Welding is one of the most dynamic segments of the skilled trades. Because of the diversity of possible applications and the fundamental utility of the process, welding is an important element in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, engineering and infrastructure.
There are more than 30 different welding processes, but the most common are:
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Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is common in construction, automotive and marine manufacturing and repair. In this process, a thin wire is heated and forms an electric arc with the base material. Heat from the arc is used to join the two pieces together. While gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is fast and easy to learn, it requires the use of gas, such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon or helium to protect the weld from external contaminants.
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Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is an advanced technique used on thin, nonferrous material, such as aluminum, copper, lead and nickel. TIG welding produces lightweight, durable, high-quality welds and is commonly found in bicycle and aircraft manufacturing. The process is among the most difficult welding techniques to master, but also one of the most popular. It’s also expensive.
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Shielded metal arc welding, commonly referred to as stick welding, is an affordable, manual process, and one of the most common welding techniques. Stick welding uses a heated and coated electrode, or “stick,” to fuse materials without shielding gas. While it’s versatile and easy, stick welding tends to produce results that are less durable than those produced by other methods.
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Flux cored arc welding (FCAW) is similar to the MIG process but, because the hot wire can produce shielding agents on its own, is more versatile and easier to master. Because it can be practiced outdoors, it is extremely popular for construction projects.
Applications
The uses of welding range from repairs and modifications of existing metal products to manufacturing (particularly heavy appliances and automobiles, as well as in the nautical, aeronautical and aerospace industries), construction, infrastructure and engineering.
In addition, and critical to the supply industry, welding plays an important role in supporting the manufacturing and construction industries. Besides employing welding directly in production and building processes, companies in those industries depend on welding professionals to develop, build, maintain and adapt the structures needed for those processes. Modern factories and production lines could not exist without extensive contributions from welding professionals, not only in fabrication but in maintenance, repair and upgrades. Welders play a huge role in building and operating the large-scale structures that support shipbuilding and major construction and engineering projects.
Welding is equally critical to modern PHCP and PVF supply and distribution facilities. Beyond its essential contribution to the construction of warehousing and supply structures, skilled welders can help supply companies keep those structures up to date as wholesalers’ needs change over time. Welding offers solutions for reconfiguring storage space and layout to accommodate more supply, new products and updated processes so suppliers maintain maximum efficiency.
With its range of possible applications, many companies in heavy commercial and industrial sectors have found internal welding teams the most efficient solution for their needs. Others continue to rely on outside experts, which can save the costs associated with training and equipment. The right solution depends on the particular needs of each company.