An Overview of How Welding Works

In short, welding is fusing two pieces of metal. However, there’s a bit more nuance to it than that. This guide will give anyone curious about the industry an overview of how welding works. Welding is an expansive topic, so this will cover the essentials of the process, pertaining mainly to the industry's most common practices.

The nuance mentioned above comes from the different methods welders use to melt these metals and connect them. The most common welding method is arc welding, which has various subsections like TIG, MIG, and stick welding. It will seem like a lot at first, but the more you get into each method's details, the easier it is to tell them apart.

Next, we'll get into how they melt together. Arc welding involves heating the end of an electrode with the help of a suitable welding machine. The heat from the electrode can melt your metals and make them susceptible to fusion.

Another suitable heat source is a plasma jet, which is part of the aptly titled plasma cutting process. Plasma cutters are useful for completing heavy-duty tasks for the automotive and construction industries. On the other hand, MIG welding is a more suitable method for beginners and popular among DIY welders.

During this process, to create a secure enough bond between the metals, welders use a specific material—filler. The type of filler a welder uses varies from method to method. Popular fillers include welding rods and wires, which help welders create a joint strong enough to successfully hold the metals together.

Arc welding requires the use of another tool—shielding gas—to complete projects with quality and reliability. The purpose of shielding gas is to prevent air from contaminating the weld. Various gases can shield welds, including argon, carbon dioxide, and helium. Not every form of arc welding will call for shielding gas. For instance, stick welding doesn't require the use of such materials.

As you know by now, there are multiple methods for completing welds. This guide is an overview of how welding works in terms of the essentials. From the binding of metals to the use of shielding gas, these ideas will give you a good look at the standard components you’ll encounter in the field. Once you begin your welding training course, you’ll need the right gear beforehand.

As you can see from our electric welding machine selection, finding suitable equipment for completing welds can be more convenient than you might expect. With the help of high-quality tech and reliable brands, you can begin training off on the right foot.