Metal inert gas welding of Al-1010/TiC/50p composites was carried out on 9 mm thick square bars by applying the electric arc directly and indirectly. Three pre-heating temperatures were used, 50, 100 and 150 degreesC but only direct electric arc (DEA) was applied at room temperature. Welds were microstructurally examined and tested under tensile load. Complete penetration was achieved using both DEA and IEA methods. Uniform welds were obtained using indirect electric arc ( IEA), meanwhile broadening was observed in the upper part in DEA welds facilitated by mixture of the base material with the filler. Microstructural observations showed good lateral fusion of the parent composites, little or no dissolution of TiC by IEA and only slight dissolution by DEA, which led to TiAlx formation during solidification. The presence of Al4C3 was not detected. Microhardness weld profiles revealed that the use of IEA reduces the heat affected zone (HAZ). Mechanical failure of the samples was consistently in the weld zone. Mechanical strength in IEA welds (182 - 186 MPa) was consistent irrespective of the pre-heating conditions and dependant only of the consumable (Al-2024). The mechanical strength of DEA welds was affected to some extent by the incorporation of the reinforcing particles into the weld region and wettability aspects inherent to the welding conditions. The use of IEA seems to be a suitable route for joining Al-based composites even when the reinforcement content is high. (C) 2003 Kluwer Academic Publishers.