Materials used in gas welding | Welding and Control
Oxygen at atmospheric pressure and normal temperature is a colorless and odorless gas, somewhat heavier than air. At atmospheric pressure and temperature 20 degrees. the mass of 1 m3 of oxygen is 1.33 kg. The combustion of flammable gases and vapors of flammable liquids in pure oxygen occurs very energetically at high speed, and a high temperature occurs in the combustion zone.
To obtain a welding flame with a high temperature, it is necessary to quickly melt the metal at the welding site, flammable gas or flammable liquid vapor is burned in a mixture with pure oxygen.
When compressed oxygen gas occurs with oil or fats, the latter may spontaneously ignite, which may cause a fire. Therefore, when handling oxygen cylinders and equipment, it is necessary to carefully ensure that even slight traces of oil and fat do not fall on them. A mixture of oxygen from flammable liquids explodes at certain ratios of oxygen and flammable substance.
Technical oxygen is extracted from atmospheric air, which is processed into air separation units, where it is purified from carbon dioxide and dried from moisture.
Liquid oxygen is stored and transported in special vessels with good thermal insulation. Three grades of technical oxygen are produced for welding:
highest, purity not lower than 99.5%
1st grade purity 99.2%
2nd grade with a purity of 98.5% by volume.
The balance 0.5-0.1% is nitrogen and argon
Acetylene
Acetylene, a compound of oxygen and hydrogen, has become widespread as a flammable gas for gas welding. At normal temperature and pressure, acetylene is in a gaseous state.
Acetylene is a colorless gas. It contains impurities of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
Acetylene is an explosive gas. Pure acetylene is capable of exploding at excess pressure over 1.5 kgf/cm2, with rapid heating to 450-500 C. A mixture of acetylene with air will explode at atmospheric pressure if the mixture contains from 2.2 to 93% acetylene by volume. Acetylene for industrial purposes is obtained by the decomposition of liquid flammable fuels by the action of an electric arc discharge, as well as by the decomposition of calcium carbide with water.
Acetylene substitute gases
When welding metals, other gases and liquid vapors can be used. For effective heating and melting of metal during welding, it is necessary that the to of the flame is approximately twice as high as the to of melting the metal being welded.
The combustion of different flammable gases requires different amounts of oxygen supplied to the burner.
Acetylene substitute gases are used in many industries. Therefore, their production and extraction is on a large scale and they are very cheap, this is their main advantage over acetylene.
Due to the lower flame temperature of these gases, their use is limited to certain processes of heating and melting metals.
When welding steel with propane or methane, it is necessary to use welding wire containing an increased amount of silicon and manganese, used as deoxidizers, and when welding cast iron and non-ferrous metals, use fluxes.
Substitute gases with low thermal conductivity are not economically transported in cylinders. This limits their use for flame processing.
Combustible gases for welding and cutting
Flammable gases | Flame temperature during combustion in oxygen, 0C | Acetylene replacement rate |
Acetylene | 3150 | 1,05 |
Hydrogen | 2400-2600 | 5,2 |
Methane | 2400-2500 | 1,6 |
Propane | 2700-2800 | 0,6 |
Kerosene fumes | 2400-2450 | 1-1,3 |
Welding wires and fluxes
In most cases, when gas welding, filler wire is used that is similar in its chemical properties. composition to the metal being welded.
You cannot use random wire of an unknown brand for welding.
The surface of the wire must be smooth and clean without traces of scale, rust, oil, paint and other contaminants. The melting point of the wire should be equal to or slightly lower than the melting point of the metal.
The wire should melt calmly and evenly, without much splashing or boiling, forming a dense, homogeneous metal without foreign inclusions or other defects when solidified.
For gas welding of non-ferrous metals (copper, brass, lead), as well as stainless steel, in cases where there is no suitable wire, as an exception, use strips cut from sheets of the same brand as the metal being welded.
Fluxes
Copper, aluminum, magnesium and their alloys, when heated during the welding process, react vigorously with oxygen in the air or in the welding flame (in oxidative flame welding), forming oxides that have a higher melting point than the metal. Oxides cover the drops of molten metal with a thin film and this makes it very difficult for the metal particles to melt during welding.
To protect the molten metal from oxidation and remove the resulting oxides, welding powders or pastes, called fluxes, are used. Fluxes, previously applied to the filler wire or rod and the edges of the metal being welded, melt when heated and form fusible slags that float to the surface of the liquid metal. A film of slag covers the surface of the molten metal, protecting it from oxidation.
The composition of fluxes is selected depending on the type and properties of the metal being welded.
Calcined borax and boric acid are used as fluxes. The use of fluxes is necessary when welding cast iron and some special alloy steels, copper and its alloys. When welding carbon steels are not used.
