What are the types of welding process? Welding as an inevitable method in the metal industry plays an important role in connecting metal materials with strong and durable connections.

To achieve optimal results, it is important to understand the available methods of welding as well as the things to bear in mind in this process.

In this article, you will learn more about the various commonly used welding methods. Then, when the material is being connected, the result will be more perfect and perfect.

What are Types of Welding Process?

7 Commonly Used Types of Welding Process!

1. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Also called Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG), this welding process is the most popular and most accessible welding process to master.

The wire electrode in this welding procedure also functions as the filler metal to produce the weld, and as it melts, it is continuously fed into the welding gun.

Shielding gas, such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, helium, or argon, is also used in MIG. It is necessary for this gas to pass through the welding gun.

It aids in shielding the metal molten pool, or weld pool, from outside impurities that can compromise the weld’s quality.

Also, the GMAW is often used for welding stainless steel, copper, nickel, carbon steel, and aluminum.

2. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG Welding)

The GTAW is called the most versatile welding technique. As its name implies, this type of welding process uses a tungsten electrode that gives current to the welding arc.

Gas shielding is used in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, similar to GMAW. It’s frequently used to weld magnesium and aluminum. Stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, and nickel alloys may all be welded with TIG welding.

TIG welding, or gas tungsten arc welding, creates clean, accurate welds. Numerous sectors, including electronics, aircraft, automotive, maintenance, and even the arts, have found application for this welding procedure.

Also Read: “What is Welding Gauge? What Are Its Types and Functions?“

3. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW or Stick Welding)

The SMAW or usually called as stick welding is one of the earliest and most common welding techniques.

The shielded metal arc welding utilizes a disposable electrode (stick) that is shielded when doing this kind of welding.

This stick melts in the arc and becomes the filler metal to join the two metal parts. As the stick melts, it also emits a gas that protects the area to be welded.

It is most commonly used to join steel, iron, nickel and, though rarely, aluminum. It is also used in construction, underwater pipelines and industrial fabrication

4. Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

Although similar to the GMAW technique, the flux-cored arc welding can be performed without any shielding gas.

The electrode material also makes a difference as a flux-cored electrode is used in FCAW as a filler material for the weld.

A flux is a mix of silicate and carbonate material, and it will floats to the top due to its lower density than the welded material.

The FCAW is usually used in shipbuilding, heavy equipment repair and also bridge construction.

5. Friction Welding

Friction welding is a welding method that involves friction between two metal materials or workpieces to further be conjoined. This friction produces enough heat to melt the metal and form a connection.

This method is often used for welding non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum and copper. Friction welding has several advantages, including a fast process, good heat control, and high connection quality.

6. Laser Welding

Laser beam welding uses highly focused laser beams to melt and connect metals. The highly concentrated energy of this laser welding process enables very thin and accurate metal welding.

Common applications of laser welding include the automotive, electronics, and aviation industries.

Laser welding benefits include high speed, high precision, and the ability to weld metals that are difficult to connect with other welding methods.

7. Resistance Welding

Resistance welding is a method in which two metals are combined by pressing and continuing a high electric current.

Heat is generated by an electric resistance as the current passes through the metal, causing the metal to melt and merge both.

Examples of resistance welding involve point welding, seam welding and projection welding. The advantages of resistant welding include high speed, consistency, as well as the ability to combine different metals.