Welding is a fascinating and complex process with a long history. It is a craft that has been used by generations of professionals to join pieces of metal together and create permanent bonds. The process of welding is essential for a range of industries, ranging from aerospace engineering to the construction of cars and ships.
Did you know that in the United States alone, over 400,000 people are employed in the welding industry? Or that the size of the global welding market is estimated to be $50 Billion?
These staggering figures prove just how important welding is to the economy, and that’s why it’s so important to understand the definition of welding. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the field of welding, its definition, and its uses.
What is the Definition of Welding?
Welding is a fabricating process in which two similar or dissimilar materials are joined together to form one solid, long-lasting product. It is a type of fabrication that incorporates intense heating and melting of metals to make them adhere together.Welding is typically used in applications such as building bridges, creating structures, or repairing cracks in surfaces.
Types of Welding
- Arc Welding: In arc welding, an electric arc is used to connect the two materials to be joined.
The arc is created between the two materials, either directly or through an electrode. Some of the most common arc welding techniques are stick welding, tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), and metal inert gas welding (MIG).
- Oxyacetylene Welding: Oxyacetylene welding, also known as oxy welding, is one of the oldest types of welding process.
It is a form of gas welding in which a combination of oxygen and acetylene gas is used to generate heat that is then used to join two metals.
- Plastic Welding: Plastic welding is a process used to join plastics together.
The heat from the welding process melts the plastic and then bonds them together. Plastic welding is commonly used in the automotive and engineering industries to attach plastic parts together.
- Soldering: Soldering is a type of welding technique used to join two pieces of metal without heating them to the point at which they become molten. This type of welding is commonly used in electrical and electronics applications as it involves low temperatures and can be done without using any special equipment.
Benefits of Welding
Welding offers various advantages:- Welding allows for the joining of two metals without any additional materials.
- It offers a longer lifespan compared to other joining techniques.
- It offers a strong and reliable bond between the two metals being joined.
- Welding is easy to learn and is relatively inexpensive compared to other fabrication methods.
- Welding is very versatile and can be used for a variety of applications.