Concrete Pavers: Ideas, Inspiration and Information

Welding Processes: Modern Technologies to Look Out for When Hiring a Service Provider

5 May 2017 by Benjamin Rice

Metal services rely on many joining methods to create different bonds between metals. The joints can be temporary or permanent depending on the specific use of the item you are creating. Bolts, rivets and screws are often used to make temporary joints.

On the other hand, fabricators use welding process when they need to make permanent bonds between metals. They consider things such like the use environment and assembly designs when choosing the welding process to employ. Here are some of the modern welding techniques you should look out for when choosing a metal fabricator:

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

Gas tungsten arc welding is one of the modern techniques used to join metals. In some places, the technique is also referred to as the tungsten inert gas welding, considering these two materials are used in the process. Essentially, GTAW uses a non-consumable electrode made from tungsten to make the weld joint.

The high temperature involved in the process put the hot, fresh weld at risk of contamination by atmospheric gases and elements such as oxygen, carbon dioxide and dust. For this reason, the fabricator shields the area with a blanket of chemically non-reactive helium or argon gas.

GTAW is a very versatile welding method compared to others. The fabricator doesn't have to use filler materials all the time, which enables them to work on thin metal sheets. Additionally, GTAW can be automated for improved efficiency, faster delivery and precision.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

Submerged arc welding is another technique that slightly varies from traditional welding techniques. Here, the fabricator makes an arc between the workpiece and an electrode. The electrode is fed by an electric current throughout the process. Besides that, powdered flux is added to the welding area to provide a protective shield or add alloying elements to the area for strength and ductility. This eliminates the need for a shielding gas when welding.

SAW is used to weld materials such as carbon steels, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys.

Arc Welding

Arc welding is one of the most commonly applied welding techniques. The elementary method uses electricity to generate heat for melting the metals that you want to join. When the molten area cools, the dry joint binds the metals together. The fabricator can use alternating or direct current, depending on the source of electricity available. On the downside, arc welding has no shield. It leaves the joint prone to atmospheric contamination, limiting its use to less reactive metals.

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