Source: https://svarkka.ru/%D0%BC%D0%B0%D1%82%D0%B5%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%B0%D0%BB%D1%8B-%D0% BF%D1%80%D0%B8%D0%BC%D0%B5%D0%BD%D1%8F%D0%B5%D0%BC%D1%8B%D0%B5-%D0%BF%D1%80 %D0%B8-%D0%B3%D0%B0%D0%B7%D0%BE%D0%B2%D0%BE%D0%B9-%D1%81%D0%B2/
Types of welding machines
Welding, as a type of joining metal elements, became widespread a little more than a century ago. However, today it is used in many fields of activity, from electronics production to the construction of giant structures.
Since the composition of the metals used is very diverse, many types of equipment have been invented and implemented to obtain reliable welds. The most popular among them are welding machines.
Let's look at what types of welding machines there are, the pros and cons of each.
Transformers
The transformer is the most traditional type of electric welding machine. At the same time, it is one of the simplest in design. The main design element of this type of welder is a step-down transformer, which converts the mains voltage to the value required for welding. The current strength is changed using different techniques, the most well-known is the displacement of one winding relative to the second. As the gap between the windings changes, the current changes.
A feature of welding transformers is considered to be alternating current at the output, which leads to noticeable spattering of metal and deterioration in the quality of seams.
In order to weld non-ferrous metals and improve the quality of arc combustion, fairly massive and bulky components must be added to the structure of the apparatus. The main element - the transformer - is also not compact and light in weight.
When using the device for serious work, specific (for alternating current) electrodes and considerable experience of the welder are required.
The efficiency of the device is quite high, reaching 90%, but part of the energy is spent on heating. Cooling is carried out using fans of different power, since it is necessary to cool a unit weighing several tens and sometimes hundreds of kilograms. The use of this type of welding machines is declining today, but they are still in demand due to their low cost, reliability and durability. Transformers are used for welding low-alloy types of steel .
Rectifiers
Welding rectifiers can be considered an improvement on transformer devices. In welds obtained using rectifiers, those defects that are caused by the use of alternating current are practically eliminated.
The devices, in addition to the step-down transformer, have a diode block (rectifier), control, starting and protection elements in their design. Alternating current not only changes voltage, but is also converted to direct current. This makes it possible to obtain an even, stable arc.
Accordingly, metal spattering is reduced, and the seam is of higher quality. You can work with any electrodes.
The scope of use of the welder is also expanding - you can join not only low-alloy “ferrous” steels, but also non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, cast iron (using appropriate electrodes). Since direct current has polarity, you should not forget about this - when connecting the electrodes, this parameter should be taken into account. Some welding work is purposefully performed with reverse polarity (aluminium welding).
Many manufacturers today are reducing the production of this type of household appliances. If we talk about professional use, they are still used quite widely . Disadvantages include heavy weight, the need for a qualified welder, and a serious voltage drop in the electrical network during the welding process. Advantages: low price, reliability and good seam quality.
Semi-automatic
Semi-automatic welding machines in an environment of inert or active gases, or simply semi-automatic devices, are more complex devices than transformers or rectifiers. However, they are more convenient to use. Often used in car body repairs, they are widely used in everyday life and in private households.
The structure consists of the following components:
- transformer;
- rectifier;
- wire feeding drive;
- gas cylinder;
- sleeves with a burner.
Welding of parts is carried out with a wire melting in an electric arc, which is located in a protective gas environment during the process. The current is most often adjusted in steps; the wire feed speed is also subject to change. The ratio of these parameters establishes the required operating mode .
Various models of semi-automatic machines work:
- only with gas;
- with or without gas (switchable);
- only without gas.
If work is carried out without gas, a special wire (flux-cored) is used. Flux-cored wire differs from ordinary flux-cored wire in that its composition, in addition to metal, includes flux.
When the flux components burn, a cloud of protective gas is formed, which prevents oxidation of the weld pool by air. In addition, the active elements of the flux composition give the metal the necessary parameters, and the arc becomes more stable.
This does not require a gas cylinder, which is convenient, but the wire itself is significantly more expensive.
When working with different metals, different gases are used - carbon dioxide when welding iron, a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide when working with steel, and argon when welding aluminum. Gas cylinders should be used industrial or branded.
Semi-automatic machines are characterized by high productivity and produce excellent quality welds on various metals. Disadvantages include spattering of metal and high consumption of materials for waste.
Inverters
Devices of this type are also called pulsed. Today, welding inverters are considered one of the most common devices due to their light weight and general availability. And if 10 years ago inverters were expensive and not very reliable, now these shortcomings have been eliminated . The use of inverter technology today results in a reduction in the size of the transformer, an increase in the quality properties of the arc, optimization of efficiency, and a reduction in metal spatter during welding.
