Welding aluminium cleats Our aluminium cleats are easily welded to provide a strong and permanent fixing. Where an alloy cleat needs to be fixed to an aluminium surface welding can be less expensive than drilling holes and bolting on a cleat. Applications - These Include aluminium fishing boats and oil rigs. How Strong - Our van weighs about 1300 kgs (11/4 tons). Two CL220VB cleats were welded to plates, which were then bolted to the lifting eye. The van was lifted under carefully controlled conditions - don't try this at home! The suitability of cleats should be tested for each application. Available cleats: Any of our alloy cleats can be supplied in a suitable finish for welding by adding VB (vibro finish) to the part number. Painted or anodised cleats are not suitable for welding. Cleat and rope after lifting the van. When cleats are welded as suggested, tests show that the rope fails, not the weld. Welding suggestions: Clean the cleats with acetone prior to welding. Recommended process - TIG. Recommended gun - W450 water cooled. Recommended rod - 4047 10 - 12% silicone. 2.4mm (3/32") diameter. Suggested electrode, 3.2mm (1/8")Ø white spot electrode. Ø Shielding gas - Argon. Flat = 1/3 of electrode. How much weld? All our strength tests show that only the ends of the cleat have to be welded. Clamcleats Limited Watchmead Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL7 1AP England Telephone 01707 330101 Fax 01707 321269 e-mail [email protected] www.clamcleat.com