Method of manufacturing a consumable filler metal for use in a welding operation

Method of manufacturing a consumable filler metal in the form of wire, rod, or stick, of predetermined length and cross-section for use in a welding operation, comprising the steps of:

• providing an ingot of a first aluminium alloy and inserts or bodies of a second metal different from the first aluminium alloy;
• forming a composite product by providing the ingot of the first aluminium alloy with one or more hollow cores in substantially parallel relation to each other and locating in the hollow cores the second metal wherein the second metal is made of monolithic material;
• applying pressure to the composite product to reduce its cross-section to a predetermined cross-section to form feedstock;
• deforming the feedstock by means of mechanical pressure to form wire, rod or stick, of final cross-section so that the ultimate alloying stage of the first aluminium alloy with the second metal is performed when the wire, rod or stick is used as filler material or consumable electrode during a welding operation.