The welding inverter consists of a power transformer, the purpose of which is to reduce the mains voltage to the required value, a block of electrical circuits and a stabilizer choke, necessary to minimize current ripple.
The supply voltage is supplied to the rectifier in the inverter, at the output of which a circuit block transforms direct current into alternating current with a high frequency. This alternating current, obtained at the output of the power unit, is supplied to a high-frequency welding transformer, which is more compact and lighter than a conventional network converter. The voltage at the output of the welding transformer is rectified again and supplied to the arc.
Argon arc welding machine
This type of welding equipment uses special non-consumable tungsten electrodes; the protection gas is helium or argon..
An argon arc apparatus using a tungsten electrode contains the following components:
- a source that provides direct or alternating welding current;
- regulation device for working with current;
- set of burners for use with different voltages;
- control circuit providing welding cycle coordination and protection;
- stabilizing device for excitation and alignment of the arc.
Units of this type are used if there is a need for high-quality welding of non-ferrous metals.
Spot welding machine
Spot welding is one of the types of contact welding of the thermomechanical class. The process itself consists of several moments. To begin with, the parts, folded in the required manner, are placed between the electrodes and compressed with each other, after which they are heated until plasticity is achieved and are deformed together. Welding speed in factory conditions is up to 10 points per second.
The parts are heated using an instantaneous (0.01–0.1 sec.) welding current pulse. This rapid impulse makes it possible to achieve heating of the metal until it melts, which leads to the appearance of a liquid zone common to both parts. After the current stops, the parts are still aligned, pressed against each other until the temperature drops and the molten point solidifies. Compression of parts stops with a time delay to create conditions for better crystallization of the metal.
The advantages of spot welding include cost-effectiveness, reliability and strength of the seam, and the ease of achieving automation. Unfortunately, this type of welding seam is not airtight, which limits the scope of its use. .
Gas cutting and welding machine
Gas welding involves heating the part until it melts with a high temperature flame . In this case, flammable gases are used - hydrogen, natural gas, acetylene. A distinctive property of these gases is their good combustion in air. Most often, acetylene is used in gas welding machines, which is easily obtained using calcium carbide and water. The combustion temperature of this gas is 3200–3400 °C.
Advantages of gas welding and metal cutting:
- Simple technology.
- No access to the electrical network is required, no need to use electric current.
- The equipment used for welding is quite simple.
It should be noted, however, that gas welding will not provide high speed and productivity, because it can only be done manually.
When gas welding, serious attention is paid to preparing parts, regulating the power of the torch, and installing it in the desired position.
Plasma welding
Plasma welding (cutting) of metals is an operation during which the metal is melted by a plasma stream. Plasma is a gas containing charged particles that conduct electric current. The gas is ionized by heating with an arc emerging from the plasma torch. The higher the temperature of the gas, the higher the ionization. The arc temperature in plasma welding machines reaches tens of thousands of degrees.
The technology is this: gas and electric current are supplied to the burner at a fast pace to form an arc. Cutting occurs not only due to the melting of the metal, but also due to the fact that the high-speed ionized flow washes the metal out of the plasma action zone .
In addition to knowing what types of welding machines there are, the user’s needs should be taken into account when choosing. And if a professional device may be needed in a car repair shop or in production, then for domestic needs an inexpensive device is sufficient.
Source: https://proinstrumentinfo.ru/kakie-byvayut-svarochnye-apparaty-vidy-i-printsip-raboty/
What are the types of welding materials, their description and classification
When welding products, welding materials are used. They allow for stable arc burning and pore-free welds that are resistant to damage. Their classification and purpose will be presented below.
Welding materials perform the following functions:
- ensure stability of the welding process;
- remove harmful impurities from the weld metal;
- ensure the correct geometric dimensions of the seams;
- provide a weld material with a certain chemical composition and properties;
- help protect the molten metal from exposure to air.
Classification of welding materials
So , what categories are these materials divided into:
- electrodes and filler rods - these include electrodes with acidic, cellulose, mixed, rutile, basic and other coatings, as well as non-consumable electrodes;
- wire - can be activated, powdered or solid;
- fluxes - divided into electrically conductive and protective;
- gases - to support combustion, protective, which are active and inert, and flammable;
- ceramic pads - used to connect butt, fillet and T-joints; they can be all-position, round, etc.
Electrodes and wires
Wires and electrodes are needed to provide power to the welding zone for heating. Coated consumable electrodes, some types of wire and protective flux for arc welding include special components that can protect the metal from exposure to air, maintain process stability and help obtain a certain chemical composition of the weld metal and more. And the filler rod is introduced into the seam during welding.
Melting wires are used in the following situations:
- submerged;
- in protective gases;
- during electroslag welding.
There are three types of steel wires:
- alloyed;
- highly alloyed;
- low carbon.
