What is Welding and Why Is It Important? 

Double R Welding 

Both manufacturing and engineering have evolved over the years, incorporating new methods and procedures to ensure long-term strength and safety. As techniques have continued to develop, various welding techniques have been perfected to allow for an array of quality results.

Welding has been a core component of construction for over 2000 years. As it has been perfected, buildings have been able to last much longer. Welds are at the core of the strength and integrity of the entire building, and it's important to find the right welder for the job. However, to understand the importance of working with a certified professional, it's great to understand what welding is and how it contributes to the overall vision.

What Is Welding? 

Welding is the process of fusing metals using heat, pressure, or both. The purpose of welding is to bind metals together in certain shapes to provide strength, durability, and safety. The metal used and the specific technique has an impact on the overall strength of the structure, and it's important to work with a licensed and experienced welder to make sure it is done correctly.

Experienced welders will know how to provide strength and integrity, and how they approach the project will vary depending on the metal used. With the proper equipment and technique, the project will include a reliable result that will last for decades. The end product is a strong, extremely resilient structure that can withstand far more abuse than the buildings of the past.

What Types of Welding Are There?

Shielded Metallic Arc Welding (SMAW)

SMAW uses electrically induced heat to fuse metals. An electric arc is developed and maintained between the electrode tip and the metal, resulting in heat capable of fusing the metal. SMAW is a cost-effective technique that doesn't rely on gases, which means it can be used on windy days. There are also an array of electrodes available, meaning SMAW can be used on a wide array of metals. It is the oldest welding technique in use.

SMAW requires cable connectors, cable lugs, electrode holders, ground clamps, and more.

Gas Metallic Arc Welding (GMAW) / Metal Inert Gas (MIG)

GMAW sometimes referred to as MIG, uses a consumable metal electrode wire that is fed into the arc produced by the welding hardware. A copper contact tip conducts the wire. Also, upon pulling the trigger, a shielding gas is sprayed over the worksite to protect it from oxygen, water vapor, and more. This method is hailed for its efficiency, quality results, and ability to weld almost all metals.

Common hardware includes a power source and wiring feeding unit, work cables, shielding gas canisters, clamps, torches, and more.

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)

TIG welding is one of the most versatile methods available and is known for being able to be used on the widest range of metals. Also known as GTAW, it is one of the most difficult techniques to learn, but a licensed welder can provide quality results. TIG is best-used on thin sheets of metal and precise projects. TIG relies on the tensile strength of the conductivity of a tungsten electrode and high heat. It also produces less waste than other options.

Common equipment includes a TIG torch, shielding gas, filler material, and more.

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

FCAW uses a flux wire coated in metal. Flux ingredients include slag, which is a byproduct that protects the welded metal from oxidation, oxidizers that purify the weld of oxygen, and arc stabilizers that reduce splatter. FCAW welds are known for producing quality results with reduced risk of contamination from atmospheric gases.

Common hardware includes flux wires, power sources, and more.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

SAW is a common technique that utilizes an arc submerged in a granular flux blanket. The arc and weld space is blanketed by the flux to protect against spatter, sparks, fumes, UV radiation, and more. It is best used in applications where strength is the core need. SAW is best known for its speed and high disposition rates, but is generally reserved for projects that can be completed horizontally.

The most widely used equipment includes granular flux, power sources, cable assemblies, and more.

Why Is It Important? 

The construction industry is a multi-faceted endeavor that has a lot of different parts and components. They need to fit together perfectly for the result to be safe and long-lasting. Welding is crucial because it is one of the main components of strength and integrity. No matter what is being built, from buildings to cars, welds are a foundational element that leads to quality products.

A licensed and certified welder can create strong joints that lay the foundation for all other features. With a strong foundation, other components such as mechanical material, protective elements, electrics, and other features can perform their best.

Contact Double R Welding Today 

Double R Welding is one of Fort Stockholm's welding supply companies. We work to make sure the professionals in the area have the hardware and resources they need to provide quality results. We have a large inventory of hardware and supplies so that you're equipped to provide whatever technique is necessary.