Nearly all companies dealing in construction or fabrication rely on the welding industry. Once popular primarily in the steel and aluminum trades, it has expanded to include glass and plastics. The following explains more about the industry, and its part toward the future growth of society.

What Is Welding?

It is the coalescence of metals through heat. A welder melts two pieces of material together, and adds filler to a molten pool, to create a connection between these pieces, which is stronger than the original material. There are over 30 types of welding, but the three main forms are ARC, MIG, and TIG. Arc creates an electric arc between an electrode and the parent metal. Metal inert gas (MIG), also known as metal active gas (MAG), uses an electric arc combined with a shielding gas and consumable wire electrode to create a weld. Tungsten inert gas (TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the weld. If helium is used inTIG, then it’s called heliarc.

Why it’s Important

In its base form, the process of welding is quite simple, it attaches two pieces of metal together. But in practice it extends two pieces of metal, plastic, or glass, into a single unit, which is stronger than the original pieces. This extra strength helps metals become more tolerant to atmospheric pressures, gravity, and high impacts. It affects are everyday life by forming everything from coffee pots to cars – an average car body contains around 5,000 spot welds – and helps move use forward to the future.

Future Impact on Society

It is not a stagnant profession. Originally created by Bell Telephone Laboratories as a communication device, laser welding has become popular for joining metal and thermoplastics. The Soviet Union invented inertia welding, and GM created an aluminum to aluminum process, allowing for more aluminum construction in their vehicles, which improves driving performance and fuel economy. New and exciting materials are found or created every other year, and to meet the demands of an ever-growing economy, the welding industry finds new ways to incorporate their skill set, and improve the overall quality of life for people worldwide.

If you’re in need of welding services or repair in Tacoma, WA, turn to Brady’s Welding Specialties. With over 40 years of experience, their professionals are proficient in aluminum, steel, magnesium, bronze, and brass welding. They’ve initiated an alternative mobile solution with mobile services for residential and commercial clients. Learn more about this service online and call (253) 475-4608 to find out how they can help you with your next project.