With the rise of new technology, resistance welding is becoming more and more popular across different industries. Not only is it efficient, providing precision and repeatability, it’s also cost-effective.
This also means it’s important to know the basics of how resistance welding works, and what kind of shielding is necessary to ensure the best results. Statistics show that nearly 80% of welders using some form of shielding are more successful in their results, with their welds showing a more consistent joint and better internal penetration. In this article, we will discuss why shielding is important, what types of shielding are necessary, and the benefits and drawbacks of the different options.
What Kind of Shielding is Necessary When Doing Resistance Welding?
Resistance welding is a type of welding which uses the heat generated from the resistance of the metals being joined when current is passed through them.This process is often used in industries such as automotive and aerospace industries. While resistance welding is a very effective way of joining two metallic components, it is also very dangerous. As a result, it is important to understand the type of protection or shielding that is needed in order to safely perform this welding process.
Types of Shielding
The type of shielding required when doing resistance welding will depend on a few factors, such as the size of the weldment, the type of metals being joined, the welding current, the welding method being used, and the type of arc being produced. Generally speaking, there are four main types of shielding that can be used when doing resistance welding:- Gas Shielding – This type of shielding uses a gas, such as argon or nitrogen, to protect the weld from oxidation and to prevent the formation of arc flashes.
This type of shielding is most often used for stainless steel welding.
- Solid Shielding – This type of shielding refers to a solid material that is used to protect the weld and to reduce the amount of sparks and hot particles that are produced. Examples of solid shielding materials include copper, aluminum, and stainless steel sheets.
- Slag Shielding – Slag shielding refers to a molten material that is used to protect the weld and to reduce the amount of sparks and hot particles that are produced. This type of shielding is most often used for welding steels and cast iron.
- Electromagnetic Shielding – This type of shielding involves the use of a magnetic shield or an electric shield to protect the weld from arc flashes and sparks.
Why is Shielding Necessary?
It is important to use shielding when doing resistance welding for several reasons.Shielding helps to protect both the welders and those working in the vicinity from the risks associated with welding, such as arc flash and sparks. Shielding also reduces the amount of hot particles and sparks that can be produced during the welding process, which can result in weld defects or contamination of the weldment. Finally, shielding can help to reduce the amount of oxidation that occurs on the weldment, which is important for welds that are being used in critical applications.