Industrial Welding: Learn About The Different Types Of Industrial Welding Applications

There are many varieties of welding jobs, from automotive to industrial. Industrial welding utilizes equipment and tools to work with nonferrous metal, iron, pipe, and steel. If you are interested in becoming an industrial welder, you should first know about the different types of welding specifically with industrial applications. Here are the types of industrial welding processes to be aware of, as well as how atmospheric contamination is avoided.

Gas Metal Arc Welding

The first type of industrial welding you should be aware of is called gas metal arc welding, or GMAW. It is also sometimes called MIG welding. With this form of welding, you will use a welding gun and consumable wire electrodes that are fed through the gun. In order to protect against contamination, you will also use a combination of carbon dioxide and argon, or argon alone, which are shielding gases. This is a very common method of welding for industrial purposes due to the simplification of the process.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding

The next type of industrial welding is called shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It is sometimes called stick welding because there is a flux-coated electrode used in this process. The electrode helps to make an electric arc using a current that is either alternating or direct. When this is done correctly, the electrode starts to melt, as the joints begin joining together thanks to the flux melting off the electrode as well. A gas vapor is also released from the flux, which can create an additional shield to protect from contamination.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

You should also be aware of how gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) works, as it is another method commonly used in industrial welding. Instead of the electrodes used in the previous two processes, GTAW uses a tungsten electrode for welding. The tungsten electrode won't be consumed during the welding process, but instead an inert gas like helium or argon is used to protect the area from contamination.

Flux-Core Arc Welding

Flux-core arc welding, also known as FCAW, is similar to the method used in gas metal arc welding, except there is also an additional tubular wire that is filled with flux. The filter material and materials being welded will determine the best way to avoid contamination. There is either a shielding gas for protecting from atmospheric contamination or the flux works on its own as a shield.

When you learn industrial welding, you will learn each of these methods, and how to avoid contamination. This is very important to protect the atmosphere from the job you are trying to accomplish. For more information, contact Checkpoint Welding & Fabrication. 

Share