The construction industry has seen massive growth and enhancement. This has been the result of the brilliant progress of science. The progress, in turn, has allowed the introduction of alternatives in several construction processes.
One of the areas that saw significant improvement was welding. Several welding options are now available, including arc welder, MIG welder, and TIG welder. These would be available on top of already existing options such as gas and stick welding.
Read on to know more about the welding options and their uses.
1. Arc welding
Arc welding melts materials before putting them together using an electric arc. A power supply produces an electric arc between the electrode and the base metal, melting the metals at the contact point. The electrode might be either consumable or non-consumable.
Arc welding is used widely in the following industries:
- Automotive industries.
- Construction industries.
- Mechanical industries.
- Shipbuilding.
Arc welding is super convenient since the equipment used is lightweight and simple, hence easy to move around. Moreover, they are suitable for high-speed welds and work on either AC or DC. Further, despite their simple equipment, they can weld at superior temperatures.
2. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding
It is among the most widely utilized forms of welding. This one is a form of arc welding technique that basically utilises a continuous wire known as an electrode. Furthermore, it makes use of a shielding gas. This gas flows through the welding gun to safeguard against contamination.
It is widely used in:
- MIG welding is utilized in the automobile market to repair vehicle exhausts.
- A MIG welder can be seen in the construction of homes and other structures.
- Used for the majority of sheet metal welding applications.
- Manufacturing of pressure vessels and steel constructions.
Using a MIG welder is advantageous since it offers high-quality welds that yield minor weld splatter while offering a good weld speed. Moreover, it can be used to join two unique metals and can be either fully or semi-automatic.
3. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding
TIG welding is a very flexible welding process, but it is also among the more challenging welding procedures to learn. TIG welding requires two hands.
While one feeds the rod, the other wields a TIG torch. This torch generates the heat and arc needed to weld most common metals, such as aluminium, titanium, nickel and copper alloys, cobalt, and steel.
TIG welders are versatile enough to weld steel, stainless steel, magnesium, copper, aluminium, nickel alloys, bronze, brass or even gold. TIG welding can also be used to make lawn mowers, bike frames, door handles, fenders, and other items.
TIG welds are used in the following industries:
- Aerospace and aircraft construction
- Automotive industry
- Auto body repairs
TIG welds offer clean and strong welds and control to the welder. They are versatile. Thus, they can be used with and without filler material, in either manual or automatic modes.
To conclude
Australia is known for its diverse welding and fabrication industry. It boasts of a massive number of businesses that produce a total output of over 1.6 million tonnes capacity annually. As the automobile, construction, shipping, and other related industries undergo changes, the numbers for the welding industry will also be affected positively. By 2028, it is projected to be valued at more than USD 28 billion.
And while it may seem insignificant, the welding industry will be a major player in developing several different industries.
