What Type of Welding Do You Need?

Posted on: 12 July 2017

Many firms sometimes need to call on a company that offers welding services. You might need someone to provide welding services to help you fulfil a contract, or perhaps you need some repairs or maintenance work undertaken. Whatever the reason you need a welder, it is important to choose the right type of welding for your requirements. The right form of welding will depend both on the type of job you need completed and on the materials which you need to be welded. Choosing the wrong type of welding could potentially be disastrous with products failing and being returned, or maintenance work needing to be re-done.

What makes a good weld?

The quality of welding is determined by how well the weld penetrates, whether any gaps or pores are present, and quality of the surface finish. The process to create that weld will vary depending on the materials that you wish to connect and where you will be welding.

Gas Metal Arc (MIG) welding

MIG welding can be used to weld light gauge material, or by conducting multiple passes thicker materials can be welded. It is suitable for aluminium, stainless steel, and all common metals. One of the most significant advantages over other types of welding is that the process is quick, which can significantly reduce construction time compared to other techniques.

Flux Cored welding

MIG welding relies on a solid wire and a shielding gas to create a weld. By opting to use a self-shielded wire already containing flux, you can employ flux cored welding. This type of welding is more appropriate when welding outdoors, as it is less affected by drafts. Flux cored welding will also work effectively on material which is rusty or dirty, and flux cored welding can provide the required deep penetration when welding thick sections.

Gas Tungsten (TIG) welding

TIG welding is especially effective on thin materials. It can provide the highest quality of work, with less overall distortion, which is why it is often adopted for cosmetic or precision welding. TIG welding can be conducted in every position, including overhead. It does not leave any flux or spatter for later removal.

Shielded Metal Arc (Stick) welding

The final form of welding is Stick welding. Stick welding works on most materials and can be conducted almost anywhere, including outdoors, and hard to reach locations. It works fairly well on rusty or dirty surfaces. It is however slower than MIG welding, and does not work so well on thin material.

Whatever you need welding, make sure that you choose the right welding method for your circumstances.

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Ian's Guide to the Industrial Sector

Hi! My name is Ian and this is my guide to the industrial sector. I do not work in the sector myself but ever since I was a boy, I have loved the idea of seeing heavy industry at work, manufacturing the goods and products our country needs. My passion started when I visited my dad's workplace when I was a boy. My dad worked in a large industrial plant on the outskirts of Perth. I was so impressed at the sound and the large machines and the energy of the place. Although I didn't get a job in the industrial sector, I still take a very keen interest in it.

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