Welding can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. The scorching heat and glaring light are enough to keep some backing. However, if you are one of those up to the challenge to take a welding job and succeed with it, you can read a lot of benefits this occupation entails.
You are assured that your skills are always in demand among different industries. You can find yourself working in building job sites, manufacturing plants, or rebuilding infrastructures such as highways and bridges. You can move from one sector to another and have a better level of job security than most kinds of jobs.
If you are now enticed to work as a welder, the first thing you need to know are the terms you will hear a lot in the welding field. Being able to learn everyday vocabulary such as what does MIG stand for or what does FCAW means will surely give you a massive cut above most newbies.
Welding Processes Vocabulary
MIG
MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas welding, though you might also hear others refer to it as MAG (Metal Active Gas) or GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding). MIG is one of the most standard welding techniques used and also relatively the easiest to learn, making it suitable for large scale production and individuals who are still learning the ropes.
MIG utilizes a consumable wire electrode and makes an electric arc between the metal and electrode for laying welds. Heat is being endorsed between metals, which melts them and results in welding joints. This welding technique is used for welding metals like non-ferrous materials, aluminum, and steels as well.
TIG
TIG means Tungsten Inert Gas or also called as GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding.) While it may look quite similar to MIG on paper, this welding technique uses a non-consumable electrode, and its shielding gas commonly has argon-helium composition.
TIG is a relatively more technical process to master than MIG. This welding process needs a refined technique, keeping the torch at a certain angle, plus a sheer amount of cautiousness. Though its results may be more visually enticing and cleaner, this technique can’t be rushed and won’t work if you are required to do big scale production.
TIG is perfect for thinner metals such as aluminum. Meanwhile, MIG can be work great with both thin metals and thicker plates.
FCAW
FCAW stands for Flux-Cored Arc Welding. This technique uses different types of equipment from MIG and TIG welding. Although this process is a constantly-fed consumable electrode, a flux lies in its core. This flux removes the necessity to have another shielding gas, making it fit for outdoor tasks and windy situations.
Keep in mind that FCAW may produce harmful gases, and it is essential to wear necessary protective gears like a welding helmet. With a great deal of care and safety, FCAW is an incredibly quick portable technique which is perfect for manufacturing.
SMAW
SMAW means Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Like the other techniques, it also has an alternate name, and you may hear it being called as stick welding. Same with FCAW, this welding process also uses flux to shield the weld pool from harmful atmospheric gases. The main difference between the two is that in SMAW, the flux covers the electrode while FCAW’s flux is in its core.
SMAW is a relatively easier technique to master than FCAW as it needs lesser equipment and lesser refined processes. It is suitable for most metals, which includes solid, industrial iron and steel. Thus, making it more widely used than other welding techniques.
GMAW
GMAW stands for Gas Metal Arc Welding which also bounds both MAG and MIG welding. These three techniques utilize the same process of generating an electric arc between the metal and the electrode. This creates heat onto the metal, melting it and creating a connection which puts the metal materials together.
GMWA wouldn’t work for outdoor tasks as it requires a shielding gas to safeguard the weld pool against atmospheric gases. During a windy situation, the gas from the weld pool can be blown away, and it will result in flawed connections. But, when used for indoor projects, GMAW is a relatively versatile welding technique.
Other Basic Welding Terms You Need to Know
AC (Alternating Current) – An electrical current that reverses back and forth from positive to negative at regular intervals. It creates an erratic arc for most welding techniques, which is why DC is more preferred.
Amperage – is the measure of the electricity flowing and is the same as current or your heat.
Arc- is the part between the base metal and the end of the electrode. The resistance causes heat.
Defect – is the flaw with the weld. Sample of these defects include porosity, slag inclusion, longitudinal cracks, and worst of them all and considered as a cardinal sin, the undercut.
DC (Direct Current) – An electrical current that flows in a single direction and does not reverse its flow as opposed to alternating current.
Electrode – may be just bare wire or covered with flux depending on the technique used. When in the actual welding field, welder refers to it as “rod” when doing stick welding and wire for Flux Cored Arc Welding or MIG.
Flux – is the material that polishes the surface and once burned, it generates a shielding gas that safeguards the weld pool or protects it from harmful atmospheric contaminants.
Melting Point – is the temperature that needs to be obtained for the metal to begin liquefying.
Non-ferrous metals – are the ones that do not contain any iron. Examples of these non-ferrous metals include bronze, aluminum, lead, copper, and titanium.
Weld – is the part where the metals have been connected together through heating them to a specific temperature. Pressure and filler metals can be used to finish the weld.
Welding Torch – is the tool utilized for gas welding to manage the flow of gases used.
These are only a few of the vast collections of terminology used in the welding field. You would learn the majority of them when you experienced working with actual welders firsthand. But, it is always better to get a headstart, learn these basics, and choose from the best welder for beginners found on this page to get you on the right track!
