Types of Welding
Welding
Technology moves fast, ever-changing and evolving to fit our needs. Finding solutions, or new ways to design, create, assemble, or repair using various welding equipment. This also applies to the different types of welding. Because welding is not a new concept, it dates back to examples in the Bronze and Iron ages.
But as technology advances, new processes, materials, and equipment arise. Changing the way we look at metals and how we join them.
Below, we explore different types of welding, their applications, and how industries use them.
Why Welding is Important
Welding is a cornerstone of human manufacturing. Without it, we could not make things like buildings, appliances, vehicles, smartphones, computers, or even achieve space travel. Its applications enable us to fuse metals together to create strong joints, conduits, and so much more.
We all come into daily contact with products that result from a variety of welding.
We Make Welding Easy!
To learn more about our types of welding services in Chicago, please call 847-678-1264. One of our associates can answer questions you may have. If you would prefer to send us a message instead, please fill out the form found on this page and we will contact you shortly.
Different Types of Arc Welding
Arc Welding
Gas metal arc welding is a process where a current is applied to a workpiece and an electrode is used to create an ‘Arc’ that generates enough heat to melt metal and fuse pieces together. A power supply generates the current used to create the arc in welding machines.
The process is protected by shielding gas, vapor, or slag. Arc welding is versatile and can be manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated, making it a popular welding type. It is an efficient approach for welding uses from hobbyists to high-volume manufacturing.
Stick Welding
The term “stick welding” is commonly used to refer to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It is a great start for new welders. The process is like other arc welding techniques, but differs because it does not need a gas shield input. Instead, the flux coated electrode releases a shielding gas during the welding process.
This process is versatile and can be used in many applications. Where it comes up shorter than other processes is in its production speed. Because the process is manual, it does not yield faster results than other arc welding.
Applications of Stick Welding
Stick welding is used across a variety of industries. Because of its portability and ease of use, it is a critical part of manufacturing and repairs. This type of welding is present in shipyards, repair shops, construction sites, and more.
Metals used in Stick Welding
Metals often used with stick welding:
- Alloy steel
- Carbon steel
- Cast iron
- Stainless steel
MIG Welding
In MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas are used to fuse metals together. The process uses a welding machine that continuously feeds the wire into the weld pool. Where the heat causes the metals to melt, and upon cooling, they are joined.
Applications of MIG Welding
MIG welding is best suited for smaller, lower-volume work. It is a great option for jobs like repairs and metal fabrication.
Metals used in MIG Welding
This welding process is suited for metals like:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon steel
- Mild Steel
- A variety of alloys
TIG Welding
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, also known as gas tungsten arc welding, is similar in operation to MIG welding in the sense that it uses gas input to shield the welding process. The major difference is that in TIG welding, a non-consumable electrode is used.
It is a process that provides greater control for precision and is ideal for thin materials, yielding high-quality welds. TIG welding also requires skilled operation because of the complexity of the process, where the operator needs to precisely control the heat and filler material.
Applications of TIG Welding
The joining of thinner materials in various industries relies on TIG welding, making it critical for manufacturing. This includes exhaust systems, engine components, fuel lines, and more.
Metals used in TIG welding
Metals suitable for TIG welding include:
- Stainless steel
- Steel
- Nickel alloys
- Aluminum
Industries and their Common Welding Processes
Construction
Welding is a crucial component of the construction industry. It is the key to constructing strong, sturdy structures. Quality welds are required to ensure a building or bridge is structurally sound. Some welding tasks include connecting trusses, columns, and I-Beams to support walls, floors, and roofs of a building.
Types of Welding: MIG, TIG, Stick
Automotive
Automotive production lines employ welding to create the inner workings of vehicles. Joining components to form the base frame of a vehicle. Manufacturers can automate many of these welding processes for high-volume production.
But automotive welding applies beyond the production line. Aftermarket modifications and repairs play an important role for vehicles.
Types of Welding: Arc Welding, MIG, TIG, Mechanical Welding
Manufacturing
Welding makes most of the products we use in our daily lives possible. A laptop, smartphone, refrigerator, washing machine, TV, and so much more. They all have metal components that require joining, which is done with welding.
Types of Welding: MIG, TIG, Stick, Fusion, Plasma Arc Welding
Welding Quality
Quality is essential for any type of welding process. A weak joint, or fusion, reduces the performance of the weld and risks breakage. When considering the type of projects and their requirements, it is imperative that individuals perform the required welding with quality and skill using the appropriate welding technique.
How We can Help
Suburban Welding and Steel stands ready to deliver comprehensive welding services to clients. We provide quality, lasting results for projects of any kind.
Our services have helped clients from engineering and maintenance departments with emergency needs to weekend warriors and hobbyists. We can provide the support, knowledge, and materials they need to complete their project.
Welding for Projects
Our shop serves Chicago and its suburbs to produce custom metal fabrications, repairs, production welding and more. We feature all the equipment and experience to provide sturdy, lasting welds.
Welding for Repairs
Unexpected equipment damage can happen at any time. So, when you need emergency support, give us a call!
We offer emergency repair services to get your equipment running as soon as possible!
On-Site repairs
If a piece of equipment or machinery is too large to move, we can help. We feature mobile shops that deliver the same high-quality results as our shop, simply on site.
This service offers convenience and brings our expertise to you!
Benefit from our Experience!
Whenever you need welding for any project, work with Suburban Welding and Steel. We are a premier partner in Chicago. Delivering unbeatable results and customer experience.
For more information regarding our types of welding, please call 847-678-1264. There, one of our team members will be available. They can discuss your needs in more detail and can provide more information regarding our capabilities in Chicago. Or send us a message by filling out the form found on this page, and we will contact you as soon as possible.
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