Welding is an incredibly common method of joining two materials together. It is used in both manufacturing and construction, and it is estimated that roughly 800 billion dollars are spent on welding-related projects each year.
The arc of the welding process is a critical component of any welding job, with an estimated 60% of welding jobs involving the arc of the welding process. So, what is the arc in welding and why is it so important? In this article, we will explain what the arc in welding is, the different types of arc welding, and the benefits of each.
We’ll also discuss the safety considerations to keep in mind while performing any arc welding. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of what the arc in welding is, and how it can help make your welding job easier and safer.
What is the Arc in Welding?
Welding involves joining two or more materials, such as metal, by melting them together or burning them to fuse them.It is a very important fabrication process which has many applications, like joining components of a structure. The types of welding are numerous and each process has its own welding arc, which is the spot in which two separate pieces of metal are joined.
How is the Arc Formed During Welding?
The welding arc is created when an electric current passes between two points of contact. This creates an electric arc between them, which produces intense heat and melts the metals at the point of contact.
The intense heat also vaporizes some of the metals, which combine to form a welded joint.
What are the Types of Welding Arc?
There are many types of welding arc, and the type chosen depends on the materials and the application.The most common types of welding arc are:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) / Stick Welding: This is the most common type of welding, and it’s used on many different types of materials. It involves using a consumable electrode, usually made of steel or stainless steel, to produce an electric arc that melts the metals and joins them.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) / TIG Welding: This is a type of welding that requires great skill and knowledge, and it’s used in many industrial applications.
It uses a tungsten electrode to create an electric arc between two pieces of metal, and then it uses a shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) / MIG Welding: This is another very popular type of welding and is used in many industrial and manufacturing settings.
It uses an electric arc and a consumable electrode, usually zinc or aluminum, to produce a weld.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): This is a type of arc welding that’s similar to MIG welding, except it uses a consumable wire electrode. The wire is coated with a flux material that produces an electric arc between the two pieces of metal and melts them, forming a welded joint.
- Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) This is a type of arc welding that’s used mostly in industrial applications. It uses an electric current to create an arc between two pieces of metal, and then it submerges the weld in a flux material, which forms a protective covering on the weld and helps prevent contamination.