What are the 4 types of welding and what are they used for? (Part 1)
There are 4 main types of welding. Each with its own unique properties and applications. The four types of welding are gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored wire-arc welding (FCAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). When you know the type of project that you need to complete, it will help you make a decision on which type of weld is best for your needs.
Stick welding – Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
What is stick welding
Stick, or shielded metal arc welding is one of the oldest types of welding processes. It can be used for thicker metals and has been since its first invention in 1890, but it’s still very popular today because it’s relatively inexpensive compared to other types of metal-arc welding such as TIG or MIG.
What are the 4 types of welding and what are they used for? (Part 1)
The benefits of stick welding
Stick welding is cheaper than gas-powered machines which can be quite expensive. It requires less skill than using methods such as GTAW (TIG) or FCAW (Flux Cored).
Shielded metal arc welding is one of the most versatile and widely applicable types of welding. It’s used in construction, shipyards, pipelines, farm repairs and DIY projects for instance because it can be done cheaply with most types of metal. Because there is no gas, it’s a lot easier to use in the open, for example, on construction sites for mobile welding work in Sydney. Stick welding allows for onsite welding in the construction industry, making tasks quicker and more efficient.
Stick Welding Electrodes
The electrode is one of the most important aspects of stick welding. There are a variety of different types of electrodes available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most popular type of electrode is the basic iron-based electrode. This type is used for welding mild steel and has a wide variety of applications. It’s cheap and easy to use, making it a great choice for beginners or DIY welders. However, it’s not as durable as some of the other types of electrodes and can corrode if not used properly.
TIG – GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING (GTAW)
What is TIG welding and how does it work
TIG welding is a process that uses an electric current and tungsten electrode to weld two pieces of metal together.
A tungsten electrode with a protective gas mix, such as argon or helium, is used to produce an arc between two electrodes. The heat from this arc melts the metal and keeps it in liquid form until enough has been deposited on the joint of interest to create a strong bond. The filler from most welds is either rod or wire fed into the gun by hand-held rollers called feeders. This process can be done manually but usually requires more skill and practice than other processes like MIG welding where you simply push down on the trigger.
What are the 4 types of welding and what are they used for? (Part 1)
Benefits of TIG welding
Most often used for high-quality work in tight spaces. TIG welding also has a reduced risk of burns, even with thin metals such as aluminium or copper compared to MIG welding – making it perfect for intricate jobs that demand precision and detail. When filler wire is necessary this type of welding offers a wide variety of choices due to its ability to weld with an inert gas which provides better control over porosity (unwanted pockets inside the metal).
Common mistakes to avoid when TIG welding
TIG is one of the most versatile types of welding in the industry. It can be used to weld mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium and other specialty alloys. In order to get a high-quality weld with this process you need to avoid these common mistakes:
➤ Using too much filler rod. If you’re using too much filler material, it can cause porosity or cratering in your finished product which will require more grinding and polishing time in post-processing stages.
Overheating base metal or filler material during welding because it may burn through wire feeder cables or gas hoses
➤ Trying to weld too fast (you will create weak joints)
➤ Failing to keep the torch tight against the metal surface (this will create a rough seam)
➤ Ignoring the shielding gas pressure setting or flow rate (too much gas may cause damage)
What are the 4 types of welding and what are they used for? (Part 1)
Safety considerations
It is important to take safety precautions when performing TIG welding. For example, wearing protective equipment including gloves and goggles. The most common type of welders glove is made from leather or cotton canvas and protects the welder’s hand from heat and sparks created during the welding process.
Protective clothing helps to prevent burns or injury to the skin as well as reducing fatigue for long periods of time spent using their hands on the machine. Goggles are usually made with plastic lenses that protect against UV rays emitted by arcs generated during welding processes which could cause vision problems if not wearing them.
