Whether you are a skilled welder or hobbyist, you may be familiar with the four different types of welding processes. Welding is a process of fusing a wide variety of materials together that requires the application of heat and pressure to conjoin materials. While all forms of welding seek to accomplish the fusion of materials, there are four different kinds of welding techniques that are imperative to know. Each process of welding is unique and has a variety of features to consider.
What Are The Different Types Of Welding?
SHIELDED METAL ARC WELDING
Also referred to as stick welding, this welding technique relies on a consumable electrode that is coated in flux to lay a weld. Shielded metal arc welding is one of the oldest forms of welding. As such, it is a very reliable form of welding. Additionally, this is one of the most cost-efficient methods of welding as it does not require a great amount of equipment. However, this welding technique is not always the best technique to use, as the final weld that is produced can suffer from porosity, shallow penetration, and cracking.
GAS METAL ARC WELDING
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), or more commonly referred to as MIG welding, is the second most popular welding technique that is used. This welding method combines materials using a gun that is continuously fed with a consumable electrode current. This method of welding has a variety of unique benefits, to include an easy to use process that does not require a high degree of precision to produce a decent weld. While this type of welding may be a bit more precise, it can also be a bit costly and time-consuming. Finding the right equipment for MIG welding may be a bit extraneous on your wallet. Additionally, you will have to spend time cleaning your materials before you begin the welding process.
FLUX CORED ARC WELDING
The flux cored arc welding process is very similar to the MIG method. This welding technique requires an electrode containing a flux, a constant amount of voltage, and shielding gas to protect the welding surface. Additionally, flux cored arc welding has the highest welding speed and is reliable to use on a variety of materials. Although there are a variety of benefits of this welding technique, there are a few aspects you may want to consider. For example, this form of welding uses machinery that can be a bit costly.
GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING
Gas tungsten arc welding, or more commonly referred to as TIG welding, is a welding technique that uses tungsten rods to produce a well-defined and neat weld. Unlike the other aforementioned welding techniques, this method of welding can be a bit time consuming and challenging. It requires a high level of dedication and skill to accomplish a nearly perfect weld. Additionally, welders are required to thoroughly clean the surfaces of the materials before beginning the welding process.
If you are interested in welding, it is highly recommended that you become familiar with these different types of welding methods. While they may have a variety of similarities shared between them, they are unique in their capabilities. Some require different machinery, others require different skill sets. Whether you are considering becoming a welder or looking to weld as a hobby, it will greatly benefit you to become familiar with these different kinds of welding. If you really are serious about learning these methods, any good welding school can provide you with the proper training.
Joe Stephens
Joey has over 20 years of experience working in the welding industry and now works with providing readers with intensive reviews. Joey has also self-published an e-book and has written countless articles regarding welding information and safety.
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