An Insight into the Various Welding Techniques

Welding is a technique that has been used to join metallic parts together for a long time. It was first used to manipulate iron into shapes that are usable like welded blades. The process produced hard steel that was very brittle. At the time, welding involved layering soft and tough iron with a high-carbon material and hammering it to forge. It was used only in small-scale applications. The first attempt to weld on a large project was after World War I.

Nowadays, efficient metal fabrication in Edmonton is an improvement of the original iron-making techniques. Thanks to the introduction of cast iron, other methods have developed, which find their application in making new products such as bridges, kitchen utensils, and even railway engines. Modern fusion welding processes include:

MIG Welding

Also called gas metal arc welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a concept that combines two metal pieces using a wire joined to a current. There is usually a gas involved in the process. It is passed along the electrode wire to heat the metals. For this method to be successful, the cable needs a connection to a constant power source. Industrially used, this process is perfect for fusing stainless steel, aluminum, and mild steel.

Arc Welding

This process also goes by the name shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or “stick” in layman’s terms. It is the most straightforward welding process in the market. The stick relies on electric current for creating an arc between metals being joined and the rod. This process is most commonly used to connect steel and iron when making steel structures. This process can also be used in repairs.

TIG Welding

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is also called GTAW. Here, the smiths use a tungsten electrode that is preferable because it is non-consumable. The wire heats the metals and forms a molten puddle. The two pieces create an autogenous result. To do this, the welder must be very skilled. The process needs quality and speed and must be completed with a comprehensive grinding and sanding finish.

FCAW Welding

This process can be used in place of shield welding. It is very much like MIG but includes a tubular wire with flux. In this method, one must not always need to have a shielding gas depending on what filler has been used. Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is very economical and simple to perform. However, it is limited when it comes to applications. Also, the result is not always pleasing to the eye. The process is often preferred in construction because it is fast.

Structural steel is usually transformed to fit various uses in different industries. Admittedly, working with metals is intimidating. Anyone in need of a fabricator service needs to understand at least the changes in technology applied in the field. You need to understand what sets the welding techniques apart so that your decision will be informed by knowledge. Note that welding processes today can be automated. However, if you need a customized product, the only option is looking for professional fabricators.