Category: welding

Welding Techniques – Part 2 of 2

In our last article, Welding Techniques – Part 1 of 2, we discussed two types of welding: Stick and MIG. These are two of the four most popular welding techniques used today. As promised, here in Welding Techniques – Part 2 of 2 we will talk about the other two techniques: TIG and Flux Core … Continue reading “Welding Techniques – Part 2 of 2”

In our last article, Welding Techniques – Part 1 of 2, we discussed two types of welding: Stick and MIG. These are two of the four most popular welding techniques used today. As promised, here in Welding Techniques – Part 2 of 2 we will talk about the other two techniques: TIG and Flux Core Arc welding.

 

TIG Welding

TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is a form of arc welding that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode in conjunction with an inert  shielding gas. The gas (helium or argon) is used to protect the weld from airborne contaminants. TIG welding was developed in the aircraft industry and patented in 1941. TIG welding is used to weld thin non ferrous metals such as stainless steel, magnesium, and copper.  While slower than some of the other types of welding TIG welding produces a stronger weld and gives the user more precise control of their work. Tig welding, being a more precise type of welding, requires practice and patience before it can be mastered.

 

Flux Core Arc Welding

Flux Core Arc Welding- otherwise known as  FCAW or FCA is a semi-automatic or automatic welding technique. Flux core arc welding was developed in the 1950s as an alternative  to shielded metal arc welding. FCAW uses a tubular flux filled wire instead of a shielded gas. Added to the flux are chemicals that when heated produce a gas to protect the weld. This type of welding is very similar to MIG welding as it uses a continuous wire feed during welding. The main difference between the two types of welding is that MIG welding uses a shielded gas, and FCAW does not need a shielded gas to protect the weld  from contaminants in the air. Flux Core Arc Welding is versatile and fast and can produce up to 5 times more welds per hour than MIG welding. This type of welding was patented in 1959, and to this day is very popular for non-critical welds.

 

Dolfab’s welders are well versed in the techniques necessary for custom metal fabrication in all manner of applications: t-top construction, fuel tank construction, fuel tank repair, RV repair, yacht refits, and even delicate staircase railings.

 

Photo courtesy of Hotrod.com

Welding Techniques – Part 1 of 2

Let’s talk technique! Here at Dolfab we pride ourselves on our workmanship and skill. We take on jobs that other companies may turn away. We can do this because we provide a broad range of welding services. From a polished stainless steel handrail to replacing an aluminum hull side in a yacht we know we … Continue reading “Welding Techniques – Part 1 of 2”

Let’s talk technique!

Here at Dolfab we pride ourselves on our workmanship and skill. We take on jobs that other companies may turn away. We can do this because we provide a broad range of welding services. From a polished stainless steel handrail to replacing an aluminum hull side in a yacht we know we have the in house expertise. Not all projects will need the same treatment and different techniques can be needed.  There are at least four welding techniques that are most common- in this article, we’ll cover two of these.

 

Stick welding

Stick Welding, aka Shielded Metal Arc Welding, may be responsible to making welding into an art. Widely  used to this day, stick welding gained popularity in the 1920’s because of its versatility and ease of use in welding steel. Stick welding uses a consumable welding rod made out of metal with a flux coating. The rod arcs against the part or metal that is being welded. The rod melts and forms a pool of metal which then forms a joint when cooled. Stick welders, being small and mobile, were used everywhere from your local auto repair center to building structures for the construction industry.  Chances are you may know someone who has a stick welder in their home garage. As technology got better stick welding took a back seat to the next welding technique…

 

MIG welding

MIG or Metal Inert Gas welding was introduced in the 1940’s. Mig welding uses high voltage to melt and fuse metals together. Instead of the welding rod used in stick welding, MIG welding uses a welding gun that uses an electrode wire and a shielded gas. When the trigger is pulled the gas and wire pass through the gun. The gas is used to keep the process from being contaminated.  While mig welding was designed for welding nonferrous metals such as aluminum, the process adapted to welding steel fairly quickly because of its speed and ease of use.

 

Continue to Welding Techniques – Part 2 of 2 to learn about TIG and FCAW techniques.