Different Types of Welding

Welding is a complex skill that requires the help of a professional in almost all circumstances. And as technology advances, there are more and more options for types of welding. Sorting through them can seem like a job in itself, because it requires an expert’s eye to determine what techniques could be best for the specific task at hand.

If you’re looking for specialty welding in Umatilla County, OR, you’ll want to consider the many different types of welding that are out there. Let’s get into a quick primer on what’s available:

• Submerged arc welding (SAW) creates an arc between the welding rod and workpiece through the use of a continuous electrode feed. The flux blanket that forms protects the weld zone from any contamination from the atmosphere, and it can be automated, semi-automated or mechanized.
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is also called “stick” welding and is a manual process that uses a flux-coated welding rod to carry a high-power electric current. During the welding process, the weld is protected by a layer of slag and a gas shield, but the final product might need finishing services.
• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is also known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, and it uses a continuous wire electrode feed. This is a very versatile process that allows the welder to merely guide the gun along the fusion point in the proper position and direction. It’s also easily automated.
• Flux core arc welding (FCAW), similar to GMAW, is popular when a job needs to be completed quickly. It uses a tubular wire with a flux instead of a solid wire, and there are both dual-shielded and self-shielded forms of FCAW. The self-shielded variety uses a flux to protect the weld spot, which makes it a great choice for outdoor applications.
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is also called tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding utilizes a tungsten welding rod to provide heat to the metal. The weld area is protected by an external shielding gas that is normally argon. Because of the nature of the process, GTAW allows welders to meld two metals together without any filler. It takes a lot of very detail-oriented work but produces welds of exceptional quality.

If you need help choosing the proper welding services in Umatilla County, OR for an upcoming project, make sure to confer with local experts. With over 30 years of experience in welding, NW Metal Fabricators Inc. would be happy to counsel you and provide high-quality welding services for any job. We specialize in welding for the food processing industry, but we also offer a variety of other services.

NW Metal Fabricators Inc. is family-owned and committed to ensuring excellent customer service and the best hand-crafted products to fit your individualized specifications. We know that no matter what challenge we face, we can find the right materials and processes for the job. We are also affiliated with the local Chamber of Commerce. Call today to find out about what we can do for you.

Categorised in: Welding

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