No doubt, welding is the process of joining two or more metals by manual, automatic, and semi-automatic methods. And, ARC welding is one of them. But do you know what is Arc welding.
In electric arc welding, welder use an electrical source to process welding.
Welding is not as simple as it seems. A phenomenon is working behind the whole process for producing that intense heat to melt the metals.
Specifically, this phenomenon is named Electric Arc. By considering the need of customers, and affordable strategy of arc welding is used in the market.
One of the standards and easy method to understand the Electric Arc is stepped as;
- WHAT IS ARC WELDING?
- TYPES OF ARC WELDING?
- ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES.
The process generally refers to an electric arc generated by providing an electric current between base metal and rod. Depending on the nature of base metal and rod provision of flow differs as alternating current or direct current. The electrical current is provided to the electrode by the welding power supply. Current produced up to 6000 °F temperature, which melts at broken edges of metals to join and performing the phenomenon of metal fusion.
For producing an arc, both consumable and non-consumable welding rods are used. Non-consumable welding electrodes only assist the power supply in providing arc, while consumable electrodes melt itself while producing heat and act as filling agents between cracks.
Besides, arc shielding is necessary during the welding process. When metal is heated, there is a possibility that it will react with environmental particles and perform oxidation or nitrification. Chemical reaction occurred between melted metal and air reduces the toughness of joint and cause cracks in welding. So, an arc shield of inert gases is used to prevent this chemical reaction and make bones stronger.
Types of Electric Welding Arc
Electric Arc is divided into different types:
- Metal Electric Arc
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Gas metal arc welding
- Carbon Electric Arc.
- Metal Electric Arc
This type of welding metal electrode is used in the welding process.
According to the requirement, this may be consumable or non-consumable. This type of welding requires less temperature.
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Gas tungsten arc welding
It is also called tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. The non-consumable tungsten electrode is used in this process. This electrode is enclosed with argon, helium, or any other inert gas; these gases prevent the oxidation process at the weld. The thin sheet is welded by gas tungsten welding.
- Gas metal Electric Arc
Well, the known name of this one is (MIG) metal inert gas. A new metal electrode is used, which is protected by neon and other inert gases, as like gases present in the tungsten electrode, similarly used to restrict the oxidation process at the welded point.
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Carbon Electric Arc
Carbon-based electrodes are used in this type of welding. It requires high current and low voltage to generate arc. The aforementioned is an ancient technique of welding.
Advantages of Electric Arc
- The powerful bond is created by Electric Arc.
- Its mechanism is easy to understand.
- It provides the most reliable quality of welding.
- It doesn't consume time, and it is less costly than other methods of welding. Its types of equipment are easy to access.
Disadvantages of Electric Arc
- Reactive metals cannot be welded through welding.
- Vast experience is required to attain perfect results.
- This welding produces more waste materials that may increase the project cost in some cases.
Conclusion
This article is a definite answer to the question; what is arc welding? It is a more flexible method of welding than others. Industrial and domestic objects are mainly welded through this process. This type of welding offers robust and reliable joints. The work in the field of the shipbuilding construction sector and also aerospace is performed by Electric Arc. Its availability is everywhere due to its accessibility tools.
