In industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication process that joins materials such as metals and thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is typically done by softening the work pieces and adding a filler material, which is often a welding rod, to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong joint. Various processes and energy sources are used for welding, such as gas flame, electric arc, laser, electric beam, friction, and ultra sound.
Welding machines can be broadly classified into different categories depending on the type of welding processes and equipment used during the process. Some welding machines use transformers for converting high voltage, low current electricity into high current low voltage, often between 17 to 45 volts and 190 to 590 amperes. These types of welding machines are the least expensive and allow welders to select the output current by either moving the core of the transformer in and out of the magnetic field or by allowing the welder to select from a set of taps on the transformer.
Some welding machines use an internal combustion engine or an electric motor to drive the alternator or generator present in these machines. The process used is similar to transformer based welding machines as power is first converted into mechanical and back to electrical energy to achieve the step-down affect.
Inverter based welding machines use high-power semiconductors such as the IGBT for building a switching power supply capable of handling high loads of arc welding. These machines convert utility electricity into high voltage and store it in a capacitor bank. The stored energy is then transferred to a secondary transformer for producing the desired welding current.
Welding machines have simplified different types of machining jobs undertaken in small and large manufacturing companies. Automated welding machines are also in use and have helped in increasing the effectiveness of welding processes.
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Welding Equipment
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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In an industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication process that joins materials such as metals and thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is typically done by melting the work pieces and adding a filler material such as a welding rod, to form a pool of...
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Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Welding is the process of fusion of two metal surfaces together by heating them in a forge. Welds made with good forge are really strong and delicate, and it’s very hard to detect the welding mark with the naked eye. Welding is useful for a...
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Underwater Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Underwater welding techniques are most commonly used in executing marine engineering projects such as installation of oil and gas rigs. Underwater welding is mostly related to welding work pieces made from different types of metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and others. Underwater welding can...
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Welding Automation
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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With advancements in technology, machining processes have become faster and more efficient. Similarly, the addition of automation techniques in welding has been very crucial in enhancing welding processes that are repetitive in nature. Automated welding employs the use of a robot. This mechanized, programmable tool...
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Plastic Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Plastic welding is the process of joining work pieces made from plastic with the help of advanced welding techniques. Plastic welding can be used for joining two or more work pieces made from the same type of plastic or two or more pieces made from...
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Welding Rods
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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In technical terms, welding rods are commonly known as filler metals. A welding rod is a metal that is used in the process of welding to fill a joint that has to be fixed. The process of welding is typically done by melting the work...
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Laser Welding
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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A laser can be defined as an optical source, which emits photons in a coherent beam. Lasers were first discovered in the year 1960 and were proposed as a variation of the ‘maser’ principle at that time. Laser technology has improved greatly since that time...
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Welding Cables
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Cables are usually two or more wires that are bound together in protective jacket or sheath. The individual wires in the cable may be bare, covered, or insulated. However, electrical wire cables that are used for welding are mostly made from aluminum, copper or lead....
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Welding Hoods
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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Welding is a risky and hazardous process wherein arc radiation, air contamination, electric shock, fire, and explosion of compressed gases are the biggest dangers for the operators. The sparks generated by many welding processes are very hazardous to the eyes and face of the operator....
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Welding Supplies
10 August 2010 8:30 PM |
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The leading manufacturers that are spread throughout the nation supply welding machines and other spare parts used in welding through their shops and retails stores. WeilerDirect.com is a supplier of Lincoln and Hobart welding machines and other accessories like welding helmets. Hobart supplies spot welders,...