Different Types of Welding

Despite what is portrayed in movies, welding is obviously a serious job. It is used for joining pieces of metal together and is a very knowledgeable and skilled trade. Therefore, what are the various types of welding and what are their uses in different industries?

Different Types of Welding

The following are some different types of welding and a brief explanation of each.

MIG Welding

This type of welding is one of the easiest types of welding for novices to understand. MIG welding is really two various types of welding. The first one utilizes bare wire, and the second one utilizes flux core.

Bare wire welding is utilized for joining thinner pieces of metal with each other. Flux core welding can be utilized outside since it doesn’t necessitate a gas supply or flow meter. MIG welding is generally the choice of welding for DIY fanatics and hobby welders that don’t have the money to spend on costly equipment.

Stick Welding

Stick welding, also referred to as Arc welding, is welding the way they did in the past. This type of welding is a little harder to grasp than MIG welding, however, you can purchase stick welding equipment for hardly anything if you want to try at home. This type of welding utilizes a stick electrode welding rod.

TIG Welding

TIG welding is surprisingly versatile, but it is also one of the more challenging welding methods to learn and TIG welders are very skilled individuals.

2 hands are necessary for TIG welding. The left or right hand is going to feed the rod whereas the other grasps a TIG torch. This torch is going to create the heat and arc, which are utilized to weld most typical metals, comprising nickel alloys, aluminum, steel, cobalt, copper alloys and titanium.

TIG welders can be utilized to weld steel, nickel alloys, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, chromoly, magnesium, bronze, copper, and even gold. This type of welding is a beneficial method for bicycle frames, lawnmowers, handles for doors, vehicle fenders, and more.

Plasma Arc Welding

This type of welding is a precision method and is typically used in aerospace applications in which the metal thickness is 0.015 of an inch. One instance of such an application would be engine blades or air seals. This method of welding is very likewise in method to TIG welding; however, the electrode is deep-set and the ionizing gases within the arc are utilized for producing heat.

The typical mixture of gases is argon for the plasma, with argon 3% hydrogen for the shielding. Helium can be utilized for plasma gas; however, since it is hotter this decreases the amperage rating of the nozzle.

Electron Beam and Laser Welding

This type of welding is exceedingly precise, high energy welding technique. Electron beams and lasers can be concentrated and aimed with the exceptional precision required to weld the most insignificant of implantable medical equipment but also deliver the considerable amounts of power needed to weld large spacecraft components. Electron beam and laser welding are adaptable, powerful, computerized processes. Both can create appealing welds from a metalworking and an aesthetic point of view. Both can be economical.

Gas Welding

This type of welding is seldom used any longer and has been mostly replaced by TIG welding. Gas welding equipment necessitates oxygen and acetylene and is very mobile. They are still occasionally used to weld portions of vehicle exhaust back together.