Types of Welding and What They Are Used For

While there are different types of welding processes, each type is typically used for a different reason. Curious about what types of welding exist, and what they’re used for? Then read on to find out more.

TIG – Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

TIG welding is extremely versatile and is one of the few types of welding that can be done with no filler metal, using only the two metals being welded together. This type of welding is a metal-bonding process that employs a tungsten electrode to join one metal surface to another but it requires two people to perform the TIG procedure. One hand feeds the rod whilst the other holds a TIG torch. A gas tank is necessary with TIG welding to provide the constant flow of gas needed to protect the weld.

 

TIG welds can be used to weld aluminum, nickel, alloys, steel, stainless steel, magnesium, copper, brass, bronze, and even gold. It is very effective in the automotive industry, where the process is used at bonding metal parts together for the construction of vehicles. TIG welding is also essential to the shipbuilding industry where it is used to join shaped metal parts together for ships like aircraft carriers or cruise liners. It is also crucial for the aerospace industry.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG)

Metal Inert Gas or MIG welding is one of the easier types of welding.  This process is actually two different types of welding, where the first part requires the use of bare wire and the second flux core. This welding process is quite popular across the construction and automotive industries and is used to work on metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, copper, and nickel.

 

MIG welding is also quite popular amongst DIY enthusiasts and hobby welders who don’t have the money for expensive equipment. The main difference between MIG and TIG welding is that MIG relies on an ongoing wire feed, whereas TIG relies on welding rods that you direct into the weld puddle.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Stick Welding

Stick welding, also known as Metal Arc Welding, is a process that relies on a manual technique using a consumable electrode coated in flux. The nickname “stick” comes from the electrode stick used to weld the metal. It’s a very low-cost process and is quite frequently used in remote settings because of its convenience.

 

The flux-covered electrodes are wind-resistant, which makes them convenient in different environments and quite common at outdoor construction sites, where the process makes it easy for work crews to assemble and modify metal parts on the spot.

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

This is quite similar to MIG welding and revolves around a continuous wire feed process. It also involves two separate processes, firstly the use of shielding gas while the other relies on self-shielding agents produced when fluxing agents decompose within the wire. It is an expensive welding process and is a great way for beginners to learn welding.

 

FCAW is quite popular in construction projects due to its high welding speed and portability. FCAW is also suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

 

 

No welding project is too complex for our expert welders at American Aerial Services. Contact us today to learn more about the different services we offer!