Welding is a basic need in many industries. Fusing and manipulating metals into shapes and products requires skilled professionals who have learned their craft from apprentice to master from the beginning. Attention to detail makes for a great welder, and great welding is highly valued in many fabrication shops. As automation continues to flood skilled trades, welding remains a skill that cannot be fully robotized, and educated welders are always in demand.
Stick Welding/Arc Welding (SMAW)
Stick welding is also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). In this method of welding, the welder uses a welding rod in a manual process, using an electric current to create an arc between the rod and the metals to be joined. This method is commonly used in the construction of steel structures and in industrial fabrication to weld steel. A welder using this method must be skilled enough to pass the weld metal through a destructive bend test. This method is fairly easy to learn, but requires a long learning curve to become a master. Stick welding also doesn’t create the prettiest finish, so it’s best reserved for welds that aren’t visible in the finished product. This method is great for equipment repairs because it works on rusted, painted and dirty surfaces.
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding or GMAW
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is also known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. This welding method uses a shielding gas along the electrodes and then heats the two metals to be joined. This method requires a constant voltage from a DC power source and is the most commonly used industrial welding process. This method is great for welding thick sheet metal into a horizontal position.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding (GTAW)
Gas tungsten shielded welding (GTAW), also known as TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, is primarily used to weld together thick sections of stainless steel or non-ferrous metals. This is another arc welding process that welds with a fixed consumable tungsten electrode, but the process is more time consuming than stick or MIG welding. The composition of the base metal is very important when using this method, as the percentage of chromium affects the melting temperature. This type of welding can be done without filler metal. Due to the constant gas flow required, this method is best performed in a chamber away from the elements. TIG welding produces beautiful welds, but is difficult to master and requires an experienced and skilled welder.
Flux cored arc welding
Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) was developed as an alternative to shielded welding. This method is fast and portable, and is the most commonly used method in construction projects. It is used in a variety of welding projects and offers great flexibility in angle, voltage, polarity and speed. This type of welding is best done outside or under a fume hood as it creates a lot of fumes during the process.
Regardless of the type of welding used for your custom metal fabrication project, it’s important to have a skilled welder who understands the intricacies of each method and the metals they work with. A quality structural steel fabrication shop will have a strong team of welders who take pride in their craft and can recommend the best type of weld for each project.
Post time: Apr-07-2023
