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!