MIG or TIG. What type of welding process to use on 360 front end? | FerrariChat
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MIG or TIG. What type of welding process to use on 360 front end?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by AEman69A, Mar 23, 2011.

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  1. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #1 AEman69A, Mar 23, 2011
    Hello Gentlemen,

    I was wondering what type of welding process is used on the front end parts of the 360? Such as the radiator cage, fender, fender extension, etc.

    The parts are an aluminum alloy which under normal circumstances would use a TIG welder. But I've heard contradicting information claiming that because of the thinness of the aluminum alloy and its particular composition, MIG welding with 100% argon gas and a spool gun is just as effective.

    Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.
     
  2. jav

    jav Formula Junior

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    #2 jav, Mar 23, 2011
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2011
    tig is the preferred method. Depending on thickness, a high end mig "may" work but if you want the best weld possible, tig for sure. If your talking thin sections, the control that tig gives you is unbeatable.
     
  3. 355tsr

    355tsr Formula Junior

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    #3 355tsr, Mar 23, 2011
    Spool gun will pig tail and really makes a nasty looking weld, tig is really the only way for
    Great job , however there is a welder called a cobra that can make a mig look almost like tig
     
  4. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 fatbillybob, Mar 23, 2011
    I use both regularly as a self-taught welder. I would use tig no question. But if you have to ask the question you probably do not have the ability to do the job. So farm that out to a pro and do yourself a favor.
     
  5. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #5 AEman69A, Mar 23, 2011
    Thanks for the replies Gentlemen.

    As some of you have pointed out, the particular gause of the aluminum plays an important role. because the pars in question are quite thin, I was told a MIG will work just as well but I geuss TIG is the way to go.

    I had heard the factory uses robotic MIGs but does anyone know for sure?
     
  6. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #6 AEman69A, Mar 23, 2011
    I don't intend to do the welding myself, but tthe few shops I have spoken to have given me varying responses.

    Anyone know a decent welder in the Central NJ or surrounding area?

    Thanks for the input
     
  7. INTMD8

    INTMD8 F1 Veteran
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    #7 INTMD8, Mar 23, 2011
    Do you want to know what process was originally used or what process to use to repair it?

    You can mig aluminum with a spool gun and it should be sufficient but it will never be as good as tig.

    If you are just trying to find out what was originally used post a picture of one of the original welds. I would guess some type of robotic mig.
     
  8. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #8 AEman69A, Mar 23, 2011
    I'm looking for the process to repair it but was curious as to what the original welding technique was as well.

    Thanks
     
  9. 2NA

    2NA F1 World Champ
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    #9 2NA, Mar 23, 2011
    +1

    What are you attempting to do, a repair?

    What is broken?
     
  10. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
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    #10 Peter, Mar 23, 2011
    The factory would use MIG as it is the most expedient process... And there's nothing wrong with using MIG as a repair too. If the machine is set correctly and you have a good operator working the gun, you can get an aluminum MIG weld to look as smooth as silk.
     
  11. fatbillybob

    fatbillybob Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #11 fatbillybob, Mar 23, 2011
    An OEM's robot controled MIG welder is a taotally differnent animal than a freehand welder doing mig. That's why 99% of the time aluminum is done with tig in the field
     
  12. maurice70

    maurice70 F1 Rookie

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    #12 maurice70, Mar 24, 2011
    +1 with that..Cant beat the almost semless welds that Tig produces.
     
  13. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #13 AEman69A, Mar 24, 2011
    Thanks for the info, I appreciate it.

    I guess TIG is the way to go.
     
  14. davehelms

    davehelms F1 Rookie

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    #14 davehelms, Mar 24, 2011
    They used MIG and a combination of TIG and Gas Torch for final finish work at the body seams. I remember watching one of the body builders gas weld the top of an A pillar.

    Somewhere I have photo's I took of the bodys being welded as well as a completely paintless coupe on a chassis cart we were given for training at the factory.
     
  15. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #15 bcwawright, Mar 24, 2011
    Ever try a TIP-TIG? Wonder working for just about every type of welding job....
     
  16. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #16 AEman69A, Mar 24, 2011
    Can you elaborate on the process?

    Thanks
     
  17. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #17 AEman69A, Mar 24, 2011
    Very interesting, I appreciate the information.
     
  18. bcwawright

    bcwawright F1 Veteran

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    #18 bcwawright, Mar 24, 2011
  19. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
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    #19 Peter, Mar 24, 2011
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    At the truck tank and trailer company I work for, we use spool guns for all of the welding on the tank shells and attachments and use TIG for the piping. At one of our competitors, they use automated MIG welding on the long seams only, the rest all by hand (spool guns and push-pulls)...

    An example of a repair job we did (trailer rolled over onto it's side. The wrinkled material had been cut away before I took these photos)...
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
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  20. Peter

    Peter F1 Veteran
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    #20 Peter, Mar 24, 2011
  21. AEman69A

    AEman69A Karting

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    #21 AEman69A, Mar 25, 2011
    Peter, thanks for the pictures. I never knew that the inside of tankers were sectioned off as such but it makes much more sense now. And for the information regarding CK. Both CK and TIP-TIG are very interesting and advanced forms of welding. It's always great to learn knew things.

    I'm looking to source out a proficient TIG welder now in my area that can take on the job.

    Thanks for the advice thus far.
     

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