One of the most popular and typical kinds of welding being used today is arc welding. Yet the typical layperson walking the street has little understanding of this welding process other than observing the blinding light flashing from a building and construction task site they may be strolling past after work. Welding is basically just a combination process for joining metals. The metals are just melted together by extreme heat and fused as one piece. If done correctly, welding makes the joining of two pieces of metal with the same strength as single continuous piece. A welding joint is superior to gluing because through the welding process, the metals are in fact melted together instead, utilizing the bonding properties of glue to hold them together. In oil & gas applications, heat treatment is also essential to prevent weld failure later on. This company offers on site services:
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There are a number of methods of welding and arc welding is one of the most popular. The term arc welding comes from the reality that an electrical arc is created to produce intense heat. This arc is formed in between the metal being worked on and an electrode linked to the arc welder.
At its heart, arc welding is about producing an electrical circuit. An arc welder needs an electrical power source that produces either alternating current or DC. The metal piece you are trying to weld becomes part of the electrical circuit by attaching a cable from the arc welder to metal. The other hot cable is connected to an electrode that the welder is holding. When the electrode is held close to the metal, an electrical arc is developed between the metal work piece and the electrode. Now there is a complete electrical circuit in between the arc welder and the metal. This process produces some pretty incredible temperature levels. The point of the arc can reach temperatures in excess of 6500º F. Now there is enough heat to fuse the metal pieces together and produce a strong bond. To ignite the arc, the electrode must be pushed against the metal and then retreated.
Besides creating heat, the arc produces a very bright light. This light is hazardous to the welder and those around the welding job location. You must not look straight into the arc without correct eye security. The visible light is not the only risk. The arc provides of infrared and ultraviolet light that is undetectable to the naked eye. This is why welders use vehicle darkening welding helmets. These helmets will instantly darken when the arc is struck to protect the welders eyes from the intense visible and the lens filter is created to stop ultraviolet and infrared light at all times whether the lens is darkened or not. Welders also set up welding blankets or shields to safeguard other individuals in the workspace that might not have proper eye security.
Regardless of these threats arc welding is a safe and trusted technique for merging metal together and with some practice anybody can become proficient enough for basic welding.
Summing It All Up
One of the most popular and common types of welding in usage today is arc welding. There are several methods of welding and arc welding is one of the most popular. The term arc welding comes from the fact that an electrical arc is created to produce extreme heat. At its heart, arc welding is about developing an electrical circuit. An electrical arc is produced between the metal work piece and the electrode when the electrode is held close to the metal.