A Presentation by Neil Cox Welding Processes

Processes Outline GMAW or MIG/Hardwire SMAW or Stick GTAW or TIG/Heliarc OAW Picture Source

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Uses a “welding gun” to deposit weld metal to weld area 4 settings based on voltage and wire speed Most common settings are Short Circuit and Spray Transfer Picture Source

GMAW cont. Weld parameters are dictated by voltage and wire feed speed Different thickness of wire and types of wire can be used Requires a shielding gas during welding to prevent air born weld contaminations

GMAW Welds GMAW is commonly used due to its fast production speeds and ease of learning the skill Picture Source

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Commonly called “Stick” welding Uses a 14” metal rod covered in a layer of “flux” Flux is made of different elements and materials depending on weld metal Settings are changed via amperage Picture Source

SMAW cont. Different rods (sticks) are used for different purposes Rods are labeled in a 4-5 digit code For more information visit Lincoln Electric’s Stick welding page Picture Source

SMAW Rods Most common stick rods are: 6010/6011- Used for root passes generally. A deep-digging rod that can burn through rust easily. 7018- A higher tensile strength rod usually used for cleaned steel for a harder and smoother bead than 6010.

SMAW Welds Picture Source Picture Source

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) Used for precision welds in a clean environment Uses an electric torch and filler metal to deposit a precise weld bead on nearly any metal Can be used on steel and stainless steel as well as copper, magnesium, nickel, titanium, aluminum and more.

GTAW cont. GTAW is commonly used in the aerospace and marine industry It is among the slowest welding processes, but is also the most versatile Picture Source

GTAW Welds GTAW can be the slowest welding process, but when done right can be one of the most cosmetically pleasing Picture Source Picture Source

Oxy/Acetylene Welding (OAW) Oxy/Acetylene Welding uses a flame to heat the weld metal There is no electricity involved Oxygen and a combustible gas are mixed and adjusted to create the necessary heat for the weld

OAW cont. OAW is a slow process that is not used much in industry due to the newer processes being discovered Picture Source

OAW Welds Picture Source Picture Source