Welders can perform a variety of different tasks, from shaping ornamental handrails to repairing heavy-duty machinery. The type of job usually dictates the type of welding that is required. Even if you’re only interested in hiring welders for a job, it’s a good idea to understand some of the basics so that you always go with the company that offers the most relevant service.

4 Common Welding Types

1. MIG Welding

This type of welding uses metal inert gas and a wire electrode to heat the metals that are to be joined together. The gas is used as a shield, which makes this type of welding fairly simple to perform. It’s common in a variety of environments, from factories to machine shops. However, it’s not ideal for outdoor use, since wind or precipitation could disrupt the gas shield.

2. TIG Welding

TIG welding utilizes a similar concept as MIG welding, in which an arc of gas acts as a shield over the electrode. However, this option uses tungsten inert gas. TIG welding requires a lot of precision and skill, but it can work on a variety of metals and provides a very high-quality weld that should be barely noticeable to the untrained eye.

3. Stick Welding

Stick, or shielded metal arc, welding uses a stick electrode to manually join two thick slabs of metal together. This option isn’t well-suited for precision jobs, but it’s very popular when welding structural steel for large building or infrastructure projects.

4. Flux Core

This type of welding is very similar to MIG and TIG welding. However, it uses a thin piece of wire to provide the shielding gas. This makes it easier to transport the materials needed for each job, so it’s perfect for on-site welding projects.

No matter what type of welders you need for your next project, M & M Welding & Fabrication in High Point, NC, can help. With more than 25 years in business, the second-generation family-owned company offers custom gates, ornamental handrails, fire escapes, and machinery repair. No job is too big or too small for this dedicated team of welders, and they’re known for providing extremely reliable and quality service throughout North Carolina and surrounding areas. Visit the company’s website for more about their services. To request an estimate, call (336) 885-9353 today.