Welding is a type of manufacturing process that joins two materials; the type of these materials is usually metals or thermoplastics when causing fusion. Soldering is different from other joining techniques, such as brazing or soldering, which use a relatively lower temperature. A filler material makes the bond stronger than the base material. Some of the best welding methods include:
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)– also called electric welding. Use an electrode with flux around it to help protect the weld puddle.
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)– is one of the best welding techniques available. Its other name is TIG and it uses a tungsten electrode to produce the weld.
- Gas Metal Arc (GMAW)– is called MIG or metal inert gas. Use a wire feed gun and a gas based on argon or a mixture of carbon dioxide and argon.
- Flux Cored Arc (FCAW) – is very similar to MIG except that it uses a special cored wire. It can be used with or without shielding gas, depending on the fill.
- Submerged Arc (SAW) – uses an automatically consumable electrode with a fusible granular flux.
- Electroslag (ESW) – A one-step production process made primarily for thicker materials ranging in size from 1 inch to 12 inches.
TIG welding
The two most popular processes are TIG or tungsten inert gas welding and MIG or metal inert gas welding. The TIG process uses a tungsten electrode, which also includes a filler rod. There is also an inert gas that protects the tungsten electrode. A constant current welding power source is often used to produce the electrical power. The TIG technique can be used to weld metals such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. TIG welding is relatively slower than other welding processes but is capable of producing a very high quality weld.
Key Features:
- It uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode during the welding process and a series of shielding gases, including helium (He) and argon (Ar).
- It is very useful for thin materials.
- Produces very high quality superior welds.
- Gives the operator full control over welding variables such as heat
- minimal distortion
- Leaves no signs of slag or spatter.
advantage:
- TIG welding equipment gives you attractive weld seams
- Excellent for metals of varying thicknesses, including very thin metals. The gas tungsten arc welding process is excellent for joining thin base metals because it has better control of heat input.
- Create strong and powerful joints.
Disadvantages:
- It is a much slower process than other arc welding processes with consumable electrodes.
- It takes a lot of practice
- It is a relatively more expensive process.