Welding

Welding is a fabrication process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allowing them to cool, causing fusion. Welding is distinct from lower temperature metal-joining techniques such as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal.

Types of Welding

There are many different types of welding methods, including:

• Arc welding: Uses an electrical arc to create heat to melt and join metals.
• Gas welding: The most common type is oxyacetylene welding where the flame is used to melt and join metals.
• Resistance welding: Uses the application of force and passing current for a period of time through the metal area which is to be joined.
• Energy beam welding: Uses a high power energy source, such as a laser or electron beam, to melt and join metals.
• Solid-state welding: Includes methods like friction welding or shielded active gas welding, which is similar to gas metal arc welding.

Safety

Welding, without the proper precautions, can be a dangerous and unhealthy practice. However, with the use of new technology and proper protection, many of the risks of welding can be reduced.

Applications

Welding is used in a number of applications, including:

• Shipbuilding
• Automobiles
• Aerospace
• Bridges
• Buildings
• Pipelines

See Also

• Soldering
• Brazing
• Forge welding
• Cold welding
• Explosion welding

Welding Resources
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