Welding: The Basics

by | Feb 10, 2017 | Repair and Service

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Welding is an integral component of many manufacturing processes. In Minneapolis, welders fasten or join two or more pieces of metal. Using heat and pressure, they produce an item or part for a particular industrial use. The technology for producing solid welds for metals and even thermoset plastics continues to develop although the basics remain constant.

A Brief History

Welders have been performing their skilled trade for centuries. The concept dates back to the Middle Ages. At this point, the joining of metal was accomplished through a process called “forge welding.” This, still practiced today, involves two main actions:

1. Heating the metals to be joined over a very hot flame

2. Hammering the metal together until they become a unified unit

The current concept of welding process , however, did not emerge until the late 19th century. During the rise of the industrial revolution, industrialists found the use of gas and electricity improved the efficiency and consistency of the final product. Workers also found the method safer than previous ones.

Categorization and Classification

Essentially, all welding falls into one of two categories:

1. Forge welding
2. Modern welding

However, some welders and academics classify the process into more specific groups. They sort them according to where the energy for the process comes from, and as a result, they sort the various methods into the two following groups:

1. Chemical: including a sub-category chemical-mechanical
2. Electric: including electro-chemical and electro-mechanical

Others look at the typology in terms of the pressure applied. They refer to solid-state, pressure gas, fusion, radiant energy and electric resistance. In all methods, however, two constants remain the same as they always have – heat and pressure.

Welding

If you operate an industry in Minneapolis, chances are you rely on welding to provide you with certain durable components. Unlike in the past, you can now turn to approximately 30 different types of welding to achieve the goal, which ensures choice and affordability.