welding technology concepts and development history
Introduction
Welding is a popular manufacturing technique used to bond two or more materials together by melting or burning the two materials. It is used to join steel, aluminum, brass, plastic, and other materials using a range of different processes. Welding technology has advanced dramatically in the last century and continues to be a critical part of modern industrial and consumer products.
History
The earliest known welders were the ancient Greeks, however, the modern methods for welding were developed in the 1800s. In 1802, a blacksmith called Christian Doppler discovered that heat applied to the joining of two pieces of metal made them bond together more securely. This process was called forge welding. In 1819, a French scientist called Henri Pascal discovered that pressurizing two pieces of metal created a strong fusion bond. This process was called forge seam welding or pressure welding.
In 1885, two American inventors, Charles Lennon and George Owen studies electricity’s properties and how its application can be used to join metal pieces. They discovered that an electric current could be used to fuse two pieces of metal. This process was called electric resistance welding.
The next big breakthrough in welding technology occurred in 1889, when a German inventor, August Stumpf found that a powerful electric arc could be produced in a controlled and focused manner to melt and join two pieces of metal. This process is called arc welding.
The oldest form of welding is forge welding, which the ancient Greeks used extensively for building tools, weapons, and ships. The method is still used today for the repair and fabrication of wrought iron objects.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the primary welding processes used were forge welding, forge seam welding, and electric resistance welding. These processes were limited in range and capability as it required high temperatures and special tools to achieve strong welds.
In the 1920s and 1930s, a form of arc welding known as oxyacetylene welding was developed. This process uses a spray of oxygen and acetylene to generate an intense flame for welding. While not as precise and controlled as modern arc welding processes, oxyacetylene welding was the first process to use a concentrated heat source for joining materials.
Modern welding processes
Modern welding processes have been developed to address the limitations of the earlier traditional processes. Advancements in technology have allowed us to use lower temperature welding methods, faster welding cycles and more precise control over the welding process.
MIG welding, or metal inert gas welding, is a common process that uses a gas mixture containing inert gas and small amounts of oxygen or another oxidizing agent to join two or more materials. In MIG welding, an electrode is used to direct the arc, and the weld area is protected from oxidation by the gas.
TIG welding, or tungsten inert gas welding, is another commonly used process. In this process, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used to create an arc for high-quality welds. The torch is used to direct the arc and a shielding gas is used to protect the weld area from contamination.
Friction welding is a specialized welding process where two surfaces are joined together by using friction generated heat and pressure. In this process, the friction is generated by rapidly rotating the surfaces and applying pressure until they reach the desired temperature and weld strength.
Conclusion
Welding is one of the most important manufacturing processes and has revolutionized the way we build products. It has allowed us to join materials together in a stronger and more reliable manner than ever before. Over the last century, welding technology has advanced dramatically, allowing us to develop more precise processes that use lower temperatures, faster welding cycles and more controlled welding processes. As welding technology continues to evolve, its uses will become more widespread and its importance will continue to grow.
