'm going to new Fahrenheits."
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References

Answer: About 1,221 F. The tough oxide skin melts at a much higher temperature than the metal under it, which causes penetration problems. That is why the oxide must be removed before welding.

  1. Hobart Brothers, Aluminum Welding: Getting to the Basics www.hobartbrothers.com/resources/technical-articles/aluminum-welding-getting-to-the-basics
    it also melts at a higher temperature than the aluminum below (3,700 versus 1,221 degrees Fahrenheit)
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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