In total there are 77 varieties in the assortment.
When choosing one brand or another, the chemical composition of the weld changes. Most often, wire is used whose composition resembles the metal that is being processed. The material must comply with GOST and be indicated on the product packaging.
In turn, low-carbon and alloy steel for wire production can be copper-plated or non-copper-plated. For manual welding, wire is used, which is cut into pieces 360-400 mm in length. You can buy it in skeins weighing 20−85 kg. Each skein has a label indicating the manufacturer and technical parameters of the product.
For work, you cannot use wire of questionable manufacture of an unknown brand. The surface of the filler wire must be smooth and free of grease, rust or scale. It must be selected according to its melting index; it must be lower than the similar characteristics of the materials being joined.
One of the quality properties of wire is its ability to melt gradually, without a sudden emission of splashes. If there is no special wire for connecting products made of stainless steel, brass, lead or copper, then use strips of cut metal from the same material that is being welded.
Plates and rods
The plates are used for electroslag welding, while arc welding is carried out using an electrode metal rod coated with an electrode base. There are three types of electrode thickness:
- thick;
- average;
- thin.
The type of welding material with different coatings is indicated by letters as follows:
- A - the coating has acid additives;
- B - classic version;
- C - the coating contains cellulose;
- P - mixed materials are present in the surface layer.
Gases
When cutting and gas welding, flammable gases and those that support combustion are used. These include:
- oxygen;
- acetylene;
- hydrogen;
- propane-butane mixture;
- methylacetylene allene fraction.
Shielding gases are designed to provide gas protection of the molten material from air. Shielding gases are:
- inert (helium, argon and mixtures based on them);
- active (carbon dioxide and mixtures based on it).
An inert gas cannot enter into a chemical reaction with a metal and is almost insoluble in it, but active gases are capable of entering into such a reaction and dissolving in metals.
As for oxygen , it is heavier than air and helps gases and vapors burn as quickly as possible, while heat can be released, and the melting point is maximum.
At the same time, compressed oxygen when interacting with lubricants and fatty oils can lead to an explosion and spontaneous ignition; accordingly, you should work with oxygen cylinders only in clean conditions, where this is excluded.
Oxygen-type welding materials must be stored only in compliance with fire safety standards.
Welding oxygen is technical, obtained from the atmosphere. And the air is processed in a separation apparatus, ultimately carbon dioxide impurities are removed, and the finished product is dried. In liquid form, oxygen for storage and transportation is contained in special containers with high thermal insulation.
Another gas, acetylene , is oxygen combined with hydrogen. At normal temperature, acetylene is in a gaseous state. It is colorless and contains impurities of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia. The danger is posed by the flammable components of such a material; welding pressure from 1.5 kgf/cm2 or accelerated heating to a temperature of 400 degrees can also lead to an explosion.
The gas is produced through an electric arc that separates liquid flammable components, or through the decomposition of calcium carbide under the influence of a liquid.
There are also substitutes for acetylene . According to the requirements for materials for welding work, it is possible to use liquid vapors and other materials. They are used if the heating temperature is twice the melting index of the metal.
In order for a particular type of gas to burn, a certain amount of oxygen is needed in the burner. Some flammable substances are used instead of acetylene because they are inexpensive and easy to obtain. They can be used in various industrial fields, but the use of such substances is limited due to their relatively low heating limit.
Welding fluxes and other materials
Flux has different purposes in the welding process. Thanks to it, it is possible to dissolve oxides on the metal surface, which facilitates the process of wetting the workpiece with molten metal. Flux also acts as a barrier to oxygen, acting as a coating on the hot surface of the workpiece, and prevents oxidation of the metal. The flux melt can also act as a heat exchange medium, facilitating heating of the joint.
Fluxes differ from each other in the following parameters:
- production method;
- purpose;
- its chemical composition and other parameters.
For example, depending on the production method, they are either fused or unfused. Fused fluxes are produced by fusing parts of a charge in furnaces. But the unfused parts of the flux charge can be held together without fusion.
Flux consists of a powder or paste of a certain composition; it is produced on the basis of boric acid or calcined borax. Fluxes are not used for joining alloy steels.
And another type of material for welding, a ceramic lining, is used to create a high-quality seam and form a reverse bead.
All of the listed welding materials can also be divided according to the type of metals and steels being welded. For example, some are intended for joining carbon steels, others for stainless or low-alloy steels or cast iron, copper and other materials.
General requirements for welding materials
Regardless of what type of welding is used, materials should be used in accordance with existing standards, which specify all the requirements for them. All factory products must have a certificate indicating the technical characteristics:
- manufacturer's trademark;
- alphanumeric symbols indicating the type and brand of the product;
- serial number of the shift and batch of heat;
- indicator of the surface condition of a wire or electrode;
- chemical composition of the material and the percentage of its components;
- mechanical features of a directional seam;
- net weight.
