what kind of aluminum

[washxawayxevil]

I need to know what aluminum kawi uses in their frames. more specifically 04 636. I am haveing a subframe modified to fit my 02 and the welder needs to know what material to use. thank you!

[Hammerhead]

I believe it's either 4061 or 6061 alloy. Could be a combination where the extruded parts such as main beams are 4061 and cast parts such as the steering head and sideplates are 6061 More tuned flex has been engineered into modern frames to act as sort of a "sideways suspension" and the softer alloys are more widely used.

[washxawayxevil]

thank you sir! I even called kawi themselves and the customer service reps had no idea.

[Hammerhead]

You might actually try calling a Honda shop. Several years ago they had warranty problems with alloy GoldWing frames cracking and the repairs were done in-house, so I'm sure there's nothing very exotic about Kaw frames.

[Hammerhead]

I may have given you some misinformation. I found nothing on 4061 alloy, but there is a 4043, which is not commonly used. The other common alloy is 7075 which is also referred to as aircraft aluminum. And cast alloys have a different designation altogether. A -T suffix refers to heat treatment of which there are quite a few different numbers to designate different heat treatment procedures.

[washxawayxevil]

So all in all what do you think I should tell the guy it is, he claims that it has to be the same for it to be tig welded, which I dont beleive is true. could be wrong I dont know much about TIG welding at all. Should I just tell him that it is 7075?

[nauticalmike]

Yes the guy doing the welding is correct He should definitely use the same alloy. Although anothe alloy would work, specifically a 4000 series will work to weld all of the othe alloys, but you waant the weld metal to have the same properties as the parent metal especially on something as critical as the frame on you bike. That said, my guess would be that they use a 6061 T-6 because it is commonly used for similar things because it's properties are ideal for it.

[rookie6r]

IF THE WELDER DOES NOT KNOW, HE SUCKS, FIND A NEW WELDER!
use 4043 filler (in my opinion)
your frame is most likely 6061
o temped
formed/casted/forged etc..
welded with 5556 or 5356
then heat treated
next straightend
aged(hardened)
paint
final machine work

the reason for using 4043... it has more flexabilty, less pron to cracking via your app. leaving a smaller stress riser.
useing 75/25 ...75%HE 25%AR would helpful
repair or any mod involving welding to al. this would be best BECAUSE YOU MOST LIKELY WILL NOT BE GOING THRUOGH THE HEAT TREAT PROCESS/OR HAVE THE EQUIP. TO DUE SO.
good luck..

note...7075 {NOT WELDABLE} 7005... is and air ages(no heat treat) ,but find it VERY VERY VERY unlikely kawi used any 7000 al on the chasis.

[unforgivenreality]

i agree if he uses 4043 filler it would be sufficiant

[washxawayxevil]

thanks guys, after some research I am 98% positive it is 6061 T6, but I have to slow up and this project, A because the welder said he dosnt want the responsibility of doing it any more. and B. I dont have the funds at the moment. Still gunna do it just going to take a bit longer than I expected