CWI Presents an Introduction to Welding Processes

Welding is the art of joining two pieces of metal using pressure and heat. The heat source used must be hot enough to cause a melt pool of molten material, which, once cooled, creates the joint of the weld. A joint is where two or more pieces of metal come together or fuse, otherwise known as welding.

There are many different types of welding, the most common being Arc Welding. Arc Welding uses  , also known as welding wire. The wire acts as an electrode, coming into contact with a power supply that creates an electric arc between it and the base material, using AC and DC currents. Shielding gas or flux is used during this process to help avoid contaminating the weld.

Central Wire provides for the three different types of Arc Welding, MIG, TIG, and SAW. Metal Inert Gas (MIG), also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is the most common type of Arc Welding. The shielding gas for this wire type is a combination of argon (99%) and oxygen (1%) or argon (97%) and carbon dioxide (3%). MIG welding is suitable for spot welding and mass production, coming in a variety of alloys, sizes, and packaging options. Central Wire’s MIG welding wire is available in polished for a cleaner weld and competitively priced dry-drawn matte wire.

The second most common type of Arc Welding is TIG, which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas or GTAW, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. TIG gets its name from the tungsten electrode in the welding torch. This type of welding requires more skill and can be used to join thinner pieces of metal. TIG is best for aesthetically pleasing works because there is greater control over the weld. The shielding gas used is 100% argon. Central Wire’s TIG wire comes with  , is available in different diameters, and can be purchased in 10-pound tubes or 400-pound cartons. To learn more about our TIG welding wire, read our blog:  

Finally, there is SAW, which stands for Submerged Arc Welding. The weld and arc zone are fully submerged in flux, a sand-like material that helps to prevent spatter. With  , any suitable flux can be used, such as fused, bonded, active, or neutral. The process for SAW is faster than most welding and is best when using thick materials. SAW welding wire is sold in a variety of diameters and is available in 60-pound coils or 500-pound packages.

CWI GEN4 Welding Wire is available in over 35 alloys, including Nickel Chrom Molly’s such as 276, 622, 625, 686, and Alloy 59. CWI has many capabilities and customizations available. To find out more contact a sales expert at sales@centralwire.com or call us at 1-800-435-8317.

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