Electric Arc Welding – Uses and Process
Electric arc welding is a process that uses electricity and extreme heat to join metals together. It’s one of the most common and versatile forms of welding available, used in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, shipbuilding, and many others. Let’s explore the process and uses of electric arc welding in detail.
What Electric Arc Welding ?
Electric arc welding is a welding process that requires the use of an electric arc to melt and join two pieces of metal. With such a wide variety of welding techniques available, electric arc welding stands out due to its impressive versatility. By utilizing a constant and high-voltage electric current to generate an arc of electricity between an electrode and the metal, the intense heat produced by the arc is able to break down the metal components and weld them together by melting the parent metal and the electrode wire. Electric arc welding has been around for over a century and is widely used in the construction, automotive, and manufacturing industries.
Electric Arc Welding Process
Electric arc welding involves a continuous current passing between two metal pieces to create an electrical arc. The electric arc creates extreme heat (over 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit), which melts both metals to form a joint between them. As the temperature cools, the materials form a single solid piece. The process can also be used with other materials, such as carbon fibre or plastic.
The type of electric current used for electric arc welding depends on the metal being welded and the purpose of the joint. Alternating current (AC) is typically used for stainless steel or aluminium because it helps reduce oxide formation on these metals during welding. Direct current (DC) is usually used when you need precise control over the weld parameters, such as when welding thin sheets of metal together or when joining materials with different melting points, like steel and aluminium.
Electric Arc Welding Uses
Electric arc welding has many applications across several industries due to its versatility and relative affordability compared to other types of welding processes. Some common uses include pipe fabrication, automotive body and frame repair, construction projects like bridges and buildings, and aircraft manufacturing. This type of weld is also commonly used for repairing items made from cast iron or ductile iron because it leaves no slag residue after cooling, which can interfere with further repairs or machining operations on those materials.
How Does Electric Arc Welding Work?
Electric arc welding works by joining two pieces of metal together using an electric current. The electric current passes between the two pieces of metal and creates an intense heat that melts the edges of the metals and fuses them together. There are different types of electric arc welds, including stick welding, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW). Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on the type of material being welded and the end goal.
Conclusion:
Electric arc welding is an incredibly versatile process that can be used on virtually any kind of metal or material combination imaginable – making it essential for any number of industries today. This quick overview should give you a better understanding of what electric arc welding is all about and why it’s so important in today’s world! With its ability to join metals together quickly while maintaining structural integrity, there’s no doubt that this method will continue to be integral in many industrial processes for years to come!
Meet Heer, a dynamic and driven writer learning tricks of her trade in the metal industry. With a background in Digital Marketing, Heer brings a unique perspective to her writing, sharing valuable insights. Apart from blogging she like reading and hiking.