Welding is a widespread manufacturing process that is commonly used for fabricating, repairing, and joining metal or thermoplastic components together. It is an incredibly diverse procedure as there are currently over 140 distinct welding processes to choose from. In fact, welding contributes to over 15% of all processing in the manufacturing industry, being responsible for more than $150 billion in total net sales.
Considering the vastness of the welding industry, it’s no wonder people get confused as to what types of welding there are. For starters, welding is primarily differentiated between either arc, oxy-fuel and resistance welding.
Each method has its own set of attributes and is widely used for different types of projects or welding materials. In this article we will deep dive into the various types of welding to help you determine the most suitable method for your needs.
What Types of Welding is There?
Welding is one of the major industrial processes in manufacturing. It is used to join two pieces of metal or thermoplastics together by melting them together.But just as there are different methods of manufacturing, there are different types of welding.
Arc Welding
Arc welding is one of the most popular welding techniques.It produces an electrical arc with a stick electrode, and the arc is used to heat and melt the material being welded. It is used for welding different components together. The most popular form of arc welding is shielded metal arc welding, or SMAW.
Gas Welding
Gas welding is a process that uses oxygen and gas to create an intense heat to melt the two materials being welded. It is commonly used for joining pieces of metals like aluminum, copper, and bronze.This type of welding offers high accuracy and ease of use.
MIG/MAG Welding
MIG/MAG welding is a semi-automatic process that relies on a wire electrode with shielding gas to weld. This process is recommended for more complex welds and is most often used for stainless steel and aluminum.TIG Welding
TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode, and the heat produced is used to weld the metals. It is used for welding aluminum and stainless steel.It is suitable for welding thick parts and is noted for its high accuracy.