Types Of Metal Welding And Understanding The One You May Require

Metal welding became popular in the industrial revolution. Since then, there isn't a corner of human lives that's not impacted by the existence of metal and the metal manufacturing industry's ability to mould those metals into the things you need. Metal welding is at the root of all metal manufacturing — from heavy machinery to cutlery.

Welding, the process through which pieces of metal are joined together, is a skill in increasing demand in Australia. If you've been interested in making your own custom metallic part orders, you may want to understand a little more about welding. Here's everything you should know.

Different Types Of Welding Use Different Techniques

There are different metal-welding methods: MIG welding, stick welding, plasma arc welding, laser welding and TIG welding. Each technique entails varying degrees of complexity, efficiency on different metals and purposes. MIG welding, for instance, which is often considered an easy-to-learn DIY technique, is ideal for the joining of thin metals. This technique is commonly used in the manufacturing and repair of fences.

Stick welding is one of the more traditional welding methods. It relies on a process that uses flux-coated electrodes to bond the metal. The electric current, which passes through the electrode, joins the metals at the point where they connect with the arc. This method is often used in manufacturing industries catering to plumbing, roofing and even car-making.

Innovative Welding Methods Promise Greater Efficiency

Plasma arc, laser and gas welding all provide alternative methods of welding that don't rely on the spark-creating process used in MIG and stick welding. These techniques are often considered safer options; however, they require additional metal manufacturing expertise than the other solutions. Plasma arc welding is mostly used in aerospace applications, where extremely thin metals must be bonded with considerable precision.

Laser and gas welding both use high energy to seal metals. Gas welding, however, requires oxygen and acetylene to work effectively. This technique is often used to seal car exhaust metal back together. If you're seeking the services of a gas welder, you'll need to make sure the welder is equipped with the required kit. This kit should feature a torch, mixer chamber, control valves and two separate gas tubes.

A Final Word

Metal welding is an old skill that has greatly evolved with technological advances in the metal manufacturing industry. There now exist welding methods that remove human exposure to sparks and rely on hyper-precise technologies to manufacture more efficient, functional metallic parts. If you're looking to learn to apply different welding methods, you may want to enrol in a welding course.

To learn more, contact a welder.