Welding is a technique of joining two metals. It is also used when joining thermoplastics. It is not like simple soldering and brazing (two common techniques that utilize heat used to join metals) since it also uses pressure to conjunct metals. Welders need a lot of things to do this metal-joining technique. Below are some of the basics.
Welding Electrodes
The welding electrodes or rods are used to conduct current through the pieces of metal being welded. There are many types of welding electrodes. They can be consumable or non-consumable. The consumable electrodes are the ones used for gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding. The non-consumable electrodes are the ones used for gas tungsten arc welding. The welding rods can also be cathode or anode. The cathode welding rods are used for filling type welding while the rest use anode welding electrodes.
Energy Sources
There are many energy sources for welding. The choices include gas flame, laser, electron beam, ultra sound, friction and electric arc. The kind of energy source may differ according to the environment the welding will be done. It can be done in open air spaces, under water and in the outer space.
Most welders use constant current power supplies as well as the constant voltage power supplies. The former is more common when manually welding the metals. This type of power source maintains constant current even if the voltage changes. The stability is very important since it can be hard to hold the electrode.
Welding Torch
The welding torch is also important. It is responsible for heating up the metals to be welded. There are a wide variety of welding torches available today and one should choose based on the kind of welding to be done. It is dangerous and is lethal that’s why welders need gloves and suit whenever they hold a welding torch.
Welding Mask and Suit
The welders also need protective gears composed of Welding mask, helmet, suit and gloves. The welding process involves harmful light that may impair eyesight. The fumes can also harm the respiratory system and overall health of welders. There are welding masks but there are also welding helmets that cover the entire head and even neck. The suit covers the whole body. It is flame resistant since sparks are very common when welding metals. The gloves also protect the welder’s hand from the current and sparks.
Welding Tools
The welders around the world use various tools. Most of the time, their favorite tools depend on the kind of project they are into. They choose the tools that make their job much easier. Some welders who work on steel beams and aircraft parts cannot live without a speed square for lay outing. Other welding tools may include angle grinder, needle scaler, and chipping hammer. The angle grinders are very common since they can be used not only for preparing the welding pieces but also for cleaning and finishing.
Welding is definitely not an easy task but it is important since it joins metals together better than other joining techniques that are known nowadays. You will find welded items around you such as the metal frames of furniture, bodies of car and building structures.
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