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Home > Resources > Technical Guides > Aluminum Welding Guide > Drive Roll Design And Wire Feedability

Aluminum Welding Guide

View technical guides for guidance on welding various metals and selecting the right Hobart Brothers filler metal solution for your application.

Aluminum Welding Guide

Problem Solving – Drive Roll Design And Wire Feedability

All too often the incorrect choice of drive rolls is a major cause of aluminum welding wire feedability problems. The greatest majority of these problems are caused by aluminum wire shavings that originate from poor fitting and incorrectly designed drive rolls.

Listed below are suggestions on how to select the correct type and design of drive rolls:

Improperly Designed Drive Rolls Can Produce Problems

A rough surface finish produces fines and aluminum buildup in the groove. Sharp edges and misalignment of the rolls can shave the wire.

Shavings and fines can cause plugged liners and tips, aluminum buildup on the feed rolls distorts the wire and can cause poor feedability and erratic arc stability.

Note: Polish all groove surfaces, ensure both rolls are aligned, and always use the lowest drive roll pressure capable of feeding the wire in order to prevent deformation of the wire during feeding.