Effects of Si Content and Aging Temperature on Wear Resistance of Surfacing Layers Welded with 4043 Aluminum Welding Wires

Abstract 4043 aluminum welding wires are extensively used for welding 6000 series aluminum alloys due to the good flow ability of the fusion state and the low cracking tendency during welding process. Some scratches and wear on the surfaces of aluminum structural components can be repaired by surface welding with 4043 aluminum welding wires. In the present study, the influences of Si content and aging temperature on the wear resistance property of the surfacing layers welded by tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding using 4043 aluminum welding wires have been analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, hardness testing and abrasive wear testing. The results show that the increase in Si content can increase the fraction of eutectic Si particles, and the heat treatment can spheroidize eutectic Si particles, resulting in further improving the wear resistance property of the surfacing layers.