What is welding and what does the process involve?
Welding is the process that uses a welding gas for joining two or more parts employing heat or pressure as the joint between these two cools down. The process of welding is used on metals, such as aluminum, stainless and mild steel, plastics, and welding can be used for joining wood. There are different types of welding processes for various applications. There are a few welding gases that are used for the process of welding and have applications related to it.
Processes like soldering and brazing do not melt the base metal, whereas the welding process melts the base metal at a high temperature. It uses a filler material in the process of welding. At high temperatures, the metal forms a pool at the joint and cools gradually. Pressure can also be used to weld metals apart from temperature.
Plastics also use high temperatures to heat the joint for the welding process. Plastic welding is obtained in three stages. The material surfaces are prepared before heating, and after the process, the weld joints are kept aside to cool. The plastic welding process can be divided into internal and external heating depending on the process.
Joining wood components together by the process of welding is also done by the high heat process. It uses heat that is produced from friction to join. It is applied with high pressure before a friction force creates heat and the materials are bonded together. It is an easy process and does not require any nails to join the two components.
What are the different types of gases used in welding?
There are a few types of gases that must be used in the process of welding components together. One must make sure that the welding gas is used properly, if not, it can create a weak weld. A few of the types of welding gases are:
- Argon: Argon gas is used widely in the welding processes from inert gases. This gas will not reach other substances and is used as a shielding gas. It is used when working on metals like aluminium, stainless steel and even carbon steel. This gas is used for gas metal arc welding and also in gas tungsten arc welding.
- Carbon dioxide: It is also one of the top most used gases for the process of welding as it is less expensive and can be easily produced on an industrial basis. The carbon dioxide gas is used for gas metal arc welding and also used for shielding the arc in the welding process.
- Oxygen: Oxygen is abundant in air and is a necessary component of the welding process. Oxygen is mixed with other shielding gases to change the molten metal. When oxygen is mixed with acetylene, it will create a flame that is enough for the welding of steel.
- Nitrogen: Nitrogen is the most abundant natural gas that is available in the atmosphere. It is used for plasma welding and laser welding. Nitrogen mixed with other shielding gases can be used for special applications and uses.
What are the various types of welding procedures?
The popular types of welding procedures that are used for the welding processes are:
- Gas metal arc welding: In this process, it uses a metal inert gas. This shielding gas with the electrode heats the metal and bonds them together. It is the most common process used in welding. It requires voltage and power.
- Gas tungsten arc welding: In this process, it uses a tungsten electrode to heat the joint and weld them together. In the welding process, stainless steel and non-ferrous metals are used most commonly.
- Shielded metal arc welding: It uses a rod to produce an electric current and forms an arc between the stick and the metal. It is commonly used in the steel industry.
