Welding

Welding is the technique employed when joining metallic parts through heat application. The heat helps to melt the parts before allowing them to cool together and causing fusion. In addition to melting the base metal being fabricated, a filler material is added to create a pool of molten material that becomes part of the joint. Depending on the configuration, the fabricated piece can be stronger than the original material. The main types of welding include: 1. Forge welding: This type of welding involves shaping the parts to be enjoined, heating them and hammering to take the anticipated shape. It is considered the blacksmith’s craft though it is also applied in some chain making processes. 2. Arc welding: Most of the welding processes today fall in this category. The process involves striking an electric arc between metallic electrodes and a work-piece. Then, tiny globules of molten metal are transferred from the electrode to the welded joint. Note that arc welding can be done using either direct or alternating current. 3. Resistance welding: This welding process involves generating heat by passing current via resistance generated by contact between two metal surfaces. The welding method is preferred because it causes little or no pollution. One example of resistance welding is spot welding used for joining overlapping sheers. 4. Electron beam welding: This method involves bombarding a workpiece with a stream of high-velocity electrons and converting their energy into heat on impact. The heat is so much that the workpiece almost vaporizes through-holes instantaneously. It is preferred when narrow deep penetrations welds are needed on beams. Other types of welding include cold welding that uses press instead of heat, friction welding that uses friction heat, and laser welding that relies on light energy supplied through a laser source. For better results, it is prudent that you use the right welding equipment and the process is done by an experienced person/s.