Welding is an essential skill in the manufacturing industry, embodying its own unique set of challenges. With over 50 different types of welding processes, anyone aspiring to become a skilled welder could be overwhelmed with which process to select.
With practice and perseverance, any welding process can be learned, however some may require more effort than others. According to the American Welding Society (AWS) (1), the two most difficult welding techniques to master are TIG and MMA welding. This article will discuss the unique challenges of TIG and MMA welding, and will explain why these processes are the hardest welding techniques to learn.
What Is the Hardest Welding To Learn?
Welding is a skill that requires a lot of practice and knowledge in order to be properly executed.Different types of welds require different techniques, and some are harder to learn than others. Here, we will explore which welding techniques are the most difficult to learn and master.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
TIG welding is a difficult welding process to learn and is arguably the most difficult welding to master.It requires a lot of precision, even more so than other welding techniques, in order for it to be successful. TIG welding involves a non-consumable tungsten electrode, which must be held in the correct posture and arc length in order to create a good weld. Additionally, the operator must keep a steady hand and maintain proper arc welding techniques.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Gas metal arc welding, also known as metal inert gas welding or MIG welding, is another challenging welding process to learn. While it is easier to learn than TIG welding, it is still a difficult welding technique to perfect.GMAW involves an electric arc welding machine, and an electrode fed through a welding gun. Additionally, the user must use the right speed, voltage and wire feed in order to get a successful weld.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Shielded metal arc welding, also known as stick welding, is another welding technique that is difficult to learn.Stick welding requires the user to have the correct power input, amperage and correct angle for the electrode. Additionally, the user must maintain a consistent arc length and angle of the electrode at all times in order to get the desired weld.
This can be difficult and takes a lot of practice to perfect.