Basic methods and types of welding

What is welding and what is welding?Already in ancient times, welding for humans was something exciting and, above all, interesting. At the time of its discovery, the mass production of steel began, which became the main raw material for the production of weapons and all tools. In the beginning, steel was welded in blacksmith fires. Along with the growth of civilization development, there was also development in the welding industry, new methods of joining, for example soldering used in goldsmithing and many others, began to be used. The result of the emergence of new methods was the fact that welding became an integral part of the development of the economy.

In order to avoid mistakes, two terms such as "welding" and "welding" should be distinguished. Although both concepts have many common features, it turns out to be a mistake to identify them. Welding is one of the sectors of technology that enables the process of permanent joining of various types of metals with the help of alloys. The whole process is a concentrated supply of heat to the places where joints and welds are to be located.

Welding - methods and typesThe basic welding processes are: welding, welding and soldering. However, when it comes to the concept of welding, it is understood as one of several welding processes, consisting in a permanent connection of elements made of various types of materials. The joining process consists in heating the elements and then melting them in the places of their future connection with or without the use of a binder. The heat link during this process is usually the welding arc, created as a result of the generation of electricity by the welding power source. Welding involves the use of various types of specialized equipment, the operation of which is possible only with the appropriate permissions and documents certifying them.

Due to different kinds of criteria, many welding methods can be distinguished. Based on the source of energy, the following are distinguished:

  • Welding gases - is one of the most popular welding methods due to the fact that it works perfectly with all types of steel and metals. Gas welding uses the method of melting the edges of metals joined with a gas flame.
  • Laser welding - is one of the newest methods on the welding market, it allows for high efficiency and also gives the possibility of combining various types of shapes in various welding positions.
  • Electron welding - is performed with the use of an electron beam, it includes plasma, atomic, electroslag and thermite welding.

Based on the devices, the following are distinguished:

  • MIG welding - in this method it is important to have appropriate welding skills as well as the ability to use the appropriate tools. Welding is carried out with the use of a consumable electrode shielded by a chemically inert gas.
  • MAG welding - almost identical to MIG welding, the difference is that this method uses chemical gases.
  • MMA welding - the oldest, universal method using a coated electrode.
  • Sub arc welding - the process of joining metal elements with an electrode.
  • TIG welding (tungsten electrode) - the highest quality welding without spatter.