Differences between the welding equipment Types
The common types of welding equipment can be roughly divided into four main processes. These processes include gas welding, MIG/ MAG welding, E – hand welding and TIG welding. The welding processes differ in their possible areas of application, in the use of filler materials such as gases and electrodes and in manual processing. Which welding equipment belongs to which welding process and where the respective advantages and disadvantages lie should be clarified here.
Inert-gas welding process
MIG/MAG welding and TIG welding belong to the inert gas welding processes. E-manual welding can also be included. Whereby in E – hand welding the protective gases are not used by liquid gases, but are incorporated in the electrode. Gas-shielded welding processes require electricity, gas and a wire of solid material or filler material to be used as an electrode, so that the arc that triggers the molten metal can be created. These processes can be used to weld steels and non-ferrous metals.
MIG welding
The gases used in MIG welding are inert gases. This means that these gases are inert. It takes a long time for them to react, for example with an explosion. Inert gases protect the materials to be welded from atmospheric influences without being involved in the actual formation of the weld seams. The noble gases argon and helium are used.
MAG welding
MAG welding uses gas mixtures that can influence the result. It is called gas – active – welding. Gas mixtures of argon and oxygen or carbon dioxide or helium with oxygen are used.
TIG welding
In the case of tungsten inert gas welding, the electrode used does not melt. Only the molten pool created by the arc ensures that the workpieces join together. This process is used for alloyed steels and light metals.
E- hand welding
Only for manual electric welding no gas and no wire reel is used. The electrodes, which are needed to generate the arc, are coated with different materials. This coating releases the necessary filler materials and gases. As the electrode is guided by hand, there is no automatic feed with these devices. Power is supplied via the electrode holder.
Autogenous welding or gas welding
In these welding machines, the melt is caused by the hot flame generated by an oxy-acetylene flame. These units work with two gas cylinders and a torch nozzle. The oxyfuel unit is suitable for unalloyed and low-alloy steels. It can be used as a flame cutter and brazing tool.
What should be considered when choosing a welding machine?
- The unit must be suitable for the desired applicationMIG/ MAG units are easy to handle and produce clean seamsE- Hand units are suitable for many materials and for working in difficult to reach areasAutogenous units combine welding, burning and soldering