All You Need to Know Before Becoming a Pro in Arc Welding Technique

Arc welding and its history

Arc welding is probably the easiest to learn and perform. Not only can the professionals, even the enthusiasts with little practice perform this welding process very well. Manual arc welding is also known as the stick welding process.  

This welding technique first came into existence in the year 1880.  It attained perfection after many years later.  

How it works?

This welding technique creates an electric arc which is fuelled by the power supply between the electrode and the base material. Then, a point of contact is created known as the welding point. The work pieces melts and fuses together after cooling.    

An arc welder makes use of electricity which can be either DC or AC and the electrodes may be either consumable or non-consumable. A shielding gas is also involved during the process which may be either inert or semi-inert.  

Applications of arc welding

Arc welding is highly versatile and the most widely used process. Arc welding is widely used in manufacturing industry, automotive industries, construction industries, aerospace industries, ship building industries and in repair works. It is a simple welding process with good efficiency.

Characteristics of arc welding

• It can be manual, semi-automated or fully automated welding

• Arc welding is an extremely affordable welding process and the equipment also costs less

• The power source in arc welding can be either direct or indirect current

• A shielding gas is also used in order to protect the weld area from air borne contaminants

• Cleanliness is not much required and can easily weld dirty metals as well  

• It can work on both consumable and non-consumable electrode depending on the welding job

Various benefits of arc welding

• High welding efficiency and speed

• Produces consistent quality welds

• Reduces production costs

• Faster cycle rates and reliable process

• Better welding environment

• Welding equipment used is simple and easily portable

• Power source utilized is not so expensive

Types of arc welding that can be both manual and automated:

#1 Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)

It is also referred as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. In this welding process, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used for welding the metal and a shielding gas is also used such as argon, helium or a mixture of these two. It is used for welding thin sheet metals and the composition of filler wires are almost similar to the metal being welded. TIG welding technique can easily weld stainless steel, aluminum, carbon and low alloy steels, nickel alloys, cobalt, titanium, magnesium and copper alloys and many others.

#2 Gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

GMAW is also known as MIG welding. It is a simple, versatile and cost-effective process. In this process, a shielding gas is used such as argon or helium or even a mixture of both. It is used to weld thin metals and the temperatures are usually low.  It is used to weld a variety of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, magnesium, silicon bronze, nickel and copper.

#3 Carbon arc welding (CAW)

The carbon arc welding (CAW) is the oldest type of arc welding process. This welding process mainly utilizes a carbon electrode for welding the metal joints. It requires low voltage and high electric current for generating the arc.

#4 Plasma arc welding

Plasma arc welding is similar to gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In this welding process, the electrode is located within the torch of plasma arc and it gets converted into plasma at very high temperatures. This plasma generated is extremely hot and is aimed at the welding area. It has a high welding speed and produces narrow and deep welds. This welding process is extensively used in aerospace applications.

#5 Submerged arc welding (SAW)

The submerged arc welding (SAW) has a granular coating of flux in which an electrode is completely submerged. This flux acts like an electric conductor which doesn’t oppose the electric current. It is only used for horizontal welds and is used for high speed sheet or plate sheet welding. This welding process provides 4 to 10 times more productivity in comparison with shielded metal arc welding.

#6 Shielded metal arc welding

This is one of the oldest, simplest and most versatile welding processes. In this welding process, the arc comes out of the coated electrode tip that touches the work piece and then withdraws to maintain the arc. The heat generated melts the tip and the base metal from which the weld is formed when it solidifies. In this process, slag is generated that protects the weld from oxidation. It is commonly used in construction industry for welding steel structures and iron.  

#7 Flux-cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

This welding process uses electrodes filled with flux and is mainly used for welding dense metal sections. Flux-cored arc welding has higher deposition rate.

Looking to buy a high quality and durable Arc Welder for all your welding needs? You can buy from Longevity-inc, a leading manufacturer and supplier in the industry. With one of the best warranties in the industry, they provide their clients with an opportunity to enjoy Longevity welding and cutting equipment with the comfort of knowing their machine is protected for both parts and labor. They maintain the reliability using the latest inverter welding technology as the main power source in their machines allowing for powerful performance from even smaller sized equipment.

Give them a try and join the Longevity family which has been trusted by welding enthusiasts and professionals for years.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Report this Page

Created on May 19th 2020 03:47. Viewed 311 times.

Share on APSense

Comments