When
you start Knowledge to weld, it’s very easy to overcome by the sheer amount of
evidence available on the subject. It can be problematic to begin your welding
voyage without expressing the different welding types that exist. Some are
easier to learn, while others are rather difficult.
While
certain types of welding procedures produce clean drops that are visually
attractive and require little to no cleanup, other types produce the strict
opposite. What type of metal do you propose for welding? It's kind of a
difference. To help simplify the subject, we have compiled important
information regarding nine different types of welding procedures.
Types
of Welding
1. TIG
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
2. Flux
Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
3. Stick
Shielded-Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
4. MIG
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
5. Laser
Beam Welding
6. Electron
Beam Welding
7. Plasma
Arc Welding
8. Atomic
Hydrogen Welding
9. Electro
slag
1. TIG Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
The
first kind of welding is TIG welding, which also drives by the names of Heliarc
and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). With this kind of welding, the electrode
is non-useable and made of tungsten. It is one of the few kinds of welding that
can be done with no filler metal, using only the two metals being welded
together. You can add a filler metal if you wish, but you will have to feed it
by hand. A gas tank is compulsory with TIG welding to provide the continuous
flow of gas needed to protect the weld. This means it’s generally better to
complete indoors and away from the elements.
TIG
welding is a particular welding kind that produces visually appealing welds and
doesn’t require cleanup, as there is no spatter. Due to these traits, it is a
difficult type of welding that is best reserved for skilled welders.
2. Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
This
kind of welding is similar to MIG welding. In fact, MIG welders can often
perform double duty as FCAW welders as well. Just like in MIG welding, a wire
that serves as the electrode and the filler metals is fed through your wand.
This is where things begin to change. For FCAW, the wire has a core of flux
that makes a gas shield around the weld. This eliminates the requirements for
an external gas supply.
FCAW
is better matched for thicker, weightier metals since it is a high-heat welding
type. It’s often used for heavy instrument repairs for this reason. It is an
efficient procedure that doesn’t create much waste. Since there is no need for
external gas, it is also low-cost. There will be a bit of slag left over,
however, and it will require a bit of cleanup to make a beautifully finished
weld.
3. Stick Shielded-Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
This
procedure of welding started in the 1930s but continues to be efficient and
upgraded today. It has remained a popular kind of welding because it is simple
and easy to learn, as well as low cost to function. Though, it doesn’t create
the neatest welds, since it splatters easily. Cleanup is typically necessary
A
useable electrode “stick” also serves the role of filler metal. An arc is
produced that connects the end of the stick to the base metals, melting the
electrode into filler metal and producing the weld. The stick is coated in flux
which creates a gas cloud when heated up and protects the metal from crossing.
As it cools, the gas settled on the metal and becomes slag.
Since
it didn’t require gas, this procedure can be used outdoors, even in opposing
weather such as rain and wind. It also works well on corroded, painted, and
dirty surfaces, making it great for instrument repairs. Different types of
electrodes are available and easy to swap, making it simple to weld metals of
many different types, though it’s not great for thin metals. Stick welding is a
highly skilled procedure with a long learning curve
4. MIG Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
MIG
welding is a simple form of welding that can easily be completed by new
welders. MIG stands for metal inert gas, however, it is sometimes so-called gas
metal arc welding (GMAW). It is a quick procedure that involves the filler
metal being fed through the wand, while gas is expelled around it to shield it
from external elements. This means it’s not great for external use. Still, it’s
a versatile procedure and can be used to weld many different kinds of metal at
different thicknesses.
The
filler metal is a useable wire fed from a spool, and it acts as an electrode as
well. When the arc is produced from the tip of the wire to the base metal, the
wire melts, becoming filler metal and producing the weld. The wire is
continuously fed through the wand, allowing you to dial in your favored speed.
Done correctly, MIG welding creates a smooth and tight weld that is visually
appealing.
5. Laser Beam Welding
This
kind of welding can be used on metals or thermoplastics. As the name implies,
it includes the use of a laser as a heat source to produce the welds. It can be
used on carbon steel, stainless steel, HSLA steel, titanium, and aluminum. It
is easily automated with robotics and is therefore used regularly in
manufacturing, such as in the automotive industry.
6. Electron Beam Welding
This
is a kind of welding where a high-velocity beam of electrons produced heat
through kinetic energy, welding two materials together. This is a highly sophisticated
form of welding that is completed by machines, generally in a vacuum.
7. Plasma Arc Welding
Plasma
arc welding is similar to GTAW, but it used a smaller arc, growing the
precision of the weld. It also uses a different torch, doing much higher
temperatures. Gas is pressurized inside the wand, creating plasma. The plasma
is before ionized, making it electrically conductive. This allows the arc to be
created, producing incredibly high temperatures that can melt the base metals.
This allows plasma arc welding to be completed with no filler metal, another
similarity to TIG welding.
This
kind of welding allows deep weld penetration with narrow welds, creating
aesthetically pleasing welds, as well as a high level of strength. On top of
this, high welding speeds are also possible.
8.
Atomic Hydrogen Welding
Atomic
hydrogen welding is an extremely high-heat form of welding when used to be
known as arc-atom welding. This kind of welding involves using hydrogen gas to
shield two electrodes complete with tungsten. It can reach temperatures above
those of an acetylene torch and can be completed with or without a filler
metal. This is an older form of welding that has been exchanged by MIG welding
in recent years.
9.
Electro slag
This
is an advanced procedure of welding that is used to join the thin edge of two
metal plates together vertically. Instead of the weld being applied to the
outdoor joint, it will take place between the edges of the two plates. A copper
electrode wire is fed through a useable metal guide tube that will act as
filler metal. That electricity is introduced, the arc is produced, and a weld
begins at the bottom of the seam and is slowly moved up, producing the weld in
place of the seam as it goes. This is an automated process and is completed by
machine.
Conclusion
Hopefully,
you now have a basic understanding of the different kinds of welding. Some
kinds are performed by a machine and require expensive specialty instruments.
Others can be completed by a hobbyist at home without breaking the bank. If
you’re looking to purchase a welder, be sure to check out one of our guides
equating the best welders for home use.