Fabricating is an art that’s been honed and perfected over time, since the middle ages when blacksmiths were creating weapons for expanding empires and plowing equipment for farmers. During the industrial revolution and thereon after, different fabricating technologies were adapted to increase both the cost and effectiveness of metalworking and now, today, we even have different methods of welding that make it an everyday part of people’s lives. Here are four of the most popular methods of welding as they apply to Calgary fabrication:
TIG Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is one of the most popular forms of fabricating metal because it is so precise. Unlike Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, which uses roughly the same process only at higher amperages, TIG welding is popular when it comes to Calgary fabrication because it can be used to weld joints on even exotic metals. This process takes longer to learn than other traditional welding techniques, but many times, the learning curve pays off in nicer, stronger welds that make fabrication seamless.
MIG Welding
This process for welding uses a wire to start the arc and that wire is in turn shielded by inert gas. MIG welding was and still is one of the most common forms of welding, however as standards are changing in the world of machinery, MIG is taking a backseat to TIG welding. Basic welders and millwrights still learn this technique first when getting into the fabrication field, simply because most other welding techniques have been born from this timeless method.
Oxy-Acetylene Welding
This method of welding has been used since before the 1900’s to weld and fabricate and today, is still used in many applications because of its fantastic bonding abilities. Oxy-acetylene welding can heat metals up to 315°C, creating a weld pattern that is more stable than most. Because of the high temperatures induced during this Calgary fabrication process, it can also be used to cut and seal metal components as well, making it a versatile skill that’s good for more than just joint welding.
Stick or SMAW welding
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) involves melting the flux covering on an electrode, creating a gas and slag shield. The drawback to this process of Calgary fabrication is that slag has to be chipped off of the weld bead after the process has been completed and the electrode experiences a short life before it needs to be replaced. The upside to this technique, however, is that skilled welders can create very high quality bonds with ease.
Fabrication, especially welding, isn’t for everyone and in fact, it takes a great amount of skill to create proper welds that are both practical and aesthetic. Instead of mastering the process yourself or even worse, jumping into a difficult weld on an expensive piece of machinery, it’s best to call a professional millwright or welding service that can get the job done right. No matter if it’s repairing a broken joint or forming an entirely new piece, trust a professional with your welding, so that you can get back in business quickly.
