Welding Fundamentals: Types & Tools | Start Confidently

Published on 21 February 2024

5 min

Essential Guide to Welding for Beginners: Tools and Types

If you're new to the welding process, understanding the tools and types of welding can be daunting. In this blog, we will help beginners understand the different types of welding and the tools required to start welding.

Welding Types and Definition

Welding is a fabrication process where heat, pressure, or both are used to fuse two or more parts together, creating a joint as the parts cool. It is commonly used on metals and thermoplastics but can also be used on wood.
The applications of welding in the manufacturing process are vast, especially in industries like construction, aerospace, automotive, and many others.
Welding types are classified based on the welding process and the welding material. The most common welding types are MIG welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, Stick/Submerged Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) and Flux Cored Arc Welding.

Let us look at each welding type in detail:

MIG Welding is a welding process that uses a spool of wire to feed the welding material into the weld joint. It is one of the easiest welding processes to learn and is commonly used for manufacturing processes.
TIG Welding or Tungsten Inert Gas welding is a welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc. The welding material is fed into the weld joint manually. TIG welding produces high-quality welds with excellent precision, making it ideal for thin materials.
Stick Welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a welding process that uses a consumable electrode to create an arc. The welding material is automatically fed into the weld joint, and the slag is removed manually. Stick welding is a versatile welding process used in a variety of applications.
Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is a process that uses a continuously fed electrode (wire) that is shielded by a layer of granular flux. The flux helps to protect the weld from contamination and allows for deep penetration.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is a welding process that uses a wire with a flux core to create an arc. The flux core provides shielding gas to protect the weld joint. FCAW is commonly used for welding thick materials and in outdoor environments.

A List of Basic Welding Tools

Welding tools are essential for any welding project. Here are some of the most commonly used welding tools:

Welding Machines are the most critical tool in welding. They provide the electrical current needed to create an arc and melt the welding material.
Welding Helmets protect the welder's eyes and face from harmful UV and infrared rays produced during welding. They also protect against sparks and flying debris.
Welding Gloves protect the welder's hands from heat, sparks, and flying debris.
Welding Jackets protect the welder's torso and arms from heat, sparks, and flying debris.
Welding Consumables are the materials used in welding, such as welding wire, flux, and electrodes. D&H Sécheron is a leading manufacturer of welding consumables.
Flux Cored Arc Welding Wire is a type of welding wire used specifically in FCAW. It has a flux core that provides shielding gas to protect the weld joint. Deposition rates, joint design, and travel speed can impact the choice of welding wire.
TIG Welding Rods, used to create an arc in TIG welding, are made of non-consumable tungsten.
Stick/SMAW Electrodes are used in SMAW and are made of a consumable metal that is melted to create an electrical arc and provide shielding against the surrounding air.

Conclusion

Welding is an essential manufacturing process used in various industries. Understanding the different welding types and tools is crucial for beginners to get started with the welding process. With this essential guide, beginners can start welding with confidence. Remember to always follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear while welding.
And, if you are looking for high-quality welding consumables in India, get in touch with D&H Sécheron for all your welding needs.

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