For all electrodes, an important requirement is a well-formed seam and an arc with stable combustion. The metal of the resulting guide must correspond to a predetermined chemical composition; during operation, the rod must uniformly melt, without splashing or releasing toxic components. The wire allows for high-quality work. Electrodes can retain their technical parameters for a very long time.
To produce quality work , it is important to take into account every detail. To ensure a strong and durable connection, use only high-quality materials and do everything according to the requirements.
Source: https://tokar.guru/svarka/svarochnye-materialy-klassifikaciya-i-harakteristiki.html
Modern and classic welding technologies
Welding is one of the most important crafts for humans. With the help of welding technologies, we manage to create truly amazing things: from the simplest household appliances to space rockets. In this article we will tell you how welding occurs, what types of welding exist and their brief characteristics.
general information
What is welding? What are the basics of welding? Many beginning craftsmen ask these questions. At its core, welding is the process of joining different metals. A connection (also called a seam) is formed at the interatomic level using heat or mechanical deformation.
The theory of metal welding is very extensive and it is impossible to describe all the nuances within one article. Just as it is impossible to describe all the methods of welding metals, since at the moment there are about a hundred methods. But we will try to briefly classify welding methods so that beginners do not get confused.
So, at the moment, thermal, thermomechanical and completely mechanical welding of parts made of metal or other materials (for example, plastic or glass) is possible. When choosing a welding method, every nuance is taken into account: the thickness of the parts, their composition, working conditions, etc. The metal welding technology depends on this.
Thermal welding is the process of joining parts using only high temperatures. The metal melts and a reliable welded joint is formed. Thermal methods include, for example, arc and gas welding (we will talk about them later).
Thermo-mechanical welding is the process of joining parts using high temperatures and mechanical influence, such as pressure. Resistance welding belongs to this type. The part does not heat up as much as in the case of conventional thermal welding, and mechanical load is used to form the seam, rather than melting the metal itself.
Mechanical welding is the process of joining parts without the use of high temperatures and generally thermal energy. The key element here is mechanical action. This type includes cold welding, ultrasonic welding or friction joining of parts.
There is also a classification of welding methods according to technical characteristics. Using this classification, we can quite briefly describe all available types of welding. They are divided into:
- Welding in a protective environment (for protection, flux, inert gas, active gas, vacuum can be used, protection can be combined and consist of several materials at once).
- Intermittent and continuous welding.
- Welding: manual, mechanized, semi-automatic, automatic, robotic.
If you have never encountered welding before and everything listed above seems confusing and incomprehensible, then don’t worry. Next, we will tell you what the most popular welding methods are used in home and industrial settings.
You will be given a description of the main types of welding and some features that need to be taken into account. By the way, we have devoted separate articles to many types of welding, which you can read by opening the “Types and Methods of Welding” section on our website.
Manual arc welding using non-consumable electrodes
The method of manual arc welding of different metals using non-consumable electrodes is one of the most popular methods among both home craftsmen and professionals. Manual arc welding is generally one of the oldest welding methods. Thanks to a large selection of welding machines for arc welding, this method has become available to a wide range of welders.
An electrode is a rod that acts as a current conductor. It can be made of various materials and have a special coating.
The technology of arc welding with a non-consumable electrode is extremely simple: the parts are adjusted to each other, then the electrode is tapped or struck on the surface of the metal, igniting the welding arc. Welding inverters are used as the main equipment.
For welding with an inverter, non-consumable electrodes made of coal, tungsten or graphite are chosen. During welding, the electrode heats up to a high temperature, melting the metal and forming a weld pool in which the seam is formed. This method is used for welding non-ferrous metals.
Manual arc welding using consumable electrodes
Types of metal fusion welding do not end with the use of non-consumable rods. You can also use consumable electrodes for work. The technology for welding metal using consumable rods is the same as when working with non-consumable materials.
The only difference is in the composition of the electrode itself: melting rods are usually made of low-melting metals. Such rods are also suitable for welding with an inverter at home. Here the seam is formed not only by the molten metal of the part, but also by the molten electrode.
Arc welding using shielding gas
The method of arc welding of different metals using shielding gas is performed using consumable and non-consumable electrodes. The welding technology is the same as with classic manual arc welding. But here, for additional protection of the weld pool, a special shielding gas supplied in cylinders is supplied to the welding zone.
The fact is that the weld pool is easily susceptible to the negative influence of oxygen and under its influence the seam can oxidize and turn out to be of poor quality. Gas helps to avoid these problems. When it is supplied to the welding zone, a dense gas cloud is formed, which prevents oxygen from penetrating into the weld pool.
