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The first step in any welding project is knowing which technique and equipment to use. A well-equipped shop will have access to a wide variety of tools, giving you the ability to provide excellent results, no matter what materials your project involves. Below are some of the most common welding processes.

4 Different Welding Techniques

1. Stick or Arc

This technique uses an electrode to produce an electric current, which heats the edges to their melting point. The electrode itself is made of a consumable material that melts into the pool, producing a strong, stable joint. Stick is generally used to weld thick sheets of structural steel, industrial pipelines, and heavy equipment.

2. Metal Inert Gas (MIG)

While MIG welding is similar to the stick technique, the equipment is more precise. The handheld guns of a MIG welder are fed a continuous wire of a consumable electrode, allowing a skilled technician to create long, smooth, continuous welds. However, these welders are not as powerful as stick ones, so they’re often used for automotive repairs, robotics, and projects using thin materials.

3. Gas Tungsten Arc 

weldingUsing a tungsten rod hand-fed into the welding pool creates smooth, clean, and visually undetectable joints. This is one of the most difficult techniques to master, requiring years of experience and an in-depth understanding of the equipment.

4. Flux Cored Arc

Flux cored welding is similar to MIG, using an almost identical process to create welds. However, whereas MIG techniques use an inert gas to shield the weld from oxygen and environmental contaminants, flux cored uses a special consumable wire that is wrapped around another substance. This makes it ideal for outdoor use on construction projects and automotive repairs.


 

No matter what project you’re planning, the welding professionals at Alaska Tool Company Inc. have the skills, experience, and equipment to get the job done right. Their team has been serving Fairbanks, AK, businesses for over 40 years, providing lasting results that will exceed your expectations. To discuss your project and request a free estimate, visit their website or call (907) 479-5354.

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