Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, typically metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is often done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to become a strong joint, with pressure sometimes used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce the weld. Many different energy sources can be used for welding, including a gas flame, an electric arc, a laser, an electron beam, friction, and ultrasound. While often an industrial process, welding may be performed in many environments, including open air, underwater and in space. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as manual metal arc welding (MMA), is a process that is commonly used to weld together pieces of metal, particularly structural steel.
Types of Welding Equipment
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Equipment
SMAW is one of the most common Welding Equipment. SMAW equipment uses an arc between an uncoated metal electrode and the weld pool. The electrode is made of material similar to what is being welded and acts as the fill material. It is covered by a flux that protects the weld area from contamination. The main components of SMAW equipment include a welding power supply, electrode holder, cables, grounding clamp and electrodes. The power supply regulates current which creates the arc used to melt the base material. The electrode holder allows an electrode to be precisely positioned and struck to initiate the arc. Cables carry current from the power supply to the electrode and workpiece. A grounding clamp connects the workpiece to the power supply electrical circuit and current path.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Equipment
GMAW equipment uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert gas blanket to protect the weld area from contamination. Shielding gases commonly used include argon, carbon dioxide, mixtures and various metal inert gases. The key components of a GMAW setup include a welding power source, wire feeder, gas regulator, gas cylinder, gas nozzle/contact tip, electrode, work cable and ground clamp. The power source controls voltage and amperage output. The wire feeder feeds the electrode wire into the arc. The gas regulator flow rate controls the shielding gas. The gas nozzle guides the gas and positions the electrode at the weld area.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Equipment
Also known as TIG welding, GTAW is commonly used to weld thin, high-quality seams on materials like aluminum, stainless steel, and light alloys. GTAW equipment uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, separate filler metal, and an inert shielding gas to produce the weld. Key components include a TIG welding torch with tungsten electrode and gas nozzle, a welding power supply, gas regulator and flowmeter, gas cylinder, work clamp and electrode lead. Like GMAW, the power supply controls current output and voltage. The torch positions the tungsten electrode at the weld joint and directs shielding gas to prevent oxidation. Filler material is normally fed manually.
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