From Arc to Laser: Exploring Welding Techniques

In the world of fabrication and manufacturing, welding plays a crucial role in joining two or more materials together. Welding, an essential skill used across various industries, constructs buildings and fabricates intricate metalwork. But what is welding? In simple terms, welding is a process that involves melting the base metals and fusing them to create a strong, permanent bond. There are several welding techniques, each with its unique characteristics and applications. In this blog, we will explore the various types of welding and their uses in different industries. 

Welders usually weld metals, thermoplastics, and, in rare instances, wood. A weldment refers to the completed welded joint.

The parts that join are known as parent material, and the material added to help form the join is called filler or consumable.

Common Welding Processes

There are various welding process types, each with its techniques and applications for industry.

Arc Welding

Arc welding is a fusion welding process used to join metals. It creates an electric arc between an electrode and the base metal, generating intense heat for melting and welding. The power source for arc welding is either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC).

Arc welding primarily uses a filler, joining metals like stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, copper alloys, cobalt, and titanium. Widely utilized across industries such as oil and gas, power, aerospace, automotive, and more.

We can further classify arc welding into different types based on the specific process and equipment used. Some of the commonly known types include:

Metal Inert Gas Welding

MIG, or gas-metal arc welding (GMAW), is a gas-metal arc welding technique that uses heat and electricity to fuse parts. Electricity creates an arc between a consumable electrode wire and the workpiece, melting the wire to form a weld pool. Once cooled, the weld pool solidifies, forming a new piece of fused metal. An inert gas like argon acts as a shield to prevent contamination from the surrounding air.

Application of MIG Welding

• Automotive industry
• Manufacturing industry
• Disadvantagestruction projects
• Fabrication of metal structures
• General metal repairs and maintenance

Advantages of MIG Welding

• Versatility: MIG is versatile, accommodating various material thicknesses from thin to thick, making it suitable for several applications.
• High Welding Speeds: MIG welding’s speed and continuity enable efficient work on projects with tight deadlines and high production demands.
• Ease of Learning:  MIG welding is easy for beginners and efficient for skilled welders.
• Reduced Splatter: MIG welding produces minimal weld splatter, resulting in a cleaner work environment, improved visibility during welding, and less post-weld cleanup.

Disadvantages of MIG Welding

• Precision and Strength:  MIG welds, though versatile and efficient, may lack the precision and strength of TIG welds, making them less suitable for applications where these qualities are critical.
• Cleanliness Requirement: Successful MIG welding requires meticulous cleaning of workpiece materials to remove rust or slag, as any impurities on the weld surface can compromise the quality and integrity of the joint.

Tungsten-inert gas welding (GTAW)

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/Tungsten Inert Gas (GTAW/TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten filler rod fed through a gun.. An inert gas, typically argon, is also fed through the gun. When the electrically charged tungsten filler comes into contact with the material being welded, it forms the welding arc. This method is considered to produce the cleanest welds among all types of welding.

Applications of TIG Welding

• Building materials
• Furniture
• Automobiles
• Joining metallic equipment
• Welding nickel, titanium, aluminium, copper, and their alloys

Advantages of TIG Welding

• Precision and Efficiency: TIG welding stands out for its high precision and efficiency, making it particularly well-suited for working with thin metal sheets and producing visually appealing welds.’
• Clean Process:  GTAW is a clean process, minimizing spatter and sparks during welding, which contributes to a cleaner work environment and better visibility for the welder.
• Versatility with Materials: TIG can handle a wide range of metals and alloys, enhancing its versatility and making it applicable across various industries.

Disadvantages of TIG Welding 

• Slower Process: TIG welding is a slower and more intricate method when compared to other techniques, demanding a higher level of skill and precision in controlling the torch, filler material, and foot pedal.
• Higher Cost of Equipment: TIG welding machines and consumables can be more expensive due to the need for shielding gas, tungsten electrodes, and sometimes additional filler material, increasing the overall cost of the welding setup.
• Less Efficient for Thicker Materials: GTAW may not be as efficient for thicker materials as other methods like MIG welding or stick welding. Its slower deposition rate makes it less suitable for heavy-duty applications where speed is crucial.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

SMAW, also known as stick welding, utilizes a flux-coated consumable electrode to join metals by generating an electric arc between the electrode and the workpiece. The filler material melts, forming a molten pool that fuses the metal. The electrode’s flux coating disintegrates, producing a shielding gas that protects the weld area from atmospheric contaminants.

