Welding
jobs are performed as a means of permanently bonding metal to metal. There are
different types of welding jobs, ranging from soldering (for smaller welds, such
as joining electrical wires) to laser beam welding (which is a newer, improved
welding technology).
Because
a weld jobs can produce such strong bonds between metal parts, they are widely
used in the manufacturing and construction industries. For instance, welding jobs
are performed in manufacturing ships and automobiles. They are performed in building
bridges, skyscrapers, and pipelines. Welding is used for thousands of purposes!
Save
on Discounted Welding Rod Ovens
Types
of Welding Jobs
One
of the most popular types of welder jobs is 'arc welding.' The principle of arc
welding involves the use of intense heat to melt metal at the joint between two
parts, causing the metal to intermix with an intermediate molten filler metal.
When the mixture cools and solidifies, a metallurgical bond is created. An electrical
arc is used to create the intense heat for melting the metal. This type of bond,
if properly created, should be as strong as the metal of the parts that have been
joined. Arc welding uses gas flux that surrounds a welding rod. The gas flux vaporizes
during the welding process and forms an inert gas that protects the weld from
the environment.
A
more advanced type of welding project is 'TIG,' also known as Gas Tungsten Arc.
TIG also uses welding rods, and is commonly used with stainless steel or aluminum.
During the TIG welding job, the welder holds the welding rod in one hand and an
electric torch in the other hand. The rod and the pieces that are being welded
together are simultaneously melted together with the electric torch. Inert gas
is blown onto the weld to protect the weld from the environment, instead of using
gas flux surrounding the rod. 'MIG' welding is similar to TIG. However, MIG uses
a spool of continuously fed wire, as opposed to the welding rod. This spool allows
the welder to perform larger welding jobs without having to stop in the middle
of the job to replace the rod. (For
Mig and Tig welding rod ovens click here).
Smaller
metal parts are typically bonded together through soldering or brazing. During
these types of welding jobs, a molten metal is used. However, this metal can be
melted at a lower temperature than can the metal parts to be joined. Therefore,
the workpiece, itself, is not melted...only the metal to be used to bond the workpiece
together. Brazing reaches a higher temperature than soldering and uses metals
with higher melting points. It also creates a stronger bond than does soldering.
Also
see:
Diversity
of Welding Jobs - Part 1
Diversity
of Welding Jobs - Part 2
