Did you know that automotive repairs make up nearly 2% of the entire global GDP? What’s more impressive is that the welding processes that are used for these repairs are precise and have resulted in a decrease of up to 15% in time for the repair process.
Automotive repair is typically done using what welding process, and in this article, we will explore this prolific process.
Automotive Repair is Typically Done Using What Welding Process?
Welding is a common process used in automotive repair.
In fact, it is one of the most important metal-repairing techniques used. Welding is a fast, secure and cost-efficient metal-joining method that many repair shops use to get the job done.
Types of Welding Process Used in Automotive Repair
There are several types of welding processes that automotive repair shops frequently use.
These welding processes include:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Also known as MIG (metal inert gas) welding, is a welding process that uses an electric arc to heat and melt metal filler wire, called an electrode. An inert gas, such as argon, is typically used to protect the weld from oxidation. The electrode is fed continuously from a spool and creates a strong, durable weld.
GMAW is ideal for thick and thin metals.
- Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding: This welding technique is similar to MIG welding in that an electric arc is used to heat the metal and an inert gas, like argon, is used to protect the weld from oxidation.
TIG welding requires a higher level of skill compared to GMAW, but is often used due to its superior quality welds. TIG welding is ideal for thin metals.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW is a combination of both GMAW and SMAW (stick welding). The process uses an electric arc to heat the metal and a consumable electrode that contains protective flux. FCAW is an ideal welding process for thicker metals, making it a popular choice for automotive repair.
Choosing the Right Process for Automotive Repair
Before starting a welding project, it is important to choose the right welding process for the repair job. Factors such as the type of metal being welded and the size of the job will help determine which process will provide the best result. The most popular welding processes used in automotive repair are GMAW, TIG, and FCAW. The main factor to consider is the type of metal being welded. GMAW is the most commonly used welding process due to its versatility. It is great for welding thick and thin metals and produces strong and durable welds. It is also relatively easy for beginners to learn and offers good weld penetration and finishing. TIG welding requires more skill, but produces superior welds with less distortion. It is ideal for thin metals and is often used for repairs in harder-to-reach places. FCAW is an ideal welding process for thicker metals, but requires some training. The flux-cored electrode provides a protective layer of flux, which makes it easier to create thicker welds with less distortion.
Conclusion
Welding is a common process used in automotive repair and a variety of welding processes can be used depending on the type and size of the job. GMAW, TIG, and FCAW are the most popular welding processes used in automotive repair and each offer their own advantages and disadvantages. No matter what welding process is used, it is important to choose the right one for the repair job to get the best result and ensure the weld is safe and secure. Citation: https://www. trueweld. com/services/automotive-repairhttps://www. lincolnelectric. com/en-us/consumables/filler-metals-and-tubular-electrodes/pages/understanding-gmaw-mig-torch-angles. aspxhttps://www. millerwelds. com/resources/article-library/welding-processes-which-to-choose-for-different-metalshttps://www. millerwelds. com/resources/article-library/understanding-tig-welding-basicshttps://www. millerwelds. com/resources/article-library/flux-cored-arc-welding-basics
