Three Types of Welding Processes Every Beginning Welder Needs to Know

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Three Types of Welding Processes Every Beginning Welder Needs to Know

Welding is an interesting and rewarding skill for many enthusiasts and professionals. Through the use of a couple of tools and various types of metals, a welder can transform any piece of metal into any shape and design they desire, all with sparks flying around in the process. However, in order to be able to achieve the art of welding, you need to start with the basics and be knowledgeable of the different types of welding processes.

 

There are over 30 different types of welding available, they range from simple processes like Oxy-Fuel to high tech processes like laser beam welding. Each welding processes comes with their own advantages and disadvantages and a potential welder would need to have proper training to practice them. Here are 3 of the most common types of welding processes that every beginning welder needs to know about: –

 

 

1. MIG – Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

 

 

  • MIG welding is one of the easiest forms of welding for beginners to learn. 
  • MIG welding has two different types of welding, which involves using bare wires and flux core. 
  • Bare wire MIG welding can be used to combine two thin pieces of metal together. 
  • Flux core MIG welding can be used in an outdoor environment as it does not require a flow meter or gas supply. MIG welding is usually the welding of choice for DIY enthusiasts and hobby welders who don’t have the money to spend on buying expensive equipment.
  • This type of welding is most commonly used in the automobile industry, as it can give a strong weld that withstands large forces. This is because automobile industries often require repairments of durability and great strength. 
  • The advantages of using the MIG style of welding are: –
    • reduce waste due to the higher electrode efficiency
    • Require minimal weld clean up
    • Lower heat inputs
    • Reduce welding fumes
  • The disadvantages of using this method of welding are: –
    • Welders would need to count the need for external shielding gas
    • The best mig welders and other needed equipments could be more expensive
    • The limited positions in which a welder can use
    • All the materials needed for welding must be free of dirt and rust.

 

 

2. Stick Welding

 

 

  • Also known as Arc Welding or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
  • Stick welding is the more traditional form of welding.
  • Stick welding is a bit harder to learn compared to MIG welding, but you can pick up a stick welding equipment for very little if you want to have a go at home. 
  • Stick welding requires a stick electrode welding rod.
  • The advantages of stick welding are: –
    • Low cost of equipment as well as portability
    • This technique of welding is flexible as you can use it anywhere
    • Works well on dirty or rusting metals.
  • The disadvantages of stick welding are: –
    • Lower consumable efficiency
    • A lot of waste will be produced through this method of welding
    • Takes longer to master the skills
    • This method is harder to use on welding thin materials.

 

 

3. TIG Welding

 

 

  • While TIG welding is extremely flexible, but it is also one of the more difficult welding techniques to learn. 
  • Two hands are required for TIG welding. One hand feeds the rod as the other hand holds a TIG torch. 
  • This torch produces heat and arc, which are used to weld most conventional metals, such as aluminum, steel, nickel alloys, copper alloys, cobalt and titanium.
  • The advantages of using TIG welding are: –
    • The ability to weld very thin materials
    • High quality cleaning welds
    • Produces highly attractive weld beads
  • The disadvantages of using TIG welding are: –
    • The equipment cost are higher
    • The deposition rates are lower
    • A welder would generally require external shielding gas and a rather high operator skill in order to obtain the ideal results.

 

And there you have it, these are three of the most common and basic type of welding processes every welder learner needs to know about. Each welding process produces different results with different techniques of how to master the skill, therefore it is always important to be aware of your safety, the equipment being used, and materials welded.