What types of welding are there?

Welders are often referred to as different professional groups. But this is not correct, because it is primarily the welding processes that distinguish them from the others.

Fundamentally, there are a variety of different types, with four welding processes now being the most represented. We are talking about:

• Gas welding
• TIG welding (tungsten inert gas welding)
• Manual arc welding (E-welding)
• MAG welding (metal active gas welding)

These four types have now clearly stood out from the others and are the solutions of today. This blog post will deal with the different types of welding and their areas of application.

1. Gas welding

Gas welding is one of the older methods, but here and there it still has a reason to exist. This process is characterized in that the weld seam is heated and, as a result, is melted.

The oxyacetylene welding machine acts as a heat source and is jointly responsible for ensuring that the melt is protected against oxygen and oxidation. Gas welding is mainly represented in the trades. Gas welders are often used to supply gas and water pipes.

But that's not all, gas welding is still very popular in outdoor assembly or general pipeline construction.

2. TIG welding

Tungsten inert gas welding is an integral part of welding and is indispensable. The arc is essential in this welding process and the defining feature is that it is positioned between the workpiece and the so-called tungsten electrode.

The tungsten electrode has a high melting point and therefore does not melt during the process. This welding process uses an additional material that is held in the arc and melts together when the workpiece is welded.

Inert gases are mostly used, which avoids a chemical reaction with the air. Metal processing is one of the typical areas of application for TIG welding. But TIG welders are also always in demand in apparatus construction, tank construction or the general pipeline construction.

3. Manual arc welding

Arc welding also uses the arc that is used between the workpiece and the electrode. In contrast to TIG welding, the situation with this process is such that the electrode serves as a filler and consequently melts.

In addition, other electrodes are used - we are talking about stick electrodes. These have a casing and this in turn ensures that appropriate protective gases are released.

This protects the melt from a chemical reaction with the air. Compared to the other processes, the process, also known as electric welding, is one of the oldest in the industry. Typical areas of application are in overhead pipe construction, but also in manual steel or bridge construction, manual arc welding is often used.

4. MAG welding

MAG welding (metal active gas welding) uses a mixture of different active gases and is a process that is often used in metal construction.

The gases mentioned influence the quality of the weld seam and ensure that there is no chemical reaction. MAG welding is also used in vehicle and mechanical engineering far from metal construction.

All four types of welding are essential for the economy

Ultimately, it can be said that the four types presented in this article have long been an integral part. Even though industrial welding is outclassed by many, electrode manual welding is still considered indispensable.

Anyone who is faced with the selection of the right welding process should deal with the topic in peace. A premature decision can involve tailor-made changes for the welder himself. But that's not all, because companies must also think carefully about which process to use before implementing a project.

The selection of the welding process chosen for the respective project decides how successful the production will look - especially since there are also economic aspects and these must also be taken into account.