There are eight different types of welding. When hiring new welders, how do you know if their specific experience fits the kind of work you do? There are pros and cons of each type of welding that might be a better fit for your fabrication and shipyard work. Here is what you need to know.
MIG
This type of welding is most common for beginners. It’s used for welding large and thick materials. However, it’s not as precise as some other types of welding.
TIG
On the other hand, TIG welding is precise and suitable for many small or thin materials. It’s used for welding non-ferrous metals. It does take much longer to learn, which makes it a more specialized skill.
Stick
Stick welding is versatile and easy to learn, so its start-up is quick. It’s used on a variety of metal alloys. But this method uses consumable electrodes that need to be replaced, which makes it more expensive.
Flux
One of the attractive things about flux welding is that it doesn’t use a shielding gas, which means it can be done outdoors in windy conditions. But the filler is very expensive and creates fumes and smoke, so experience and safety are critical.
Energy Beam
This type of welding can be used on any metal at any thickness and even weld different metals with different melting points and conductivities. However, the metals shrink and cool after welding, so it can lead to cracking.
Atomic Hydrogen
This extremely hot form of welding can be used on some of the most challenging metals, including tungsten carbide. But the availability of gases means this type of welding is being replaced.
Oxy-Acetylene
Welding of this type is quiet and lightweight, and it can cut through many types of metal. The fuel used is more expensive than the other type of welding.
Plasma Arc
Plasma offers much control over the tool and produces clean and strong welds. But, it’s costly, and start-up costs are significant. It requires more time for training.
Are you looking for welding talent? Call Hutco to see how we can help today.