Automatic and semi-automatic welding using flux or gas
Automatic and semi-automatic welding using flux or gas is a more advanced method of joining metals. Here, some of the work is mechanized, for example, feeding the electrode into the welding zone. This means that the welder feeds the rod not with his hands, but with the help of a special mechanism.
Automatic welding involves mechanized feeding and further movement of the electrode, while semi-automatic welding implies only mechanized feeding. The welder carries out further movement of the electrode manually.
Here, protecting the weld pool from oxygen is simply mandatory, so gas is used (by analogy with arc welding using gases) or a special flux. Flux can be liquid, paste or crystalline. Using flux, you can significantly improve the quality of the seam.
Other methods of joining metals
In addition to traditional welding methods, modern industry uses methods that allow joining unique metals. Often such metals have pronounced chemical or refractory properties, which is why conventional welding methods are not suitable for joining them. Of course, such metals are not used in home welding, but they are widely used to create critical parts in large-scale production.
We will talk about the types of fusion welding, when the essence of welding is to supply a large amount of heat to a small welding area. These methods include laser welding and plasma welding.
Laser welding of metals is performed using automatic and semi-automatic equipment. This welding process can be completely robotic and does not require human presence.
Here the part heats up and then melts under the influence of heat emanating from a laser beam and directed to a specific point.
The heat is concentrated strictly at one point, allowing you to weld very small parts less than one millimeter in size. Also, using a prism, the laser can be split and directed in different directions to weld several parts at once.
Plasma welding of metals is performed using an ionized gas called plasma. The gas is jetted into the welding zone, forming plasma. It works in conjunction with a tungsten electrode and the gas is heated by an electric arc.
The ionized gas itself has the property of a current conductor, therefore, in the case of plasma welding, plasma is the key element in the working process. Plasma also actively protects the weld pool from the negative effects of oxygen. This welding method is used when working with metals up to 9 millimeters thick.
Welding process
It is not enough to know welding methods; you also need to understand what documents are required for welding and what stages the welding process consists of. Of course, this is only true for professional welders performing work in a workshop or production environment. You don’t need this if you are going to weld a fence at your dacha, but additional knowledge won’t hurt either.
So, here is our brief description of the welding process:
- Drawing development
- Drawing up a technological map
- Preparation of the welder's workplace and metal preparation
- Direct welding
- Metal cleaning
- Quality control
The technical process itself is a complete description of the welding stages. The technical process is developed after the drawings of the future metal structure are ready. The drawing is made based on the rules (GOST, for example), while the quality of the future design and reasonable savings are put at the forefront.
The technological process of welding is drawn up on forms specially designed for this purpose. The standard form for describing a technical process is called a “technological map”. The technological map describes all stages of production. If the production is serial or large-scale, then the presentation can be quite detailed, with a description of every nuance.
The flow chart includes the type of metal from which the parts are made, the metal welding methods used to connect these parts, the welding or other equipment used for these purposes, the types of filler materials, electrodes, gases or fluxes used in the work. The sequence of formation of seams, their sizes and other characteristics are also indicated.
The technological map also indicates the brand of electrodes, their diameter, their feed speed, welding speed, the number of layers at the seam, the recommended settings of the welding machine (polarity parameter and welding current value), and the brand of flux.
Before welding, the parts are carefully prepared, cleaning them from corrosion, dirt and oil. The metal surface is degreased using a solvent. If a part has significant visible defects (for example, cracks), then it is not allowed for welding.
After welding, the weld seams will be inspected. We have devoted a separate article to this topic, but here we will briefly talk about the main control methods. First of all, visual inspection is used, when the welder himself can determine the presence of defects in the welding joint. Specialists carry out additional monitoring using special devices (this can be magnetic testing, radiation or ultrasonic testing).
Of course, not all defects are considered bad. For each welding job, a list of defects is compiled that are acceptable and will not greatly affect the quality of the finished product. The controller can be a welder or a separate specialist. His name must be indicated in the documents; he is the responsible person at the control stage.
Instead of a conclusion
In this article we covered the most basic things. Of course, we will not be able to list and describe all types of welding work in this one article, but on our website you can find materials where we tell everything about welding and explain the basics of welding various metals.
For any master, the theory of welding processes is of great importance, but without practice it does not work. So don’t waste time and after reading the articles, apply your knowledge in practice. We wish you good luck in your work!
Source: https://svarkaed.ru/svarka/poleznaya-informatsiya/sovremennye-i-klassicheskie-svarochnye-tehnologii.html
Features and characteristics of welding types
The life of a modern person is closely connected with things made using welding technologies. We are talking not only about joining metal, but also other materials that can be joined at the molecular level. The article will discuss the main types of welding.
Process concept
Welding is a technology for creating a permanent connection between two surfaces through intense temperature exposure.
