Let’s just collectively agree that welding is a tricky task!
Those who know me are familiar with my fascination with experimenting and trying odd jobs. Now, welding is a dangerous task and isn’t something you can plunge right into.
But I got inclined to try my hand at it when I saw my husband diligently working in the garage. I thought I already had all the equipment, no harm in trying it out, right? So, I got to learn a lot about welding under my husband’s guidance.
He was really patient with me along the process and taught me all the basics in detail. We worked together and made an iron bench for our beautiful garden, and that inspired me to write this guide for you all.
No worries if you don’t have anyone to assist you through the procedure. I’ll acquaint you with the basic know-how, so you have a rough idea of where to start from. Are you guys ready?
This is Stacy Smith, your tinkering enthusiast and let’s get started.
In simple words, welding is the method of joining materials by fusion. This fusion is achieved by melting the pieces together with high heat equipment and letting them cool, so they are set together.
But mind you! Do not confuse it with soldering or brazing. Welding is different from those two as they do not involve melting the base metals.
Now that you know what the basic procedure is, I’ll move on to discuss the different methods and types. Just keep reading.
There are four major types of welding in automotive industry, and I’ll break down all of them for you one by one.
An electric arc is generated between the base material and an electrode using a power supply in arc welding. This is done for melting the metals at the point of welding.
Depending on your budget, you can use either non-consumable or consumable electrodes. Also, for protection against mishaps, non-reactive gases known as “shielding gases” are used at the connection point.
If you can’t get your hands on any inert or semi-inert gas, I recommend using filler material like lead, copper, or tin.
Most importantly, you’ll need a power connection to get the electrodes running.
You can use both AC and DC supplies for arc welding. I suggest opting for a constant voltage connection or a constant current one, whatever suits you.
The material is welded by conducting electric current through its structure. Following this the process reaches a high temperature of 3,500 degrees celsius and should be carried out with extreme caution.
It is not a single person’s job, and you’ll need someone to hold the filler rods while you operate the wielder.
It is a type of arc welding in which a tungsten rod is used with the welding torch and argon acts as the shielding gas. Those who don’t know, a tungsten rod is a non-consumable electrode because it doesn’t get used up while welding.
You won’t need any extra supplies or materials for this technique apart from argon gas and tungsten rod. This is the very reason users love this type of welding.
The tungsten rod generates an arc of electricity that melts the pieces together. Interestingly, the rod doesn’t integrate during the process, making it ideal for aluminum, titanium, nickel, and magnesium.
Moreover, it produces very clean cuts and doesn’t require any flux.
This type is the latest advancement in the field of welding and uses a light beam of very high intensity. Through this technique, you can achieve deep welds at a fast speed, thanks to a highly concentrated heat source.
A laser is all that is needed in the process. You’ll just need some safety equipment, which is a given and a stable power source for your laser welder.
Laser welding can be carried out by two modes - keyhole and limited conduction welding. So, let’s discuss these two briefly.
In the keyhole method, the laser focuses on the material at one point, which penetrates a hole. The cavity is traversed along the area to be joined and eventually produces welds with high width to depth ratio. Now, the “keyhole” is full of the resultant metallic vapors, which prevent the circumferential walls from collapsing.
Unlike the keyhole technique, the laser beam doesn’t pass through the surface of the metal in the limited conduction method. The material absorbs the laser right at the surface and melts with the remaining process being more or less similar.
Perfect for welding tubes and pipes, this traditional type of welding is most versatile.
Despite being the best for repair purposes, gas welding is losing popularity in industrial applications because of weld distortion. Plus, it is the most affordable since the equipment is inexpensive and readily available.
That’s about it guys, I’ve reached the end of this brief yet descriptive guide on types of welding. Wasn’t it fun getting to know about all that handy stuff?
Welding is difficult but not so much with the proper techniques and practice. I will especially emphasize the “practice” part here because you’ll need a lot of that. But I believe in you! You’re going to rock all your projects, thanks to all this welding information.
I’ll be signing off now, so see you next time!
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