Welding Terminology
Welding is a specialized form of metalworking and manufacturing that is used to join two pieces of metal or more together. This is usually done with the help of heat, but other methods such as friction, pressure, or even brazing can also be used. Welding terminology can be difficult to understand, but with a little bit of knowledge and practice, it becomes easier to understand.
The most basic concept of welding terminology is that of a weld. A weld is an area of two or more pieces of metal that has been melted together. This is known as a “fusion” weld, as the metal melts and runs together creating a single piece of material. Usually, the area of weld is heated until it reaches a specific temperature and then a filler material is added which will then cool, harden, and form the weld.
Another type of welding is known as a joint, or butt joint. This is the most common weld and is used to join two pieces of metal at the same angle. The two pieces should match up flush along the entire edge. Often times, the joint will be prepared to improve the strength of the weld. This can be done by adding additional layers or by sanding or polishing the joint.
Other terms related to welding include “brazing”, “welding rod”, “freezing”, and “backing”. Brazing is the process of heating metal in order to cause a molten filler material to run between two pieces. Welding rod is a rod that has a corrosion-resistant coating to protect the metal from oxidation during welding. Freezing is the process of cooling metal quickly to stop any further corrosion or oxidation, which can be done with a heating torch or by immersion in cold water. Lastly, backing is used to support the metal around a joint in order to enhance the strength of a weld.
Finally, it is important to understand the terms “welding defects”, “welding distortion”, “welding contamination”, and “welding distortion”. Welding defects refer to any flaws or imperfections in a weld, generally caused by poor welding technique, poor metal preparation, or incorrect filler materials. Welding distortion is caused by the unequal expansion or contraction of the metal while being heated or cooled, which causes the weld to become warped or distorted. Welding contamination is caused by any foreign material, such as oil or dirt, which can affect the strength or quality of the weld. Welding distortion is caused by the stress and strain of the metal being subjected to the welding process, which can cause cracks and splits in the metal.
A good welder should have a thorough understanding of welding terminology in order to ensure that their welds are structurally sound and safe. With proper knowledge, practice and experience, welders can produce high quality joints that will last for years to come.
