Welding is the process of heating and joining metal parts. Different kinds of welding techniques have been developed to weld different kinds of metals. Some of the things that need consideration while choosing the welding method for a metal include electrode material, welding speed, cooling rate and shielding gases. The welding technique and process also varies based on the thickness of the material and the required output. Read on to find out about the welding techniques used for steel and aluminium sheets.
Types of Welding Techniques used for Steel Sheets
Four welding methods that are commonly used for welding steel include TIG welding, MIG welding, shielded metal arc welding and resistance welding. Here is a brief look at all four:
Shielded Metal Arc Welding Technique
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is a common welding technique that works well for several metals including steel. It is a manual technique that makes use of stick and is apt for the construction of steel structures. The stick makes use of an electric current to create electric arc between stick and the metals that are to be joined.
TIG Welding or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Technique
This is a most common welding technique used for many metals. It ensures high quality and durability. It produces low heat input which helps steel bend and join with ease. It makes use of the argon gas along with certain other gases including hydrogen, helium and nitrogen.
Resistance or Spot Welding Technique
This is one of the most cost effective welding techniques. It can be used for both small as well as big projects. An electrical current is used to heat the metal edges and fix them together. It is a good option for stainless steel as it has low melting point.
MIG Welding or Gas Metal Arc Welding Technique
This semi-automatic welding technique ensures strong joining of two pieces of stainless steel. It makes use of the argon gas and a robust wire electrode. Helium, oxygen and carbon dioxide are also used in this process. Besides, MIG Welding technique employs pulsed current supply that makes it easy to weld steel even in the spots that are difficult to reach.
Types of Welding Techniques used for Aluminium Sheets
The welding techniques used for aluminium sheets are quite similar to that used for steel. Here is a look at the three commonly used techniques to weld aluminium sheets:
Gas Metal -Arc (MIG) Welding Technique
Short circuit and an inert gas are used to melt aluminium sheet. The process can be completed quickly and not much training is required to accomplish the same. However, it produces a lot of sparks and smoke.
Gas Tungsten -Arc (TIG) Welding Technique
This welding technique uses electrode sheath and inert gas to carry out the welding process. This ensures neatness and high quality. Also it produces less sparks and smoke. However, the process takes a lot of time and is quite expensive too. Besides, rigorous training is required to carry out the procedure.
Arc Welding Technique
This is one of the first welding techniques that came into being. It makes use of welding power supply to melt and join the aluminium sheet. It is also one of the most cost-effective techniques. Only someone with experience in the field should be employed for this task.
No matter which welding technique is used it is suggested to protect the eyes with a welding mask when the procedure is carried out. Gloves and leather boots must also be worn to stay guarded from molten metal splatters and hot metal. Sangeeta Industries, a top sheet metal & auto components manufacturer in Faridabad, specialises in different welding processes. They ensure high quality work within the promised timeline.