Fabricators prefer SMAW welding because it is affordable and straightforward. But it is relatively slower than other welding techniques.

Applications of SMAW Welding

• Automotive Repair
• Construction projects
• Fabrication of pipes and vessels
• Maintenance and repair work

Advantages of SMAW Welding

• Versatility and Minimal Equipment:  SMAW offers versatility in welding applications that require minimal equipment, making it ideal for jobs requiring mobility or limited access to extensive machinery.
• Material Compatibility: SMAW can provide flexibility in its applications by being used on various materials, including steel, stainless steel, and cast iron.
• Lower Equipment Costs: Compared to other welding methods like GTAW, FCAW, and GMAW, SMAW welding machine costs are lower, making it a cost-effective option for certain projects.
• Compact Setup for Confined Spaces: SMAW’s compact setup makes it well-suited for welding in confined spaces and various positions, providing adaptability in challenging working conditions.
• No External Shielding Gas: SMAW doesn’t require an external shielding gas, making it suitable for outdoor applications in light to medium wind conditions without compromising the quality of the weld.

Disadvantages of SMAW Welding

• Excessive Slag Production: SMAW generates more slag, a residual material that demands post-weld cleaning and removal, posing challenges for effective control.
• Discontinuous Process: SMAW is a discontinuous welding process, necessitating regular electrode replacements, introducing interruptions and additional maintenance time.
• Hazardous Fume Emission: The welding process in SMAW produces hazardous fumes, requiring adequate ventilation and stringent safety measures to safeguard the welder from potential health risks.
• Incompatibility with Thin Materials: SMAW is unsuitable for welding thin-shaped materials due to its potential lack of precision, making it less appropriate for delicate workpieces.
• Slower Deposition Rate: SMAW has a lower deposition rate than methods like MIG welding or FCAW, making it less efficient for heavy-duty applications that require faster welding speeds.

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Flux core arc welding (FCAW) is a continuous feeding process with a similar technique to MIG. However, it uses a U-shaped electrode wire with flux.
This welding technique offers the major benefit of higher electrode efficiency and not requiring an external shielding gas.

Applications of FCAW Welding

• Construction industry
• Heavy equipment repair
• Structural steel erection
• Shipbuilding
• Welding dirty, rusted, or contaminated metals

Advantages of FCAW Welding

• Higher Deposition Rates: FCAW offers higher deposition rates, allowing for faster welding and increased productivity.
• Reduced Spatter: The technique reduces spatter formation, providing a cleaner weld and reducing the need for post-weld cleanup.
• Increased Penetration: FCAW enables increased penetration into the base metal, enhancing the strength and quality of the weld.
• Versatility: FCAW’s ability to be used on various metal alloys makes it a versatile welding method suitable for a range of applications.
• Outdoor Use: The lack of shielding gas makes FCAW suitable for outdoor use, even in windy conditions, as the flux core shields the weld pool from oxygen. You can use the FCAW welding machine for site operations. 

Disadvantages of FCAW Welding 

• Skill Requirements: FCAW demands precise control and consistent speed for high-quality welds, requiring advanced skills.
• Fume Generation:  The welding process produces fumes, requiring ventilation and strict safety measures for the welder.
• Higher Cost of Filler Material: The cost of filler material, specifically flux-cored wire, can be higher when compared to other arc welding methods, impacting overall project costs.
• Slag Formation: Slag must be removed after welding in FCAW, adding extra steps for cleaning and post-welding processes.
• Limited Suitability for Thin Materials:  FCAW may not be suitable for welding thin materials due to its higher heat input, which can lead to potential distortion issues.

