Welding is a common practice in many forms of manufacturing. They rely on welders to produce the components and pieces of machinery they require for assembling into products requested by clients. In Minneapolis, you find companies employing welders in small and large shops. They are part of large manufacturing concerns or operate out of small fabrication shops.
What Is Welding?
Welding is a centuries old process. It is the uniting of two pieces or more of either metal or thermoplastic to create a single unit. The medium is heat and pressure. The application of heat softens the material. This allows them to meld together seamlessly at a jointure.
Types
Approximately 30 times of welding are available to produce solid joints. They may be low or high tech. As is the case with many procedures, some methods or types are more commonly used than others are. Below are the four most commonly employed methods:
MIG (Metal Inert Gas Welding) AKA Gas Metal Arc Welding: This is a process most commonly employed fabricating steel, stainless steel and aluminum and in auto-body work. It is fast and easy to use, relying on a welding gun and either carbon dioxide or a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide. The may also weld various alloys including carbon steel, copper, magnesium and silicon bronze.
TIG AKA Gas Tungsten Arc Welding: This is the most versatile form of welding available today. The process may be slower than some forms – the materials must be clean, but TIG is capable of welding together almost any metal or alloy. It also produces a quality and clean weld. Argon acts as the shielding gas in most instances, but, if the metal is heavy aluminum, argon/helium mixtures may replace it. TIG is common for certain industries, particularly those that are nonferrous. Piping systems and aerospace industries as well as motorcycles utilize TIG.
Stick AKA Shielded Metal Arc Welding: A welding rod is the major tool in this method favored for outdoor work. Stick welding offers a very low-cost welding solution that requires minimal equipment. The low cost also makes it popular.
Flux-Cored Arc Welding: The process resembles that of GMAW. Common gases for shielding are carbon dioxide and argon/carbon dioxide mixes. This type of welding is for heavy work. The materials are thick. The method easy to use but not as aesthetically pleasing or clean as other types are
Welding in Minneapolis
Welding is an ancient trade. Over the years, technology has changed many of its approaches. Innovation has produced variations resulting in improvement to the methods and results. Yet, while lasers and other methods are available, certain types such as TIG and MIG remain popular in welding shops in Minneapolis and in trade schools and shops across the United States.