Sheet metal fabrication involves turning flat sheets of steel or aluminum into products or metal structures by following a series of steps. The metal sheets are cut, bent, or stretched into almost any shape to fit the needs of different manufacturing industries in Faridabad and beyond.
The metal sheets are used in nearly every industry, namely automotive, aircraft, tools, mining, catering, agriculture, shipping, medical, electronic parts, and construction. The number of things that you can make from them is endless, making their demand remain all-time high.
To meet the inflating demand, many sheet metal manufacturing companies in Noida offer sheet metal made mainly from high-quality materials like steel and aluminum. Even you can find a sheet metal fabricator by searching online using phrases like “sheet metal industry near me.”
As mentioned above, the fabrication process involves a series of steps that need to be carried out effectively to obtain optimum results. Among all, one of the significant steps is welding.
There are multiple methods that every sheet metal industry uses to meet the exact requirements when it comes to welding. This article will take you through all common methods of welding associated with sheet metal fabrication.
So, let’s get started!
What Is Welding?
Welding is a process in which two or more pieces of similar metal are joined together using heat and pressure. The interfaces are first melted and then blended before solidifying into a joint. There are different methods of welding, and here, we’re going to discuss the most common ones.
MIG Welding
MIG welding, a.k.a. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), involves using a continuous solid wire electrode fed via a welding gun. The gun’s tip is electrically charged to create enough heat that melts the wire and form a weld puddle or weld pool to join two pieces together. Shielding gas is used to prevent the weld pool or puddle from environmental contaminants, which may cause defects. The method is fit for projects that demand a minimal weld appearance. It also goes well for joining parts that do not fit together closely.
TIG Welding
TIG welding, a.k.a. gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), involves using a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers heat via an arc created from electricity. A filler material is usually used for the build-up and reinforcement of the weld. Like MIG welding, a shielding gas protects the puddle from environmental contaminants. The welding speed ranges from 7” to 15” per minute depending on the application of filler wire, fillet size, etc. It is perfect when the MIG gun’s size refuses access to the weld.
Oxygen-Acetylene Welding
Also known as gas welding, oxygen-acetylene welding relies on the combustion of oxygen and acetylene. When both are mixed in uniform proportions in a blowpipe, produces a hot flame with a temperature rising to 3,200 degrees.
Laser Welding
Laser welding is a technique that uses a laser beam to join pieces of metal. The beam is the source of concentrated heat that melts the joining pieces together. The method is best suitable where the gap between the parts cannot exceed .005″. Like TIG and MIG, laser welding does not require a gas shield and is capable of offering the desired appearance. The laser is also built up of weld material, allowing precise welding of smaller parts. The method helps weld at speeds ranging from 50″ to 80″ per minute.
Projection Welding
Projection welding comes in when the design or shape of the part is transformed into discreet individual points of contact to concentrate current during welding. It helps in obtaining complex welds that ensure quality welding at low costs. It is a type of resistance welding that projects focus on studs.
Resistance Welding
Resistance welding is a metal fusion technique where an electrical resistance heats the material. It is generally used to weld metals like iron and steel and ensures high-quality standards on welded components at less cost.
Iron Welding
Iron is used in several industries, ranging from manufacturing to construction, making iron welding count among the common welding methods. It is mainly used to repair castings and cover defects to ensure the proper working of different machines and equipment.
Stainless Steel Welding
The method is used to improve the essential qualities of metals like rust & corrosion resistance and hygiene standards. That’s why the welding process serves largely in the food industry and keeps quality at the top.
Aluminum Welding
The said metal is known for its lightweight, ductility, and oxidation resistance, making it a perfect fit for the aerospace and transport sectors. It can be done using MIG and TIG welding techniques.
Wrapping Up
The above mentioned are some of the common methods of welding associated with sheet metal fabrication. Different sheet metal manufacturing companies in Noida use these welding methods depending on the projects’ requirements.
