Welding Technology
Welding is perhaps one of the most innovative technological processes of recent times. The technology has enabled us to join two objects together in a strong, reliable and often aesthetically pleasing way that is capable of withstanding considerable complex load. Welding technology is used in nearly every engineering application across industry, and across the globe.
Welding has two major advantages. Firstly, it is a permanent solution that is stronger than if separate components were to be bolted or riveted together. Secondly, it allows objects of the same or different materials to be joined, creating strong and reliable joints that are are aesthetically pleasing.
The welding process begins by preparing the materials and objects which are to be joined, ensuring they have been correctly machined prior to welding. Depending upon the material and the type of welding required, a variety of welding techniques can be employed. Most welding processes involve the use of a filler material, which is often referred to as welding rod or welding wire. This filler material binds the two objects together in a strong and reliable bond.
The most common type of welding is shielded metal arc welding,or SMAW. This process has been used in the welding industry since the 1950s, and involves the use of a short-circuited arc between a coated metal electrode and the objects to be joined. The current that is generated melts the base material and the electrode, joining them together. The molten material is cooled quickly and produces a strong weld that is suitable for a wide range of applications.
MIG welding and TIG welding are two other common types of welding. In MIG welding, a MIG gun is used to feed a filler wire into the weld while an electric current is applied to the welding area, creating an arc and melting the metals. A shielding gas is used to protect the weld from the atmosphere. TIG welding is a more complicated process and involves the use of a tungsten electrode and a separate filler rod to fill the weld area.
Welding technology is constantly advancing with more efficient and reliable welding processes being developed all the time. The use of welding technology is essential when it comes to creating strong, reliable and aesthetically pleasing joints for use in structural applications, as well as for creating components for engineering and construction.
