Welding Processes A Presentation by Neil Cox
Dec 22, 2015
Processes Outline
GMAW or MIG/Hardwire
SMAW or Stick GTAW or
TIG/Heliarc OAW
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Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Uses a “welding
gun” to deposit weld metal to weld area
4 settings based on voltage and wire speed
Most common settings are Short Circuit and Spray Transfer
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GMAW cont.
Weld parameters are dictated by voltage and wire feed speed
Different thickness of wire and types of wire can be used
Requires a shielding gas during welding to prevent air born weld contaminations
GMAW Welds
GMAW is commonly used due to its fast production speeds and ease of learning the skill
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Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Commonly called “Stick” welding
Uses a 14” metal rod covered in a layer of “flux”
Flux is made of different elements and materials depending on weld metal
Settings are changed via amperage
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SMAW cont.
Different rods (sticks) are used for different purposes
Rods are labeled in a 4-5 digit code
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For more information visit Lincoln Electric’s Stick welding page
SMAW Rods
Most common stick rods are: 6010/6011- Used for root passes
generally. A deep-digging rod that can burn through rust easily.
7018- A higher tensile strength rod usually used for cleaned steel for a harder and smoother bead than 6010.
SMAW Welds
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Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
Used for precision welds in a clean environment
Uses an electric torch and filler metal to deposit a precise weld bead on nearly any metal
Can be used on steel and stainless steel as well as copper, magnesium, nickel, titanium, aluminum and more.
GTAW cont.
GTAW is commonly used in the aerospace and marine industry
It is among the slowest welding processes, but is also the most versatile
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GTAW Welds
GTAW can be the slowest welding process, but when done right can be one of the most cosmetically pleasing
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Oxy/Acetylene Welding (OAW)
Oxy/Acetylene Welding uses a flame to heat the weld metal
There is no electricity involved Oxygen and a combustible gas are
mixed and adjusted to create the necessary heat for the weld
OAW cont.
OAW is a slow process that is not used much in industry due to the newer processes being discovered
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OAW Welds
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