Welding is a popular method used in a variety of industries, such as manufacturing, construction, and automation. A great form of welding that has become increasingly popular is wire feed welding, a method that offers many advantages over more traditional welding techniques. According to the American Welding Society, wire feed welding is a type of arc welding characterized by feeding a consumable wire electrode along a path guided by a welding gun, and is responsible for over two-thirds of all arc welding operations in the United States.
With the various benefits that this process offers, such as portability, speed, and high strength welds, it is no wonder that wire feed welding has become so popular. In this article, we will break down the process of wire feed welding to give you a better understanding of what makes it such a power welding technique.
What is Wire Feed Welding?
Wire feed welding, sometimes also referred to as MIG welding, is one of the most popular welding processes available.With wire feed welding, a wire is used to transfer an electric arc from a welding power source, creating a weld pool between two pieces of metal. This process is then used to weld two pieces of metal together.
Benefits of Wire Feed Welding
Wire feed welding has many advantages that have made it one of the most popular welding processes available.The following are just some of the advantages of wire feed welding:
- Versatility – Wire feed welding can be used on a wide range of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and more.
- Speed – Wire feed welding is a very fast process which can be used to weld thicker metals at a faster rate than other processes.
- Economical – Wire feed welding is generally less expensive than alternative welding processes.
- Ease of use – Wire feed welding is relatively easy to learn, making it an ideal choice for beginners.
How does Wire Feed Welding Work?
Wire feed welding works by using an electric arc created between two pieces of metal. This arc then fuses the two pieces of metal together by melting the material at the edges of the two pieces.
The welding wire is fed from a spool of wire and is fed through the welding gun and out the nozzle. The welding wire acts as an electrical conductor, carrying the electric current from the power source and creating an arc, which is then used to weld the two pieces of metal together. The wire feed rate is adjustable depending on the size and thickness of the metal being welded.
The wire feed rate can also be adjusted to increase or decrease the amount of heat being created.