Welding Terminology
Welding is a process of joining two materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by fusion. The process is usually done with the help of an oxy-fuel or electric arc welding machine. As with any other technology, welding has its own language and terminology. To understand welding, it is important to know the welding terminology.
Automatic Welding: This is a type of welding which is done with the help of machines. The machine does the welding without any manual operation. It is best for mass production and can produce high quality welds with great speed.
Base Material: Refers to the material which is used for welding. It can be either a metal or a non-metal material.
Bevel: Refers to the angled end of a cut on the base material. This angle is usually used to create a stronger weld joint.
Butt Weld: Refers to a type of weld joint in which two pieces of the material are joined at an angle. It is often used when two pieces of the same material have to be joined.
Filler: Refers to any material which is used to fill the maintenance space of a weld joint. It can either be a metal or a non-metal material.
Flux: Refers to a substance which is used to increase the success and quality of a weld. It protects the metal from oxidation and makes the weld stronger.
Fillet Weld: Refers to a type of weld joint in which two pieces of material are joined vertically. It is often used when two pieces of the same material have to be joined.
Gas Welding: Refers to a type of welding which is done using a gas flame. It is often used for welding non-metals, like plastics.
MIG Welding: Refers to a type of welding which is done using a wire feed welding machine. It is best for welding metals.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding: Refers to a type of welding which is done using an arc welding machine. This type of welding is best for welding metals.
Spot Welding: Refers to a type of weld joint in which two pieces of material are joined at a single point. This is often used when two pieces of the same material have to be joined quickly.
TIG Welding: Refers to a type of welding which is done using a tungsten inert gas welding machine. It is best used for welding thinner metals.
Weld Joint: Refers to the joint between two pieces of material which have been welded together. It is important to get a strong weld joint in order to have a strong and lasting weld.
Weld Symbols: Refers to symbols which are used to denote the type of weld that is required. It is important to use the correct weld symbols in order to ensure a high quality weld.
Welding Rods: Refers to rods which are used to create a weld. Different types of welding rods are used for different types of welding.
Welding Torch: Refers to the device which is used to create a flame for welding. It is often used with gas welding, but can also be used with certain other types of welding.
Welding Wire: Refers to wire which is used to join two pieces of material. It is often used with MIG and TIG welding.
Welder: Refers to the person or machine which is used to create the weld. It is important to ensure that the welder has the right qualifications and experience in order to create a high quality weld.
