Do you know the various types of welding and their applications? The following are some of the most popular types.
Stick Welding
This is also known as arc welding. But do you know that even MIG welding and TIG welding are part of arc welding processes? However, a lot of people still call stick welding as arc welding. This is the oldest type of welding. In this case, a stick electrode or a welding rod as it is commonly known is chucked up in the electrode holder. The stick is stricken like a match and the rod fed into the joint as it burns. The good thing about this type of welding is that it is quite simple and pretty cheap.
MIG Welding
This is probably the easiest form of welding. This is because you do not have to feed the rod. Instead, a wire is fed through the cable, and the operator just needs to pull the trigger and start welding. Although it sounds that easy, it is not for beginners. Fortunately, it is a bit easier to learn as compared to stick welding. The two main types of MIG welding include flux core and bare wire welding.
TIG Welding
This type of welding is quite difficult to learn and harder to master as compared to stick or MIG welding. In this case, your both hands play a role. For instance, one hand will hold the TIG torch, and the other feeds the rod. Also, the equipment used in this case is quite expensive and difficult to set up. However, it is quite versatile as you can weld nearly all conventional metals. For example, you can weld carbon, alloy steels, nickel alloys, stainless steel, cobalt, magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and copper alloys.
Plasma Arc Welding
This type has similarities to TIG welding and has a tungsten electrode that is inside the nozzle. Plasma arc welding has applications where high precision is needed. This explains why it is used in aerospace applications and engine blade repair.
Gas Welding
This is another old school type of welding. Acetylene and oxygen make up the gas welding kit. It is also used in automotive exhaust applications. The good thing about it is that it is portable, versatile, and easy. A lot of people love this type of welding because it is easy. However, TIG is better than this.