These days, many people consider working with metal a risky job with numerous dangers. However, nobody can deny the fascinating experience that welders have. They are captivated by the world of transforming metals through the process of welding.
As the demand for welding continues to grow, various types of welding have emerged, each requiring specific skills and knowledge. This article will provide you with insights into the most popular types of welding.
What is Welding?
Welding is the process of joining two metal pieces together by applying intense heat, sometimes along with the addition of metal and gases.
How Many Types Of Welding Methods Are There?
There are numerous welding methods, including metal inert gas (MIG), shielded gas, tungsten inert gas (TIG), and electric arc.
4 Popular Types Of Welding
After extensive research, we have compiled a list of the top 4 most popular types of welding. Let’s explore them in detail.
1 – Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Definition
The first type we’ll discuss is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMAW). While its name may sound technical, you may recognize it more commonly as stick welding. This method involves the welder using a flux-covered electrode to create the weld.
Stick welding utilizes a power supply and an electric arc formed by the electric current to join the metals.
Equipment
To perform this type of welding, you’ll need a power supply and an electrode.
2 – Gas Metal Arc Welding
Definition
Gas Metal Arc Welding, also referred to as metal inert gas welding, employs a consumable MIG wire electrode to form an electrode arc. The metals are heated until they melt, and then they are joined together.
Due to the possibility of atmospheric contamination, shielding gas is fed through the welding gun during this welding process.
Equipment
This method requires a welding gun, wire feed unit, power supply, electrode, shielding gas, and a 3D printing working based on GMAW.
3 – Flux Cored Arc Welding
Definition
Flux-cored Arc Welding is a semi-automatic welding process that utilizes a tubular electrode. When using this method, make sure to continuously feed the electrode. This process typically involves the use of flux and a constant-current or constant-voltage welding power supply.
Unlike the previous method, flux-cored arc welding does not require shielding gas due to the strong protection from the atmosphere provided by the flux. However, shielding gas is still used in certain applications. This welding process is known for its impressive speed, making it commonly seen in construction sites.
Equipment
To perform this type of welding, you’ll need an electrode, flux, a constant-voltage or constant-current welding power supply, and shielding gas (optional).
4 – Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding
Definition
Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG), is a high-quality welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. This method ensures minimal atmosphere contamination by employing shielding inert gas and optionally a filler metal.
Gas Tungsten Arc Gas Welding is commonly used for welding stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and magnesium. This welding process requires advanced skills to master and is often chosen for applications that demand precision, such as construction sites.
Equipment
To perform this type of welding, you’ll need a welding torch, power supply, electrode, and shielding gas.
The Bottom Line
After reading this article, we hope you’ve gained valuable insight into the welding process, the wide variety of welding types, and the top 4 popular welding methods. Have a fantastic day and enjoy this exciting activity.
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