Welding is an essential part of many metal projects and is used in various industries. It is an important process that can combine two or more metal pieces to create various products. In many cases, welding creates new or replacement parts for equipment, vehicles or other objects.
TopWeld General Engineering, a welding contractor in Griffith, NSW, Australia, has provided quality welding services for the past 20 years. The company offers a wide range of welding and metal fabrication services to a variety of customers in the local area. They use high-quality welding equipment and experienced welders to provide the best possible results for their customers.
Welding can be done in several ways. Here are the common types of welding procedures, and it is best to find one best suited for the task at hand.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG)
This kind of welding process uses a consumable wire or electrode to create the weld and a shielding gas to heat the joined metals. It is also known as Metal Inert Gas welding. This is the most popular industrial welding process, including large bore pipes and plates. It requires constant voltage and direct current power sources.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)
This method is most commonly used to join thick stainless or non-ferrous steel sections. This type of arc welding process uses a consumable electrode made of tungsten, a tough material that does not easily melt, to create the weld. This process takes longer than other welding procedures like GMAW, Flux Cored Arc welding or the commonly used stick welding.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Stick Welding
This type of welding requires that the welder uses a process called stick welding. This process uses a consumable electrode that looks like a stick or metal rod, to create the weld, hence the name, stick welding. The stick uses an electrical current to create an arc between the stick’s metals and the electric current.
This type of welding is easy to do and commonly used at home to do basic metal repairs and such or to build steel structures and in industrial fabrication.
Welders must be able to weld to a point where their work can be passed a destructive type bend test. Shielded metal welding can join carbon, alloyed, stainless steel, cast iron, and other non-ferrous metals like Nickel and Copper but not often used on Aluminum.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) or Dual Shield Welding
Because of its speed and portability, semi-automatic arc welding is frequently used in construction projects. The many variables of this method make it suitable for a wide range of welding projects. Variables can depend on the type of welder used and the wire chosen for the application.
Flexibility is enhanced by the variety of operating angles, voltage levels and polarities used, and the speed at which the wire feed is run. The possibility of faster welding speeds means that the metal is more likely to cool down quickly. The welding technician must look out for pores or bubbles when using a flux-cored wire.
Due to the smoke and fumes created during welding, Flux Cored Arc Welding can be used outdoors or under industrial ventilation.
Most Common Metals Used In Welding
Stainless Steel
Many welding companies in Canberra, Australia say stainless steel is the best material. Make sure your welding machine is made of high-quality stainless steel. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and can withstand high temperatures without melting. There are many types of stainless steel that can be used to weld. Stainless steel wire, stainless-steel plates, and stainless-steel rods are some of the most common choices. They are all strong, lightweight, and long-lasting options.
Both stainless steel and steel, both iron-based metals have the greatest versatility. Low carbon mild steel is the easiest to weld. A low level of elements can help reduce the risk of failure in welding. Stainless steel has a more complex chemical composition but can still be used in multiple ways that account for oxidation.
Aluminium
While there are many options for welding materials, aluminum is the most popular. Aluminum is strong and can last a long time, making it a great choice for welding large or complicated items.
For aluminum grades in the 1XXXXXX and 6XXXX series, you can use specific welding techniques. It is easy to weld aluminum 1XXXX. It is easy to use. It is possible to weld with 6XXX aluminum if you use the right welding operations and filler material.
Copper and brass
Copper and brass are extremely resistant to corrosion making them ideal for welding applications. Any alloys that can cause cracks or oxidation in the welding process must be considered by the welder.
Magnesium
Magnesium is non-toxic, low reactivity and a great choice for welding. Magnesium is also a good conductor for electricity, which makes it great for welding in hard-to-reach areas. Magnesium alloys share similar properties to aluminum. The magnesium in the alloy has a lower melting temperature than the oxides. Therefore, it is important to remove oxides from the welding process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, welding procedures are important to ensure the quality and accuracy of your welds. Some common welding procedures include Stick welding, flux-cored welding, gas metal arc welding, and gas tungsten arc welding. Be sure that you know the different welding processes as well as the best material to use to create the best welds for your application!
