Manufacturing demands a number of different skills to ensure a product emerges as a complete entity. One of them is welding. Welding services forms the backbone of many types of metal fabrication processes. Using robotics and individual welders, companies can produce a variety of quality weldments in diverse metals including aluminum, carbon steel and stainless steel.
Defining Welding
Welding has been in existence for many centuries. At its very basics, it is the joining of two or more pieces of metal to create a unified piece. The solidifying factor is heat. It softens the medium (metal). When performed correctly, the diverse metal components merge seamlessly. The jointure then solidifies when the heat source is removed and the metal cools.
Types
Approximately 30 kinds of welding are currently available to use in producing solid jointures. Robotics may be involved, or the required result may rest on the skills of a solitary welder. In general, whether robot or human, companies employ a few types of welding more commonly than they do others. Below are listed three basic types of welding:
* MIG (Metal Inert Gas Welding): Also known as gas metal arc welding, this form of welding services is most commonly involved in fabricating steel, stainless steel and aluminum. It also is employed for automotive bodywork. The method finds favor for its ease of use and speed of application. The tools consist of a welding gun as well as either carbon dioxide or a combination of argon and carbon dioxide. It is effective for welding together diverse alloys including carbon steel, copper, magnesium and silicon bronze.
* TIG or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: It is hard to beat this type of welding for its versatility. While not as fast as MIG, its capabilities extend to encompass almost any metal and metal alloy. The result, when performed properly and the right preparation is done, is a clean, quality weld. The most common gas employed if argon.
* Stick or Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Favored for outdoor work, Stick is a less-expensive method of performing outdoor work. Its use of a welding rod reduces the overall initial cost making it a minimalist approach.
A welding shop may focus on any of the above. In all likelihood, it will be able to provide customers with all of the above basic and still popular services.
Welding Services
Welding is a craft and trade that has survived the test of time. Technology has evolved to improve the basics. Innovation has produced alternative techniques and approaches, including robotics and lasers. Yet, over the years, certain time-tested welding services have continued to use older methods and systems, including MIG, TIG and Stick.
