The Fundamentals of Arc Welding

One of the most popular and typical types of welding in use today is arc welding. Yet the average layperson walking the street has little understanding of this welding procedure other than noting the blinding light flashing from a building task location they might be walking past after work. Welding is basically simply a combination process for joining metals. The metals are just melted together by extreme heat and fused as one piece. Welding makes the joining of 2 pieces of metal with the exact same strength as a single solid piece if done properly. A welding joint is preferd to gluing since through the welding process, the metals are actually melted together instead, using the bonding properties of glue to hold them together. In commercial applications, heat treatment is also required to avoid weld failure later on. This business offers on-site services:

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The crucial concept in welding is a heat source is required in order to fuse the metal together. There are a number of approaches of welding and arc welding is one of the most popular. The term arc welding comes from the reality that an electrical arc is developed to produce intense heat. This arc is formed between the metal being worked on and an electrode connected to the arc welder. The electrode rod is moved along the joint and is melted by the electrical arc. The rod has two functions. One is to help produce the arc and the other is it makes a filler material as it is melted.

At its heart, arc welding has to do with creating an electrical circuit. An arc welder needs an electrical power source that produces either AC or DC. The metal piece you are trying to bond is a part of the electrical circuit by attaching a wire from the arc welder to metal. The other hot wire is attached to an electrode that the welder is holding. When the electrode is held close to the metal, an electrical arc is developed between the metal work piece and the electrode. Now there is a total electrical circuit between the arc welder and the metal. This procedure develops some pretty incredible temperatures. The point of the arc can reach temperature levels in excess of 6500º F. Now there is enough heat to fuse the metal pieces together and create a strong bond. To fire up the arc, the electrode should be pushed against the metal and after that pulled away.

Creating heat, the arc produces an extremely bright light. The arc gives off infrared and ultraviolet light that is invisible to the naked eye. Welding helmets will automatically darken when the arc is struck to protect the welders eyes from the brilliant visible light and the lens filter is developed to keep out ultraviolet and infrared waves at all times whether the lens is darkened or not.

In spite of these hazards arc welding is a safe and trustworthy technique for merging metal together and with some practice anybody can become skilled enough for basic welding.

Summary

One of the most typical and popular types of welding in usage today is arc welding. There are several methods of welding and arc welding is one of the most popular. The term arc welding comes from the reality that an electrical arc is produced to produce extreme heat. At its heart, arc welding is about developing an electrical circuit. An electrical arc is produced in between the metal work piece and the electrode when the electrode is held close to the metal.