What is Metal Welding, What are the Types?
Metal welding is an indispensable part of production processes. Metal welding types used in different industries are of great importance to increase quality and durability in production. Choosing the right welding plays a critical role in the continuity and quality of projects. In this article, you can find detailed information about metal welding, metal welding types, advantages of these types and welding applications.
What is Metal Welding?
Metal welding can be defined as the process of permanently joining two or more metal parts. In this process, the joining point of the metals is often melted using heat and held together.
Welding is widely used in many different sectors, from automotive to construction, and forms the basis of modern production processes. Many different methods have been tried throughout history, but thanks to modern welding techniques, both efficiency and quality have increased.
What are Metal Welding Types?
Metal welding types are generally divided into two main categories: fusion welding and pressure welding.
Types of Fusion Welding
Fusion welding refers to the joining process by melting the metal with the help of heat. The main types of this welding are as follows:
● Arc Welding (MIG/MAG, TIG, Electrode Arc): It is widely preferred especially for steel and stainless steel using electric arc. MIG/MAG welding is used extensively in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
● Gas Welding: This welding method, which is made with gases such as oxy-acetylene, is especially used for welding low thickness metal parts.
● Laser Welding: Used in applications requiring high precision and produces thinner weld seams.
● Plasma Welding: This method, which provides high heat using plasma, allows very durable joints in metal fabrication.
Pressure Welding Types
Pressure welding is done using mechanical pressure as well as heat when joining metals. The main types of this welding are:
● Resistance Spot Welding: Widely used in chassis and sheet metal joining processes in the automotive industry.
● Friction Welding: This method, in which metals are joined with the help of movement and pressure, is especially preferred for welding round shaped parts.
How to weld metal?
When metal welding, firstly, the appropriate metals and welding method must be selected. The following steps should be followed in order to perform the process correctly:
Metal Preparation: Prior to welding, it is very important to clean the metals and prepare the surfaces properly. Residues such as dirt, oil or rust must be removed.
Equipment Selection: The correct selection of the equipment to be used is one of the most important factors determining the quality of the weld. MIG, TIG or gas welding machines offer different options in this sense.
Welding Process: Providing the appropriate temperature and pressure during welding is critical for the quality of the product. Welding intensity and duration should be controlled.
Welding Seam Control: After the completion of welding, the seam is checked and possible errors and defects are corrected.
How to Classify Metal Welding?
Metal welding types can be classified in different ways according to the material used, thickness and working environment. For example;
● Classification by Material: Different welding methods are preferred when using different materials such as carbon steel, aluminium or stainless steel.
● Methods by Thickness and Size: Welding thin metals often requires more care. Therefore, appropriate techniques and equipment should be used.
● Project Suitability: Determining the appropriate welding method for each project saves both cost and production time.
What are the Advantages of Metal Welding?
Metal welding has many advantages. The main ones are:
● Durability and Robustness: Welding allows metals to be joined permanently, which increases the durability of the product.
● Cost Advantage: Large-scale productions can be made at affordable costs. This is very important in industrial processes.
● Modular Design Possibility: Welding allows different sections to be combined in a modular structure. This enables the creation of flexible designs.
● Sectoral Advantages: Metal welding types play an important role in various industries such as automotive, construction and industry. For example, it is used in the automotive sector to obtain durable and lightweight structures.
How to Weld Thin Metal?
Welding thin metals requires more care and attention than welding thick metals. Since thin metals can be easily deformed by the effect of heat, appropriate methods and equipment should be used.
● Using the Right Equipment: MIG and TIG welders provide more controlled operation on thin metals.
● Prevention of Burning and Deformation: Controlling the heat applied to the metal during the process prevents the metal from burning or deforming. For this reason, heat settings should be made carefully.
● Surface Preparation and Cleaning: Proper cleaning of the surface before welding is very important for the formation of a quality weld, especially in thin metals.
Is Metal Welding OK?
There are often some misconceptions about metal welding. For example, it is thought that not all metals can be welded. However, with the right method and material selection, almost any metal can be joined. Especially in special metals such as titanium and nickel alloys, successful results can be obtained by using appropriate welding types and techniques.
Metal welding is a critical process that improves production quality and durability in different industrial applications. Different types of welding, such as fusion and pressure welding, respond to various production needs. As Mia Makina, we continue to increase our production capacity day by day by providing the best support to our customers with high quality and technological products.
Contact us for more information and support on metal welding processes and welded fabrication services! If you are looking for expert help in your welding needs, we are at your side with our professional solutions!