Submerged Arc Welding

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a process that utilizes a continuously fed electrode to create an electric arc between the electrode and the workpiece. A blanket of flux powder covers the arc, providing protective shielding gases and a slag that can introduce alloying elements into the molten pool. The flux layer also hinders sparks and splatters and minimizes heat loss.

After the welding process, we can recycle unused flux using a flux hopper and remove the slag layers. SAW can be operated as an automatic or semi-automatic process, enabling deep heat penetration. However, its application is limited to steel and horizontal welds.

Applications of SAW:

• Structural Construction
• Shipbuilding
• Pipeline Welding
• Pressure Vessel Manufacturing
• Heavy Metal Fabrication
• Railway Industry

Advantages of SAW 

• High Deposition Rates: SAW is known for its high deposition rates, allowing for faster welding and increased productivity 
• Minimal Welding Fume and Arc Light: SAW produces minimal welding fume and arc light, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly welding process 
• Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Work: SAW can be performed both indoors and outdoors, making it versatile for various working environments.
• Less Distortion: SAW produces less distortion in the workpiece when compared to other welding methods, resulting in better dimensional stability.
• Deep Weld Penetration: SAW provides deep weld penetration, making it suitable for thick materials and ensuring strong and reliable welds.
• Minimal Edge Preparation: SAW requires minimal edge preparation, reducing the need for extensive pre-welding surface preparation.
• High Deposition Rates: SAW allows for high deposition rates, enabling the welding of thick materials in a single pass.
• Recoverable Flux:  We can recover and reuse a significant portion of the flux used in SAW, reducing material costs.

Disadvantages of SAW

• Limited Welding Positions: SAW is generally restricted to flat welding positions (1F, 1G, and 2F) due to granular flux use and molten weld pool fluidity. This restricts its application in certain welding positions.
• Complex Setup and Equipment: SAW requires specialized equipment and setup, which can be more complex compared to other welding processes. This may require additional training and expertise to operate and maintain the equipment effectively.
• Limited Joint Access: SAW may have limitations in accessing tight or hard-to-reach areas due to the size and rigidity of the welding equipment. This can make it challenging to weld in confined spaces or complex geometries.
• Potential for Flux Contamination: Proper handling and storage of the flux are crucial in SAW to prevent contamination. If the flux becomes contaminated, it can affect the quality of the weld and may require additional cleaning or rework.

Friction Welding

Friction welding is a solid-state joining method that utilizes mechanical friction to generate heat and fuse workpieces together. Unlike fusion welding techniques that melt the materials, friction welding relies on frictional heat to soften the interfaces, allowing them to intermix and form a strong bond without melting.

It does not require an external heat source to melt or convert the metal into a plastic state. Instead, the welding is formed by the application of external pressure. Friction welding involves the relative rotation or rubbing of two workpieces, which generates friction and heat at the contact surfaces. The heat softens the materials, allowing them to bond together under pressure. The process is used in various industries and has different types, including friction stir welding (FSW), friction stir spot welding (FSSW), linear friction welding (LFW), and rotary friction welding (RFW). 

Application of Friction Welding 

• Industrial rollers, tubes, and shafts
• Automotive components
• Aerospace components
• Shipbuilding and offshore applications
• General fabrication processes
• Material joining, especially for dissimilar metals.

Advantages of Friction Welding 

• Versatility in Materials:  Friction welding allows the joining of dissimilar metals, expanding its applications to combinations like aluminium to steel, copper to aluminium, titanium to copper, and nickel alloy to steel.
• No External Heat or Flux: Friction welding doesn’t require external heat or flux, making the process simpler, cleaner, and less messy.
• High-Integrity Joints: The method produces high-integrity, full-contact joints, ensuring consistent quality welds.
• Reduced Material Waste: Friction welding reduces material waste by requiring less raw material compared to conventional welds.

Disadvantages of Friction Welding 

• Skill Level Requirement: Friction welding demands a higher skill level to control process variables and achieve the desired weld quality.
• Fume Generation: It generates more fumes and smoke than other welding methods, requiring adequate ventilation and stringent safety measures.
• Variable Filler Material Costs: The cost of filler materials in friction welding may vary depending on the application, contributing to overall welding costs.
• Potential Slag Formation: Friction welding may produce slag, necessitating additional cleaning and post-welding processes.
• Limitations with Thin Materials: It may not be suitable for welding thin materials due to its higher heat input and potential distortion issues.

