Modern Methods of Welding
Welding is an integral part of creating and repairing metal items. In the days before modern technology, welders used manual techniques such as brazing, soldering, and riveting to joint two pieces of metal together. As welding technology has become more advanced over the years, new and improved welding techniques have come about. Commonly used welding methods today include Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a process in which a consumable metal electrode is used to weld two metal surfaces together. The electrode contains flux which provides shielding from oxygen and nitrogen in the ambient atmosphere that could otherwise cause defects within the weld joint. Set up for SMAW consists of choosing a welding polarity, wire feed speed, and amperage setting. Once these parameters are set, the welder is ready to proceed.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a process in which a consumable wire electrode is used to weld two metal surfaces together. Shielding gas is supplied either from a gas cylinder or from a shielding gas mixer that mixes the gas to the desired proportions, and is fed through the welding gun. Set up for GMAW consists of choosing a welding polarity, wire feed speed, amperage setting, and shielding gas. Once these parameters are set, the welder is ready to proceed.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a process in which a consumable wire electrode is used to weld two metal surfaces together. Unlike GMAW, FCAW uses a wire electrode that contains flux within the core. The flux provides shielding from contamination, as well as additional filler metal and slag that is beneficial to achieving a sound weld. Set up for FCAW consists of choosing a welding polarity, wire feed speed, amperage setting, and shielding gas. Once these parameters are set, the welder is ready to proceed.
Finally, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is a process in which a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used to weld two metal surfaces together. Shielding gas is supplied from a gas cylinder and is fed through the welding gun. Set up for GTAW consists of choosing a welding polarity, amperage setting, and shielding gas. Once these parameters are set, the welder is ready to proceed.
Welding has come a long way since the days of using manual techniques. The development of welding methods such as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) have made it easier, faster, and more economical to join two pieces of metal together. Whether you’re a seasoned welder or a novice, familiarizing yourself with these four welding methods will help you to make the right decision when choosing a welding technique.
