Different Types of Welding
When it comes to machine shop services, welding is a commonly needed service. It requires precision and a keen eye in order to produce a finished piece. While we may think of the type of welding seen in movies and television shows, there are many different types of welding used in the industry.
Arc Welding
One of the most popular kinds of welding is Arc Welding. It is the first type of welding most professionals learn and with good reason; it is among the most versatile. It produces a bright light and makes a “welding” noise. It is used in a variety of industries. Arc welding involves the use of a stick, also called the electrode, that melts when exposed to the arc and acts as a filler for the two metals being welded together.
MIG Welding
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is a type of welding that relies on a gas to protect the weld area from the atmosphere during the process. The weld can be corrupted by moisture and oxygen in the environment; requiring work to be done indoors. Welders using this type of welding process can work at a faster pace, thus making it a great choice when a job requires extensive welding.
TIG Welding
TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas and this type of welding requires a non-consumable tungsten electrode to deliver a current to the welding arc. This process also uses a gas for shielding the weld area much like MIG welding. Whereas MIG uses a continuous feed of wire, TIG uses long welding rods that are fed into the weld area (if you are using a filler). This type of welding is used on thin pieces of metal whereas MIG would be used on thicker metal pieces.
Flux-Cored Welding
The big difference here is that the welding rod, or electrode, is a tube filled with a material called flux. A benefit of Flux-Cored Welding is that it can be used without a shielding gas. Combine this with the continuous feed of the welding rod and you have a very quick form of welding. In addition, the filler will be less brittle than in MIG and TIG welding. This type is also mainly used on thick metal pieces.
Plasma Welding
Plasma welding is similar to TIG welding in that the electrode, or stick, is not melted by the arc. In this type of welding, there are at least two separate gases being used: one is shielding gas and the other is the plasma gas. The plasma gas shoots out of a nozzle and is aimed at the weld area. Either a separate filler is used for filling gaps or the two metals are fused from melting together. Also like TIG, this is mainly used on thin metals.
Many of the products in use today exist because of the materials and expertise of an experienced welder. No matter the size of the project, the experts at B&S Machine Shop have you covered. For any questions regarding the services we offer, call us at 251-928-5291.