Welding is a process by which we can build cars, ships or various types of structures. Thanks to it, we can permanently connect metals and their alloys. We connect the materials with each other by heating them and melting them at the place of their future joining. The key role in this process is played by thermal energy, which can be obtained, for example, from gas or electricity.

 

The welding arc is usually the heat source. Welding with its use is called arc welding. Only the heat generated by the arc can be used for it. It makes the welded elements fuse with each other.

In the context of where the energy used comes from, we can distinguish several types of welding: 

  • Electric - Usually, metals from 1 to 80 mm thick are welded using this method.
  • Gas - This method is used in welding all types of steel and non-ferrous metals.
  • Laser - This method is suitable for welding alloy steel, nickel or refractory metals.
  • Hybrid -This method provides greater durability of the connection.
  • Connecting methods.

 

Welding can be divided into three basic welding processes: 

  • Welding
  • Soldering
  • Welding

Soldering - joining metals with the use of a filler metal whose melting point is lower than the melting point of the materials to be joined.

Welding - heating the surface so much that it becomes plastic and then pressing it against each other. There are welding methods where the materials are first pressed together and then heated.

 

What materials can we weld?

The most commonly welded are aluminum, mild steel and stainless steel. In addition to metals, we can also weld plastics. In their case, the heat source is hot air or an electric resistor.

 

What is necessary for welding?

Welding requires not only appropriate experience, but also specialized equipment. This process requires precision and attention from the welder. It is also important to make the right decisions like:

  • selection of the welding method
  • choosing the right binder

You should also take care of safety and equip yourself with specialized welding masks.

 

Types of welding:

  • MIG / MAG - welding in a gas shield
  • Welding with coated electrodes (MMA)
  • Arc welding with a non-consumable electrode (TIG)
  • Gas welding
  • Plasma arc welding
  • Welding with a laser beam

Which type of welding to choose?

Which type of welding to choose depends on many factors. We should consider the type of material to be welded, the speed of execution and the available budget. The experience and skills of the welder may also be important - especially for more advanced tasks. To decide which method we will finally choose, it is worth comparing the characteristics of each method. The key will be to determine what we care about the most - precision, durability and maybe speed. Each of the options allows us to achieve a different end result, so it is worth defining it precisely.