Welding has become an integral part of modern industry and is used for many purposes across a variety of industries. According to the latest figures, there are currently more than 12 million welders in the USA alone, accounting for over 5% of the labor force. The global welding market is estimated to reach nearly $50 billion by 2024, making it one of the largest manufacturing sectors in the world.
So, what is used for welding? In this article we will discuss the different types of welding and their uses, from stick and gas welding to the more recent methods like laser welding and TIG welding.
We will also look at the advantages and disadvantages of each type of welding. So if you are interested in welding and would like to know more about what is used for welding, continue reading!
What is Welding?
Welding is a fabrication process that involves joining metal components together using heat and pressure.Unlike soldering and brazing, welding does not use melted filler material. Instead, welding involves melting and fusing the two metal components together. Welding is commonly used for metal fabrication, metal repairs, and creating custom components for use in various applications.
What is Used for Welding?
There are several different welding techniques and materials used for welding. These include:- Metal Alloys – Most metal components that need to be welded are made of metal alloys, such as aluminium, steel, or nickel-based alloys.
- Filler Materials – Depending on the welding technique, a filler material may be required to fill gaps between the two metal components. Filler materials are usually made of metal alloys like copper, zinc, or brass.
- Welding Rods – For most welding projects, rods with a higher melting point than the metal components must be used. Most welding rods are made from copper, aluminum, or tungsten.
- Welding Torches – Different types of welding torches are used for the different welding techniques.
The most common type of welding torch is the oxy-acetylene torch, which uses a mixture of oxygen and acetylene gas to produce a flame with a high temperature.
- Protective Gear – Welding can be a very dangerous activity, so it’s important to use protective gear, such as gloves, aprons, and masks, to protect yourself from burns and other injuries.
Different Welding Techniques
There are several different welding techniques that can be used for different applications. These include:- MIG Welding – MIG welding, or metal inert gas welding, is a welding technique that uses an external source of electricity and a filler material, such as a welding rod, to create a weld. This technique is often used for projects that require high speeds and accuracy.
- TIG Welding – TIG Welding, or tungsten inert gas welding, is another welding technique that uses an external source of electricity and a tungsten electrode. This method of welding is more complex than MIG welding and requires more skill and precision.
- Stick Welding – Stick welding, or shielded metal arc welding, is a welding technique that uses an external source of electricity, a welding rod, and a flux-coated rod. This technique is often used for repairing broken metal parts or thicker metal components.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding – Flux-cored arc welding is another welding technique that uses an external source of electricity and a flux-cored welding rod. This technique is often used for thicker metal components and produces a stronger weld than stick welding.