Defining Welding and its Types

Welding is a fabrication or sculptural process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing fusion, which is distinct from lower temperature metal-joining techniques such as brazing and soldering, which do not melt the base metal. In addition to melting the base metal, a filler material is typically added to the joint to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to form a joint that is usually stronger than the base material. Pressure may also be used in conjunction with heat, or by itself, to produce a weld.
The main Types of welding used in industry and by home engineers are commonly referred to as Mig welding, Arc welding, Gas welding and Tig welding.

GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding: 


More commonly called MIG welding this welding type is the most widely used and perhaps the most easily mastered type of welding for industry and home use. The GMAW process is suitable for fusing mild steel, stainless-steel as well as aluminium.

GTAW or Tungsten Inert Gas:


TIG welding is comparable to oxy acetylene gas welding and needs a lot more expertise from the operator. Employed for carrying out high-quality work when a superior standard of finish is needed without making use of excessive clean up by sanding or grinding.

Arc Welding or SMAW:

Generally known as stick or arc welding. Arc welding is the most basic of all welding types, is easy to master in a home welding situation.

Stick welding can be used for manufacturing, construction and repairs, very much well suited for heavy metal size 4 millimetres upwards. Thinner sheet metals and alloys are usually more suited to the mig welding types.

Gas or Oxy Acetylene Welding And Cutting:

Not used as widely for general welding of mild steel. Consists of mixing oxygen and acetylene gas to greate a flame capable of melting steels. Mostly used today for maintenance work and gas metal cutting. Also common for brazing softer metals such as copper and bronze. Can also be used for welding delicate aluminium parts such as refrigeration pipes, gas cutting equipment for metal construction and maintenance. The most accessible of thermal cutting gear is by qxy-acetylene gas cutting and plasma cutting machines. Other methods include the use of a thermal cutting electrode for use with the arc welder machine.