Physical signs
Metals have a high melting point. Without additional area factors, the contact parts of the welded products will not interact with each other. To change the state of aggregation of a metal, it is necessary to increase its temperature. Upon reaching a certain level, conditions are created under which it becomes possible to join parts to obtain a strong interatomic bond between the surfaces.
Manufacturability is the main property of welding work
The types of welding used depend on the characteristics of the work parts, as well as production conditions. The most commonly used technologies are:
- Dugovaya.
- Plasma.
- Gas.
- Pressure welding.
- Butt.
- Cold.
Importance of properties
In the process of joining workpieces, it is necessary to ensure reliable protection of the temperature-affected zone from the aggressive influence of oxygen in the atmosphere . Otherwise, corrosion processes will actively develop in the processing area, deteriorating the quality of the structure. The main ways to prevent contact of the melt with air:
- flux;
- vacuum;
- protective gases;
- foam.
Classification
The classification of metal welding is carried out based on the nature of the impact on the plane:
- Thermal class . It is characterized by a non-contact method of influencing the surface - an electric arc or a gas flame.
- Thermomechanical class . This type of welding combines non-contact action to achieve the desired temperature, as well as mechanical pressure to complete the connection.
- Mechanical class . The specified thermal parameters are obtained solely through mechanical action on the products being connected.
Below we will discuss the types of welding and their brief characteristics for each class.
Welding arc
A welding arc is a source of thermal energy for molten metal . It is an electrical discharge that occurs when a circuit breaks. Devices operating on direct or alternating current are used as a power supply mechanism.
Electric arc
Electric arc technology is the most common method of joining metal products . It owes its popularity to the relative simplicity of the equipment used and the low cost of performing the work. There are several types of arc welding.
Manual arc
The work is carried out using flux-coated electrodes and a welding machine . The method got its name due to the functions performed by the welder:
- Selecting the direction of movement of the rod and its speed.
- Arc length;
When exposed to high temperatures, the flux melts. Some components enter the melt zone, improving quality characteristics, while others remain on the surface, forming a protective film.
Non-consumable electrode
Refractory elements are used as electrode material: tungsten or graphite . The melting point of the base surface is lower than that of the electrode. This circumstance increases the service life of the rods. The use of filler metals is acceptable. Due to the absence of flux, work is carried out in an inert gas environment.
Mechanized with a consumable electrode in a protective gas environment
This type of work is characterized by the use of a special filler material - electrode wire, the composition of which depends on the properties of the working surface . Feeding mechanisms are used to feed material into the welding zone.
They can be either one of the units of the unit or stand-alone equipment. The wire does not have a protective coating, so the connection is made under gas protection. In its absence, a special type of additive is used - flux-cored wire, which contains flux to protect the seam.
For work, devices that operate in semi-automatic mode are used.
Submerged
In this case, a flux composition is applied to the joint zone, which, when melted, creates a gas bubble that serves as a barrier to harmful atmospheric factors . Complies with the requirements of GOST 8713-89. In serial production there are installations that perform submerged arc welding in automatic mode.
Electroslag
A special feature of the method is the thermal energy supply system: current passes through the flux, heating it . Then the melting of the filler material and the workpiece occurs. The method is indispensable for vertical connections with a recess relative to the main plane.
Orbital
A method for industrially joining circular surfaces such as pipes . There are two ways to implement permanent communication. In the first case, the workpieces rotate around their axis. Under the influence of friction force, the operating temperature is reached. In the second case, the products are fixed, and the movable head of the arc welding machine rotates around them. In this case, electrode wire is used.
Gas-flame
The technology is characterized by the use of thermal energy generated during the combustion of combustible gases and their mixtures . Depending on the mass fraction of oxygen, the nature of the flame is determined. It can be of three types:
- oxidative;
- neutral;
- restorative.
Plasma
The working tool is a plasma torch that generates a high-temperature plasma arc . Electromagnetic forces are used as a jet regulation mechanism, increasing the speed of ions to the required value. In addition to welding, plasma is used in surfacing, cutting and spraying.
Electron beam
A high-tech method characterized by the principle of surface heating - an electron gun is used to increase the temperature, which creates a flow of electrons . The elements are connected in vacuum chambers.
Laser
The joint area is exposed to a thin laser beam, which is characterized by precision processing and little influence on the area around the seam . This helps to avoid deformation when working with thin sheet materials. Experts recommend welding structures in a protective gas environment.
Reflow butt method of joining plastics
As the name suggests, a Teflon-coated heating element is used to melt plastic products.
With embedded heaters
Another method of joining polymers. Heating is carried out by resistance elements that are installed on the coupling. After mounting the workpiece, an electric current is applied, melting the plastic.
Kuznechnaya
A forging hammer was used as a working tool, deforming workpieces . Is the oldest way to perform a connection. Currently practically not used.
