The 5 Most Common Types of Welding Machines You Need to Know

In the construction or fabrication of metal structures, you certainly need to structurally join pieces of metal together. Welding allows you to melt and fuse pieces of metal together with heat to form a single piece. Welding machines, or welders, come in different configurations and specifications for various welding techniques. 

In this blog, we shall explain the 5 most common types of welding machines used in the construction and manufacturing industries.

The 5 most common types of welding machines

1. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Machine 

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or informally, Stick Welding, got its name due to its structure, which comprises a rod-shaped electrode. Users cover this machine with flux to protect it from impurities. As it is a piece of relatively simple equipment, this welding machine comes at a comparatively reasonable price to other welding machines in the market.

The stick welding machine is mostly preferable for steel surfaces. These may be painted surfaces or those that have become rusty. Although used in several construction functions and repairing devices, most professionals do not prefer welding thin surfaces with this machine. The stick welding process is not automated and thus has lower productivity rates compared to automated processes. Also, this welding technique tends to produce more waste as compared to other welding machines. Therefore, requiring extra clean-up after welding.

2. Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) Machine

Also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) machines. Although MIG machines only work on clean rust-resistant surfaces, it shows the efficient performance when welding thin materials. This machine uses gases like argon in an external tank for the welding process. However, depending on the requirements, welding experts may also use other gases when using this welding machine.

Several industries use MIG welding machines for their construction and repair processes, including the automobile and robotics industries. Some users even purchased these machines for use at home. Metals like nickel, aluminum steel, copper, and many more can be welded using this machine.

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3. Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG) Machine 

Also known as Gas Tungsten-Arc Welding (GTAW) machines, the TIG machine is one of the most complicated welding machines as it requires the user to heavily multi-task while operating it.

To be more specific, the user needs to control the welding torch with one hand while you use the other hand to fill up the torch. At the same time, the heat of the machine is controlled using a foot pedal.

Although it has a rather complex working mechanism, it is suitable for all kinds of material thicknesses. Moreover, it offers precise and high-quality welding that is highly preferable in jewelry making and motorbikes manufacturing companies. However, due to its complexity, this welding machine tends to be more expensive than other standard welding machines.

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4. Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) Machine  

This welding machine has a continuous flux supply. Therefore, it does not require any gas supply for function. It is highly preferable for use when welding thicker surfaces together. However, it will not be very beneficial to you when welding thin materials. It is also a high-quality welding tool as it produces lesser fumes and reduced electrode waste.

The most common industries that use FCAW machines are fabric companies and construction companies. Users will tend to utilize this machine for welding several metals together. These include steel surfaces like carbon steel and stainless steel. You can also weld other materials like nickel alloys and cast iron using this machine.

5. Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Machine

This welding machine offers amazing quality welding operations using powdered flux technology. At the same time, the technique that this machine uses helps reduce waste as much as possible. As much of the working of this device is automatic, you do not require some special skills to ensure the machine’s correct use.

These welding equipment/outfits are recommended for welding heavy-duty longitudinal structures such as girders, L-beams, and other beam welding applications, where high deposition rates and welding productivity are desired.

It is an ideal choice for butt weld, fillet weld, double-V joint welding of plates as required in shipbuilding, railway construction, bridge construction, manufacturing earth-moving equipment components, etc. It is also most suitable for thick plate welding applications where X-ray quality welding with excellent mechanical properties and a good finish of weld beads are essential.

Conclusion

After reading the above-mentioned, you should have a basic knowledge of the 5 most common types of welding machines used in various construction and manufacturing industries.

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