Welding is an essential and versatile technique used across a wide variety of industries. Did you know that every year an incredible 11 million tons of welds are produced and that welds account for over half of all production in the manufacturing sector?
Welding is a technique used to produce permanent joints between two materials that are held together under pressure or heat, and it has a wide range of applications in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. In this article, we will explore what welding is and how it works to create strong and lasting joints.
Welding – What is it?
Welding is a process of joining two or more pieces of metal together using heat and pressure.It is one of the oldest methods of joining, and has been around for thousands of years. It is also one of the most widely used joining processes in the world as it’s a reliable and cost effective way to make metal parts.
Types of Welding
Welding processes can be divided into two main types, depending on the type of heat used to join the pieces of metal.- Fusion welding: Fusion welding is the use of high heat, usually an electric arc, to melt the metal and fuse the two pieces together to create a joint. This includes processes such welding, oxy-acetylene welding, gas welding and tungsten inert gas welding.
- Pressure welding: Pressure welding is the use of pressure, either mechanical or hydraulic, to join two pieces of metal together. This includes processes such as spot welding, riveting and cold welding.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Welding
Welding has many advantages that make it a popular choice for joining metal pieces.It does not require additional equipment such as screws, rivets or bolts to join pieces, and it also tends to create a strong joint. Additionally, welding is a relatively quick process, saving time and labor costs.
However, it also has some drawbacks. Welding requires specialized equipment and expertise to do properly, and it can also be dangerous if not done correctly. Additionally, welding can be a costly process, as it requires a high level of expertise to perform.