Know About Different Types of Welding Processes

Welding is a process of heating metals using flame or electricity. The heating is done to join the metals. There are many types of welding like resistance welding, arc welding and gas welding. Let us have glance on the various types of the welding techniques -

Stick Welding – Stick welding is old school welding continuing from generations. It uses a stick electrode like a 6011, 6013, or 7018 welding rod. The operation of the welding is very simple and as this is cheap you don’t have to bear a huge expense for the same. But while carrying out the welding process, the welders need to be very cautious as this involves lots of dangers. This welding is also called Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).

MIG Welding – Among some easiest types of welding to learn, MIG welding is placed on the top of the list. It involves two types of welding – 1) flux core welding and 2) bare wire MIG welding.

TIG welding – Being harder to master than Stick or MIG welding, TIG welding is regarded as a difficult type of welding. TIG Welder make use of both the hands – They have to use one hand for holding the TIG torch along with a tungsten electrode and the second one for feeding the rods. As compared to the other welding process, TIG welding is much more expensive. TIG welding finds application for welding nickel alloys, aluminum, magnesium, carbon, titanium, cobalt, low alloy steels, stainless steel and copper alloys.

Plasma Arc Welding – The generally accepted definition of plasma arc welding is “An arc welding process that uses a no consumable tungsten electrode, which emits a plasma gas toward the arc and an external shielding gas. Plasma arc welding is commonly used for deep, narrow welds.” This type of welding is used mainly when recessed electrode is beneficial and where high precision is required. One of the major areas where plasma arc welding is highly used is aerospace sector. Here, this welding method is used in jet engine blade repair and dimensional restoration of air seals.

Gas Welding – Gas welding is prominent since old days. This is highly used for automotive exhaust applications.

Electronic Beam and Laser Welding: Unlike older traditional welding types, Electronic Beam and Laser Welding is high energy welding process. Capable of penetrating 6 inches of steel without any bevel, the electronic beam and laser welding is unique in itself.