When considering a career as a welder, it is important to identify the area in which you wish to specialize. There are over 30 different types of welding processes ranging from flame cutting to more complex laser beam processes. Although these varieties are usually divided into four main types.
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4 Main Types of Welding Processes
The four main types of welding are: Gas Shielded Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG), Gas Shielded Arc Welding (SMAW) and Cored Wire Welding (FCAW).
In this article, we will detail the details associated with each process and highlight the differences between them.Read on to learn everything you need to know about the four main types of soldering and how to use them.
– Metal inert gas welding (GMAW/MIG)
In this process, also called inert gas or MIG welding, a thin wire is used as an electrode. The wire heats up as it is fed through the solder mask to the weld point. Shielding gas should be used to protect the weld from airborne contamination.
Usually in the form of carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon or helium.This method is commonly used to machine metals such as stainless steel, copper, nickel, carbon steel, aluminum and others. Of all the welding processes, it is the most popular in the construction and automotive industries. Arc Welding
is considered to be one of the easiest welding techniques to learn, making it an excellent area of interest for novice welders. It also requires minimal cleaning, offers fast welding speeds and better control on thinner materials.
Disadvantages associated with this type of welding process include the expense of obtaining the shielding gas and the inability to weld thicker metals or perform vertical or overhead welds.
– Tungsten Gas Welding (GTAW/TIG)
This type of welding process, also called tungsten inert gas or TIG welding, is commonly used to weld thin non-ferrous materials such as aluminum, copper, lead or nickel. It is often used to make bicycles or airplanes.
Unlike other types of welding processes, TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to form the weld. You still need an external gas source, usually argon or a mixture of argon and helium.
It is considered one of the most difficult welding processes to master and guarantees the highest quality welds.
Since there is only a small gap between the arc and the weld, great precision and dexterity are required. Welds made with this method are known to be extremely strong.
– Shielded Arc Welding (SMAW)
This type of welding process is based on a manual technique using a consumable electrode. This method is most popular among home welders. This process is colloquially called stick welding.
The nickname refers to the electrode used for welding metal, which is shaped like a ‘stick’. Because protective arc welding requires minimal equipment, it is one of the most cost-effective processes.
This type of welding does not require shielding gas and can be performed outdoors in windy or rainy weather. It also resists dirt and rusty materials well. However, there are also disadvantages.
Stick welding does not generally result in the highest quality products. They are prone to porosity, cracking and surface penetration.In general, stick welds are less durable than other types of welds.
– Cored Wire Welding (FCAW)
Similar to MIG welding, cored wire welding is based on a continuous wire feed process. There are two different processes in cored wire welding.
One involves the use of a shielding gas, while the other relies on self-protection agents formed when the flux in the wire breaks.
This type of welding is known to be inexpensive and easy to learn.Like MIG welding, it is a great way for novice welders to start a career in the industry.
Allows welders to work outdoors (wind does not affect welding). The semi-automatic arc offers high welding speed and mobility, making it a popular process for construction projects.
