Welding is a vital process used in almost all of the industries, ranging from aerospace to automotives. The GMA (Gas Metal Arc) Welding process, developed in the 1940s, is one of the most widely used processes in the welding industry.
In GMA welding, a high current is passed through an electric arc between a filler metal electrode and the work piece. This results in a rapid melting of the material, leading to the formation of a pool of molten material at the weld joint area. GMA welding is an effective and precise welding process, capable of joining most metals used in modern industries.
It is used extensively in manufacturing, construction, automotive and shipbuilding as it offers a wide variety of benefits. According to a study, the global GMA welding products and services market was valued at 28 billion US dollars in 2018 and it is likely to grow to a market size of 3
2 billion US dollars by 202 Additionally, according to another study, the automotive sector is driving the GMA welding market.
In this article, we will discuss what GMA welding is and its various benefits.
What is GMA Welding?
GMA Welding, also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG), is an arc welding process that uses an electric arc between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece to form a bond. The result is a strong, smooth weld with minimal surface preparation, and high efficiency.GMA welds are usually more cost effective than TIG or MIG because less filler metal is needed. GMA welding is used primarily for joining metals requiring high-level welding accuracy and quality, as well as high-performance standards.
Industries that make use of GMA welding include shipbuilding, automotive, aerospace and many others. The process has been used to repair or fabricate large pieces of metal like bridges, body-on-frame vehicles and ships.
Benefits of GMA Welding
- High Quality of Weld GMA welding produces reliable, high-quality welds with minimal slag and spatter, creating a clean finish.
- High Efficiency GMA welding is typically faster and more efficient than traditional welding processes such as TIG or MIG, because less filler metal is needed.
- Versatility GMA welding is a versatile process that can be used in a wide variety of industries and applications.
- Cost Effectiveness GMA welding tends to be more cost effective than other welding processes, due to the fact that it requires fewer consumable supplies and is faster.
- Safety GMA welding is a relatively safe process, as there are few risks, such as toxic fumes and UV rays, that are associated with traditional welding processes.
Limitations of GMA Welding
Although GMA welding is a reliable, effective, and cost-efficient welding process, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.- Equipment Limitations GMA welding is limited to light metals such as aluminum and copper alloys, making it not suitable for welding heavier metals.
- Filler Metal Limitations The type of filler metal that is used will affect the quality of the weld, and so care should be taken to select a suitable filler material.
- Position Limitations The welder should have good skill and precision, as GMA welding can be difficult in certain positions, and special tools and techniques may be required.