Types of Arc Welding Process

Arc welding is one of the famous types of welding used in industrial work to join metal. It is one type of fusion welding in which metal is melted together to form the joint. The energy required for melt the workpiece is taken by electric arc so it is known as arc welding. One of the main advantages of arc welding is that it can easily develop a high temperature which is desirable for welding. The temperature of welding is about 6k to 7k in degree centigrade. It uses both with and without filler materials.

Types of Arc Welding Process:

There are mainly six types of processes. These areas follow.

1. Carbon arc welding:

This welding carbon rod is used as an electrode to weld the joint. It is the oldest arc welding. This welding needs low voltage and high current to generate the arc. Sometime arc is generated between two carbon electrodes known as twin carbon arc welding.

2. Metal arc welding:

In this arc welding process, a metal electrode is used in welding. This electrode is either consumable or non-consumable according to the requirement. The most consumable electrode is used coated with flux. The main advantage of this process is that it needs a lower temperature than others.

3. Plasma arc welding:

Plasma arc welding is much similar to gas tungsten welding. This welding, process arc is generated between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The main difference between PAW and TIG is that the electrode is situated inside the torch in PAW. It heated the gas at 30000 Fahrenheit and converts it into plasma which attacks the welding area.

4. Gas metal arc welding:

Gas metal arc welding which is well known as MIG welding used a consumable metal electrode which is shielded with gas like argon, helium, etc. to protect the weld area from oxidation. It can generate more than one layer of welding material. In this arc welding process, filler wire is fed continuously through a non-consumable metal electrode that joins the metal.

5. Gas Tungsten arc welding:

It is well known as TIG welding. In this welding process, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used to weld the material. The electrode is covered with gases like helium, argon, etc. which protect the weld area from oxidization. It is used to weld thin sheets etc.

6. Submerged arc welding process:

Submerged arc welding is widely used in the automatic welding process. In this process, the welding electrode is fully submerged with a granular layer of flux. This flux is an electric conductor that does not resist the electric supply. The thick layer of flux prevents the molten metal from the atmosphere and ultra-violate radiation. 

Advantages of Arc Welding Process:

1. It used an electric engine, which is a renewable energy source.
2. This welding generates higher temperatures than other types of welding.
3. This process generates strong joints.
4. It gives concentrated heat.
5. These processes can be easily automated.