Welding, put simply, is the process of joining separate pieces of metal. While this skill has been in existence for a long time, today welders, or welding machines, make it possible to produce extremely durable joints between two pieces of metal.
The welding of metals, in one form or another, has been in existence for centuries, but it wasn't really until the 19th century that the art really began to take off. With the dawn of the last century, and especially World War I, welding and welders entered a new era.
Arc welding, which is still popular these days, was used during that time to make boats, bridges, aircraft, vehicles and just about anything else which was constructed from metal. Since that time, a myriad of welders and welding technologies have been developed. Here is an overview of the most common welding types:
Arc - This kind of welder relies on a power supply to make an electric arc between the welding machine and the base material. It forms enough temperatures to melt the metals and create a strong join. There are a few different types of arc welding, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, to name a few. Even today, arc welding remains by far the most common form of welding that is used.
Gas welding - Gas welding processes such as oxyfuel welding, sometimes called oxyacetylene welding, have become a little dated in recent years but remain among the most versatile kinds of welding. Not only can gas welding be utilized to join metals, the equipment is also suitable for cutting metals, brazing and melting. The gas welding flame, a combination of acetylene and oxygen, can reach temperatures as high as 3,100 degrees celsius.
Resistance welding - Although not as popular as arc or gas welding, resistance welding can be useful in certain situations, though it can be expensive. Heat is made by passing a strong current through two pieces of metal. The resistance caused by the contact of the two metal objects makes them melt at the weld area and creates a join.
Energy beam welding - Involving either laser beam welding or electron beam welding, this method is generally used in high-production processes. However, it is still worth a mention. High energy beams are utilized to produce high-quality, precision welds in little time. The process is extremely efficient and is easily automated, but these welders are very costly.
For many daily and smaller industrial welding tasks, the arc welder will be the most common choice. They are inexpensive, handy and can be used for a variety of of welding tasks. Also, there is no requirement for gas or oxygen tanks. A low-cost arc welder can be bought for about the $350 mark, but of course you can pay much more than that for higher end products.
The welding of metals, in one form or another, has been in existence for centuries, but it wasn't really until the 19th century that the art really began to take off. With the dawn of the last century, and especially World War I, welding and welders entered a new era.
Arc welding, which is still popular these days, was used during that time to make boats, bridges, aircraft, vehicles and just about anything else which was constructed from metal. Since that time, a myriad of welders and welding technologies have been developed. Here is an overview of the most common welding types:
Arc - This kind of welder relies on a power supply to make an electric arc between the welding machine and the base material. It forms enough temperatures to melt the metals and create a strong join. There are a few different types of arc welding, including shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, metal inert gas (MIG) welding and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, to name a few. Even today, arc welding remains by far the most common form of welding that is used.
Gas welding - Gas welding processes such as oxyfuel welding, sometimes called oxyacetylene welding, have become a little dated in recent years but remain among the most versatile kinds of welding. Not only can gas welding be utilized to join metals, the equipment is also suitable for cutting metals, brazing and melting. The gas welding flame, a combination of acetylene and oxygen, can reach temperatures as high as 3,100 degrees celsius.
Resistance welding - Although not as popular as arc or gas welding, resistance welding can be useful in certain situations, though it can be expensive. Heat is made by passing a strong current through two pieces of metal. The resistance caused by the contact of the two metal objects makes them melt at the weld area and creates a join.
Energy beam welding - Involving either laser beam welding or electron beam welding, this method is generally used in high-production processes. However, it is still worth a mention. High energy beams are utilized to produce high-quality, precision welds in little time. The process is extremely efficient and is easily automated, but these welders are very costly.
For many daily and smaller industrial welding tasks, the arc welder will be the most common choice. They are inexpensive, handy and can be used for a variety of of welding tasks. Also, there is no requirement for gas or oxygen tanks. A low-cost arc welder can be bought for about the $350 mark, but of course you can pay much more than that for higher end products.
About the Author:
John Maltakiso is a reporter with over ten years editorial experience. John is currently employed as a technical writer for our b2b site and has become the resident specialist on welders. Be sure to visit our website for more information on Arc Welder and Mig Welder.
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