jamesorth

1
Types of welding and their uses

• Welding is of course a serious job. It is used to
  join pieces of metal together and is a very
  skilled trade. So what are the different types of
  welding and what are they used for in industry?

2
MIG Welding

• MIG welding is one of the easier types of welding
  for beginners to learn. MIG welding is actually
  two different types of welding. The first uses
  bare wire and the second flux core.
• Bare wire MIG welding can be used to join thin
  pieces of metal together. Flux core MIG welding
  can be used outdoors because 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 dont have the money to
  spend on expensive equipment.

3
Stick Welding

• Stick welding, also known as Arc welding, is
  doing it the old fashioned way. Stick welding is
  a bit harder to master than 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 uses a stick electrode welding rod. Stick
  welding is relatively easy than other types of
  welding. However, as far as safety is concerned,
  it is riskier than other types because it
  produces a lot of spatter. That is why you choose
  some of the best stick welding helmets.

4
TIG Welding

• TIG welding is extremely versatile, but it is
  also one of the more difficult welding techniques
  to learn. So, skilled individuals should not work
  without proper PPE
• Two hands are needed for TIG welding. One hand
  feeds the rod whilst the other holds a TIG torch.
  This torch creates the heat and arc, which are
  used to weld most conventional metals, including
  aluminum, steel, nickel alloys, copper alloys,
  cobalt and titanium.

5
Plasma Arc Welding

• Plasma arc welding is a precision technique and
  is commonly used in aerospace applications where
  metal thickness is 0.015 of an inch. One example
  of such an application would be on an engine
  blade or an air seal. Plasma arc welding is very
  similar in technique to TIG welding, but the
  electrode is recessed and the ionizing gases
  inside the arc are used to create heat.

6
Gas Welding

• Gas welding is rarely used anymore and has been
  largely superseded by TIG welding. Gas welding
  kits require oxygen and acetylene and are very
  portable. They are still sometimes used to weld
  bits of car exhaust back together.
• There is currently a huge shortage of skilled
  welder in the US and the rest of the world, so
  for young people who do decide to take up a
  career as a welding technician, the job prospects
  are good