Electron Beam Welding

Electron beam welding (EBW) is a fusion joining technique that employs a highly focused beam of electrons to weld materials together. The high-velocity electrons, upon striking the workpieces, convert their kinetic energy into heat, melting the materials and causing them to fuse. EBW is performed under vacuum conditions, typically within a vacuum chamber, to prevent the electron beam from scattering and dissipating. The resulting welds produced by EBW are characterized by their high precision, deep penetration, and minimal heat-affected zone, making them suitable for joining a wide range of materials, including metals, ceramics, and plastics.

Applications of EBW Welding

• Bi-metal sword blades
• Transmission assembles
• Aerospace components
• Automotive components

Advantages of Electron Beam Welding:

• Deep Penetration: EBW achieves deep penetration into the workpiece, allowing for high-quality welds in thick materials.
• Precise and Narrow Welds: The electron beam’s focus enables precise and narrow welds, contributing to the production of intricate components and minimizing heat-affected zones.
• Minimal Distortion: Due to the concentrated heat input, electron beam welding results in minimal distortion of the workpiece, maintaining the integrity of complex structures.
• High Welding Speed: EBW is known for its high welding speeds, making it efficient for various applications, especially in high-volume production environments.
• Vacuum Environment: The welding process occurs in a vacuum environment, eliminating the need for shielding gases and preventing contamination, which is beneficial for certain materials.
• Joining Dissimilar Materials: EBW allows for the joining of dissimilar materials with different melting points, expanding its versatility in various industries.

Disadvantages of Electron Beam Welding:

• High Initial Equipment Cost: Electronic beam welding machines are expensive, resulting in a high initial investment, which may be a limiting factor for some businesses.
• Limited Joint Accessibility: It requires line-of-sight access to the joint, making it challenging for complex geometries and confined spaces.
• Skilled Operator Requirement: The process demands skilled operators due to the complexity of controlling the electron beam and other process variables.
• High Power Consumption: EBW can have high power consumption, leading to increased operational costs over time.
• Surface Preparation: Proper surface preparation is crucial, and any contaminants on the workpiece surface can negatively impact the weld quality.
• Limited Thickness Range: While suitable for thick materials, electron beam welding may not be as practical for very thin materials, limiting its range of applications.

Laser Welding

Laser welding is a technique that utilizes a laser beam to combine metals or thermoplastics by fusing them together. Because the heat source is very concentrated, laser welding can be carried out at high speeds, up to meters per minute, on thin materials. In thicker materials, it can create deep, narrow welds between parts with square edges.

Two main modes of laser welding exist conduction-limited welding and keyhole welding. The mode in which the laser beam interacts with the material being welded depends on the power density across the beam that is striking the workpiece.

Application of laser Welding

• Automotive Industry
• Medical Industry
• Aerospace Industry
• Electronics Industry
• Jewelry Industry
• Tool and Die Industry
• Energy Industry
• Consumer Goods Industry

Advantages of laser welding

• Precision: Laser welding offers exceptional precision, allowing for intricate joint geometries and high-quality welds with minimal distortion.
• Higher Quality Welds: The focused heat source of laser welding contributes to higher quality welds, resulting in improved mechanical properties.
• Faster Throughput: Laser welding can operate faster than traditional methods, enhancing throughput and productivity, particularly in high-volume production settings.
• Reduced Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ): Laser welding minimizes the heat-affected zone, preserving material properties and lowering the risk of distortion or damage to adjacent components.
• Access to New Applications: Laser welding opens up new domains of application, allowing for the joining of dissimilar materials and addressing challenges that traditional methods may find difficult.
• Automation and Integration: Laser welding can be easily integrated into automated manufacturing processes, improving overall efficiency and reducing labour costs.

