Various Welding Methods and How They Are Best Used

Welding is a basic need in many industries. Fusing and manipulating metals into shapes and products requires skilled professionals who have learned their craft from apprentice to master right from the start. Attention to detail makes for a great welder, and great welding is highly valued in many fabrication shops. Welding remains a skill that cannot be fully roboticized as automation continues to flood into skilled trade trades. Educated welders are always welcome.

Stick/Arc Welding (SMAW)

Stick welding is also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). In this welding method, the welder performs a manual process with an electrode that uses an electric current to create an arc between the electrode and the metal to be joined. This method is commonly used in the construction and industrial fabrication of steel structures to weld steel. Welders using this method must be skilled enough to pass the destructive bend test on the weld metal. This method is fairly easy to learn, but it takes a long learning curve to become a master. Stick welding also doesn't create the prettiest finished product, so it's best left to welds that aren't visible in the finished product. This method is great for equipment repairs as it works on rusted, painted and dirty surfaces.

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding or GMAW

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is also known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. This welding method uses a shielding gas along the wire electrode and then heats the two metals to be joined. This method requires constant voltage from a DC power source and is the most commonly used industrial welding process. This method is great for welding thick metal sheets to a horizontal position.

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding (GTAW)

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding, is primarily used to weld thick sections of stainless steel or non-ferrous metals together. This is another arc welding process that uses fixed consumable tungsten electrodes for welding, but it is more time-consuming than stick or MIG welding. The composition of the base metal is very important when using this method, as the percentage of chromium affects the melting temperature. This type of welding can be done without filler metal. Due to the need for constant gas flow, this method is best performed in a chamber away from the elements. TIG welding produces beautiful welds but is difficult to master and requires an experienced and very skilled welder.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) was developed as an alternative to shielded welding. This method is fast and portable, and is the most commonly used method in construction engineering. It is used in a variety of welding projects, with great flexibility in angle, voltage, polarity and speed. This type of welding is best done outside or under a fume hood as it generates a lot of fumes in the process.

No matter what type of welding is used for your custom metal fabrication project, it is important to have a skilled welder who understands the intricacies of each method and the metals they use. A quality structural steel fabrication shop will have a strong team of welders who take pride in their craft and can recommend the best type of weld for each project. Welding is a complex part of the global economy, and while widely used and in demand, highly skilled welders are not an abundant resource. Zechin Industries Company is an industry leader with its rich history, business reputation and highly skilled workforce. If you are making drawings for your next fabrication project and are looking for a fabrication shop to work with, please contact us today for a quote.

Cell: +86 158 5810 2851

Email: steven@zec-industrygroup.com 

www.metalpartfabrications.com