WELDING

FABRICATION PROCESS: ASSEMBLY

WHAT IS WELDING?

Welding is a method of joining two or more pieces together in an inseparable way. Applying heat and pressure melts the material and causes it to pool, forming a bond once it’s cooled.

A shop may use various welding methods, including arc, friction, electron beam, laser, and resistance. At our welding shop, we do two types of arc welding: MIG (stick welding) and TIG which uses electricity to heat the metal.

HOW IT WORKS

Arc welding uses a power supply to create an electrical arc to melt the metal and create a joint.

A wire is attached to the metal and an electrode lead creates the arc. The power source can be either a direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current.

TIG WELDING

TUNGSTEN INERT GAS

A welding gun with a hand-fed tungsten electrode and an inert gas shield form the arc in TIG welding. This shield is usually argon as it protects against weld puddles and airborne contaminants.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TIG WELDING?

Suitable for all types of metal

Highly precise for aesthetically pleasing results

Ideal for thinner materials

MIG WELDING

METAL INERT GAS

In MIG welding, a welding gun feeds both the electrode and the gas shield towards the workpiece when pulling the trigger. The formed arc boils the material at their meeting point (the HAZ), resulting in a solid joint.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MIG WELDING?

Less waste produced

Very efficient

Ideal for thicker materials