4 Different Kinds of Welding Processes and How They Work

Welding combines two or more pieces of metal by applying heat, pressure, or both. It plays a vital role in various industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Several welding processes exist, each with unique characteristics and applications. We will discuss four different kinds of welding processes and how they work in this post.

Gas Metal Arc Welding

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, involves an electric arc between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece metal. Welders must use a shielding gas, such as argon or a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination. 

MIG welding is popular because it is relatively easy to learn, and you can use it to weld numerous metals, including steel, stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. Additionally, the process allows for high welding speeds and produces clean, precise welds with minimal spatter.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding 

Tungsten Insert Gas (TIG) welding or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) shields the weld with a flow of inert gas, usually argon, and a tungsten electrode. The tungsten electrode does not melt. Instead, it creates an arc that heats the workpiece metal, forming the weld. 

Experts often use TIG welding for precise and intricate jobs since it allows for high amounts of control over the heat input. Although it requires a high skill level and is generally slower than other welding processes, it produces clean, strong welds on various metals.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or stick welding, uses a flux-coated electrode that melts the base metal to form the weld. This process generates an electric arc from the electrode to the workpiece, melting the electrode coating and the metals to form a welding pool.

Moreover, professionals in industries such as construction and maintenance often use SMAW due to its simplicity, portability, and low cost. This method is best for metals such as steel, cast iron, and nickel alloys.

Submerged Arc Welding

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is an efficient welding process that involves forming an arc between a continuously fed electrode and the workpiece. Welders submerge the arc and molten weld beneath a layer of granular flux, preventing spatter and sparks while providing a clean weld surface. The flux also stabilizes the arc and reduces exposure to harmful emissions. SAW also provides deep weld penetration and high deposition rates and is suitable for thick materials, making it ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications such as shipbuilding and structural steel fabrication.

Buy Quality Welding Equipment

Learning about the different kinds of welding processes and how they work offers distinct advantages tailored to specific applications and materials. Understanding these differences also ensures you purchase the right equipment for your chosen welding method.

Koike Aronson Inc. sells top-quality gas welding equipment for various welding processes. With over 100 years of experience, we continue to develop innovative solutions for the welding industry. Trust us to provide reliable, efficient, safe welding equipment for all your projects.