Disadvantages of laser welding

• High Initial Investment: Laser welding involves a significant initial investment in expensive equipment, making it less accessible for small businesses or industries with budget constraints
• Less Suitable for Thicker Materials: Laser welding is less effective for thicker materials due to limitations in penetration depth and heat dissipation.
• Sensitive to Surface Conditions: Laser welding requires clean, well-prepared surfaces, and it is sensitive to contaminants like oils, dirt, or oxides, which can affect the quality of the weld.
• Limited Joint Access: Laser welding requires line-of-sight access to the joint being welded, posing challenges for complex or hard-to-reach geometries.
• Skilled Operator Requirement: Skilled operators are needed for laser welding, and the complexity of the technology may demand additional training and expertise compared to traditional welding methods.

Resistance Welding

Resistance welding, or electric resistance welding (ERW), joins metals with pressure and high electric current. The heat generated melts the metal at the joint, forming a strong bond. It can be divided into two categories:

• Spot welding uses heat generated between two electrodes on a tiny area while holding the workpieces together.
• Seam welding, similar to spot welding, replaces electrodes with rotating wheels to produce a continuous, impermeable weld.

Applications of Resistance Welding

• Automotive industry
• Aerospace industry
• Electronics industry
• Construction 
• Medical device industry

Advantages of Resistance Welding:

• High Speed: It is a fast welding process, allowing for quick joining of materials. This results in increased productivity and reduced manufacturing time.
• No Filler Material Required: Resistance welding does not require the use of filler materials, eliminating the need for additional consumables and reducing material costs.
• Good Weld Quality: It produces high-quality welds with excellent strength and joint integrity. It establishes a robust bond between the joined materials.
• Suitable for Mass Production: Well-suited for mass production, its high speed and automation capabilities make it suitable for high-volume production. It can be easily integrated into automated manufacturing processes.
• Environmentally Friendly: Resistance welding is a clean welding process that generates minimal smoke, fumes, or harmful byproducts. It is considered an environmentally friendly welding method.

Disadvantages of Resistance Welding:

• Limited Joint Configuration: Resistance welding excels in joining flat or slightly curved surfaces but has limitations with complex joint geometries.
• Material Limitations: It is primarily used for joining metals, and may not be suitable for other materials like plastics or ceramics.
• Surface Preparation Requirement: Resistance welding requires clean and well-prepared surfaces for effective welding. Contaminants on the surface can hinder the quality of the weld.
• Equipment Cost: Resistance welding machines can be expensive, especially for specialized applications or larger-scale operations. The initial investment may be a barrier for small businesses or industries with budget constraints.

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Raptech Engineering Pvt. Ltd.

Based in Pune, Maharashtra, Raptech Engineering Pvt. Ltd. ISO 9001:2015-certified company, excels in the design, manufacture, and supply of material handling equipment, welding fixtures, and special purpose machines. With a 30,000-square-foot workshop area, they offer a range of in-house products, including control panels, wire mesh filtration systems, trunnion fixtures, and more. They serve industries such as power and energy, metals and mining, and industrial machinery and tools. Raptech is committed to delivering high-quality solutions to our valued customers.

Datsons Engineering Works Pvt Ltd

Datson Engineering Pvt. Ltd. workshops span 217,800 sqft., and excels as a manufacturer and supplier in sheet metal fabrication. Specializing in welding-intensive products like shock absorber assemblies and genset canopies, Datsons uses cutting-edge equipment, including Amada Fiber Laser and HSG Fiber Laser. They offer services like laser/plasma cutting, CNC press brake bending, and welding, serving automotive, farm, and earthmoving equipment industries. Their facility ensures top-notch welding and fabrication solutions for diverse applications.

Ankita Technologies (India) Private Limited

Ankita Technology (India) Pvt. Ltd. is operating from Mumbai, Maharashtra. Their facility spans 18,000 square feet and specializes in welding and fabrication. With cutting-edge equipment such as WARPP and KOIKE machines, they offer a range of services, including TIG and CNC Plasma Cutting. Ankita Technologies capabilities extend to industrial dryers, food processing, pharma, chemicals, and more. They have a dedicated team of 84 professionals and have successfully executed projects like pneumatic conveyor system installations. Committed to quality, we uphold statutory standards, ensuring reliable solutions for diverse industries.

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