What is Welding?

People tend to use the word “welding” commonly without really understanding what it means. Yes, the word’s basic meaning refers to joining metallic parts together, but it is so much more than that.

So, what is welding?

Welding is a critical construction-related activity that is generally used for binding materials together through the application of heat. It is a fabrication process that involves the usage of heat, pressure, or both to fuse two parts.

The Fundamentals of Welding

While the definition mentioned above might make it sound simple, welding is far from easy. Take a look at some of the fundamental principles of welding:

Benefits of Welding

Welding offers a variety of advantages, including the following:

How does welding work?

A welding gun or torch melts a specific part of the parent metal. This process, conducted using high heat (typically with the addition of filler material), creates a molten metal pool so that it is easy to join a new metal part to it. Instead of heat, pressure is also used to weld metals together (pressure welding) depending on the type and thickness of the material.

Welding Types and Processes

The welding process depends on what the material is. In case you want to become a professional welder, you must understand all the different processes well.

The most popular types of welding processes include:

Stick Welding (SMAW)

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), more commonly referred to as stick welding, involves using welding rods or sticks. The stick consists of the filler material and flux (which enable the welding process and protect the weld). Used across construction, shipbuilding, field repair, mining, manufacturing, and aerospace, this type of welding is affordable.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Also called Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, the gas metal arc welding process uses a welding gun through which an electrode wire passes. The result is an electric arc that produces the heat required for welding. It also creates a shielding gas that protects the weld.

Used for manufacturing, automotive, industrial, and construction processes, this technique is easy and efficient.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Just like MIG welding, FCAW is great for outdoor welding work and general repairs. This technique finds its application in industrial welding, manufacturing, pipeline repairs, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. The difference between MIG and FCAW is that the latter uses a tubular filler wire that contains the flux.

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG Welding)

This particular type of welding uses a non-consumable electrode that consists of tungsten to produce the arc. Among the most popular types of welding, TIG welding creates a clean, smooth, and superior quality weld. Industries like art, automotive, and aerospace use gas tungsten arc welding.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)

SAW is a welding method that uses flux but is different from FCAW because the process happens under a blanket of granular flux. This is one of the safest types of welding because it creates lesser welding fumes and ultraviolet light. SAW is the preferred welding technique in vessel construction, industrial manufacturing, and structural construction.

Hyperbaric Welding

This is a process that welders use underwater. The wet welding technique utilizes stick welding, where the flux produces bubbles that act as a shield to prevent the welder from being electrocuted.

Some other important and often-used welding processes and techniques include:

Apart from these, laser beam welding, explosions, and vibrations are some of the other (rather extreme) processes used for fusing metals.

Welding Equipment

Welding is a specialized job that requires you to have a variety of essential tools, including (but not restricted to) the following equipment:

Welding can be a high-risk job if you don’t use protective gear. Welders must use the following safety equipment at the job site:

Welding Joints Explained

Depending on what kind of joint configuration welders are aiming for, there are various types of welding joints:

Butt joint

A versatile and common welding joint, where you place two metal pieces together in the same plane, welding the side of each piece.

Tee joint

This joint features two pieces intersecting at a 90-degree angle, which forms a T shape. You can also create the joint by welding a tube or pipe onto the base metal.

Corner joint

As the name suggests, a corner joint meets in the corner, forming an L shape.

Lap joint

Used for sheet metal, this joint features two pieces of the metal placed on top of each other to create the lap joint.

Edge joint

Known to withstand force and pressure better than any other joint, the edge joint involves placing metal surfaces together to ensure even edges.

How to Become a Welder

A full-fledged program in welding engineering technology can enable you to become a professional welder with all the right skills and qualifications.

Check our Welding Engineering Technology

With an emphasis on welding techniques like oxyacetylene and air carbon arc cutting, brazing, SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, and pipefitting, this welding technology program helps aspiring welders gain real-world, hands-on training. Apart from these subjects, you will also take courses in:

Upon the successful completion of this program (which you can complete in as little as 18 months), you can kick-start your career and assume varied work positions like:

Fast-track your welding career and get the edge with one of the best welding schools in the United States- sign up for our Associate Degree Program in Welding Engineering Technology now!

Thinking about a career in welding? Fill this simple form to get more information about how you can achieve your career goals with the New England Institute of Technology. Alternatively, you can also call us at 401-467-7744 or 800-736-7744 to speak to our academic counselors.

FAQs

Why do we weld?

Welding is a convenient way of binding metals together without adhesives, nails, or other fusing material. Not only is welding a quicker and more efficient technique of joining materials together, but it is also quite cost-effective and reliable (compared to other methods).

For heavy metal fusing work in industries or applications such as aerospace, defense, shipbuilding, mining, automotive, oil and gas, and industrial manufacturing, welding is the preferred technique.

How much does a welder make an hour?

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for welders (welding, brazing, and soldering specialists) is $42,490 per year or $20.43 per hour.

What welding jobs pay over 100k per year?

A nuclear welder, military support welder, or an underwater welder may earn over 100k per year. But, as is the case with any career, the more you gain experience in the field, the more you earn. While entry-level welders might not earn over 100k annually, with the right exposure, experience, and skills, you can expect to climb up the professional ladder and see a corresponding rise in your salary, too.

Which gas is used in welding?

The most common gases that welders use in welding and cutting processes include: