Welding is one of the most common processes in manufacturing today. It’s used to join two pieces of metal together and has become an indispensable part of countless industrial applications. But what is arc welding, and how does it work?
In this article, we will take a look at the various types of arc welding and discuss the various benefits of this welding technique. Let’s start by looking at some of the numbers behind arc welding.
According to the American Welding Society, Arc welding accounts for 70% of all welding activity worldwide. That translates to an estimated 10,000 watts of energy used per arc welding process! The global arc welding market size is currently estimated to be over $14 billion and continues to grow on a yearly basis.
As we’ve seen, Arc welding is a popular and growing technology, but what exactly is arc welding? Let’s take a look and find out.
What is Arc in Welding?
Arc welding is a type of welding process that uses electricity to create an arc between a metal electrode and the base material, resulting in the formation of a weld joint. It is the most common welding process and is used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.Arc welding is often referred to as “stick welding” or “traditional welding. “
How does Arc welding work?
Arc welding works by creating an electrical arc between an electrode and the base material. The electrodes can be either shielded metal, consumable or non-consumable. As the electrical arc is formed, the temperature of the material increases which liquifies the metal, forming the weld joint.
In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) the arc is covered with a protective shield of inert gas created by a consumable electrode. This process is also known as “stick welding” because of the long, thin electrode rod used.
Advantages of Arc Welding
Arc welding is one of the most common welding processes and has many advantages when compared to other welding processes, such as:- It is portable, making it easy to use in areas with limited space.
- It is cost-effective compared to other welding processes.
- It can be used on a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and magnesium.
- It is relatively fast and easy to learn.
- It produces strong, reliable weld joints that are strong and durable.
Disadvantages of Arc Welding
Despite its advantages, arc welding also has some notable disadvantages, including:- It requires skill and experience to master.
- It emits toxic and hazardous fumes.
- It requires more costly equipment than other welding processes.
- It is not suitable for joining thinner materials such as sheet metal.
- It is a relatively noisy process.