Welding
Welding is the joining together of materials (typically metals or thermoplastics), usually by a fusion process. Most commonly, workpieces are welded by melting both of them and adding more molten metal or plastic to form a pool that cools to form a strong joint. The energy to form the joint between metal workpieces most often comes from a flame (e.g. oxyacetylene) or an arc, but welding by laser beam, electron beam and friction processes is well established. Energy for welding of thermoplastics typically comes from direct contact with a heated tool or a hot gas.
Types of welding
- Manual metal arc welding, or 'stick' welding is the most common form;
- Gas welding;
- Forge welding;
- Friction welding;
- Metal inert gas (MIG);
- Tungsten inert gas (TIG);
- Spot welding;
- Submerged arc welding;
- Explosive welding;
- Stud welding;
- Laser welding;
- Induction welding
