Types of Welding Processes

Arc Welding

  Arc welding is a fusion welding process that is used to join metals. The process involves an electric arc from an alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to create heat that melts the material (usually the base metal) at the join between the parent materials. This technique may also use a filler material (or filler metal). To find out more about arc welding click here.

  The arc welding technique has different variations including; tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), metal inert/active gas welding (MIG/MAG), manual metal arc (MMA) welding, submerged arc welding (SAW), plasma arc welding, hybrid laser-arc welding, and underwater welding.

Electron Beam Welding

  Electron beam welding (EBW) involves using a beam of high velocity electrons to join parent materials. The kinetic energy of the electrons creates heat when they come into contact with the parent material(s). This causes the parent material to melt and form a join. This process is carried out in a vacuum to help prevent the dissipation of the beam. The technique is often used for the joining of thick/larger materials.

Friction Welding

  This welding process joins parent materials through the use of mechanical friction and can be applied to materials such as stainless steel, aluminium and wood. This process does not need a filler material and can be carried out with or without it. Variations of friction welding include friction stir welding (FSW), linear friction welding (LFW) and rotary friction welding (RFW).

Laser Welding

  Laser beam welding is a welding process used for the joining of metals, thermoplastics and other materials. The laser creates a concentrated beam of heat, therefore allowing the technique to be used in narrow and deep welds at high volume rates. This process differs to electron beam welding because it does not need to be carried out in a vacuum. Laser welding is used in different industry sectors including power, automotive, medical, shipbuilding and aerospace.

Resistance and Mechanical Welding

  Resistance welding is a welding process where metals are joined through the application of pressure and the passing of a current for a specific length of time. The heat causes the parent materials to melt at the joint as the pressure causes the parent materials to join together and form a weld.