Contact
The most popular method of this class. The work cycle includes two stages. The first is melting the surface to a plastic state. The second is pressure on the heated elements, which can be carried out either manually or using various drive mechanisms. Subtypes of contact technology are:
Spot
A popular technology that can be implemented at home. The product is placed between two rods that act as electrodes. They are supplied with a short-term pulse charge, which heats the plane. The workpiece is then compressed by electrodes, forming an interatomic compound.
Butt
The main difference between the technology is the width of the impact on the surface. The connection is made along the entire contact plane. There are two ways to create a connection:
- resistance;
- continuous reflow.
Embossed
The method is characterized by specific preparation for welding. Elevations called reliefs are pre-installed on the contact planes . After joining the points, an electric current is applied to them, which causes deformation of the reliefs.
Diffusion
The technology is based on the phenomenon of diffusion - the mutual penetration of particles into each other . As the temperature rises, the intensity of atomic movement increases, creating optimal conditions for connecting parts. The process takes place in an airless environment or in a protective gas environment.
High frequency currents
The metal melts under the influence of high frequency currents. After crystallization of the treated area, a strong weld is formed.
Friction
The main advantage of this joining method is the ability to work with dissimilar metals . According to technological requirements, one workpiece must be securely fixed in a special support. The second one is spun around its axis and connected to the first one under pressure. The thermal energy released due to friction is sufficient for the formation of new molecular bonds.
Explosion
The main method for producing bimetallic compounds. To sinter blanks, thermal energy is used, which is released during an explosion.
Ultrasonic
This method uses ultrasonic vibrations to form permanent bonds between atoms . The uniqueness of the technology lies in the ability to weld various materials, from metal to leather or glass.
Cold
A unique method of welding materials, which is characterized by a low operating temperature, below the level of recrystallization of the metal structure . Technological requirements include careful preparation of the working plane. It must be cleared of foreign elements. Immediately before the start of the cycle, the surface is degreased.
This pressure welding is used to work with materials that are sensitive to temperature changes.
International designations
When performing work in Russia, in construction and other industries, all welding processes are subject to the requirements of GOST R ISO 4063-2010. This is a domestic analogue of the international standard ISO 4063:2009.
In art
Artistic welding is a recently emerging art direction . A master who creates sculptural compositions is called an art welder. In Moscow and other large cities, numerous exhibitions are held that introduce connoisseurs to new works.
It is safe to say that every year more and more people are interested in artistic metal welding.
Conclusion
The article explained what types of welding there are: from electric welding to ultrasonic joining.
Source: https://svarka.guru/vidy/osobennosti-i-harakteristiki.html
Welding materials: definition, characteristics, production, storage. Main welding material
Connecting metal structures by welding is the most common method in construction, instrument making, and production of machines and mechanisms. In the welding process, two surfaces are joined after the base metal is melted by heat.
An additional welding element is used, which forms a weld or surfacing after cooling and crystallization. The welding material is introduced into the workspace using a consumable, current-carrying, non-consumable electrode or gas welding.
During operation, welding materials perform work:
- when melting, moving in an arc, being in a bath, or solidifying, the molten metal is protected;
- alloy and deoxidize the metal, adjusting the chemical composition of steels;
- remove oxides, slag, phosphorus and sulfur from the weld filling;
- free the suture mass from nitrogen and hydrogen.
Classification of materials for welding
The large number of materials required to join metals by welding makes it difficult to accurately classify, but the main welding materials are divided as follows:
- filler wire for welding and surfacing;
- for arc welding, piece electrodes;
- wire and plate electrodes for slag welding;
- filler additive materials of non-continuous, solid, tubular cross-section;
- filler drawn, rolled, drawn cast rods and wire, surfacing strips with powder coating;
- flammable gas or oxygen;
- welding equipment, compressor;
- gas cylinders;
- a generator for producing acetylene from calcium carbide or an acetylene cylinder under pressure;
- reducer to reduce welding gas pressure;
- torches for welding, hardening, surfacing with a set of necessary types of tips of different diameters;
- rubber hoses for moving oxygen;
- fluxes and powders for welding.
Melting wires, plates and rods
This type of electrode is used for gas-shielded, submerged arc, and electroslag welding. Steel wire, as a welding material, is divided into high-alloy, low-carbon and alloy. In total, 77 types of similar products are determined by assortment. By selecting the required brands, the chemical composition of the seam is changed. Typically, a wire composition similar to the metal being welded is used. The characteristics of the welding material must comply with GOST and are indicated on the packaging.
Alloy and low-carbon steels for the manufacture of wire are divided into copper-plated and non-copper-plated. For manual welding, wire is used, chopped into pieces ranging from 360 to 400 mm in length. Supplied to the consumer in skeins weighing from 20 to 85 kg. All coils are equipped with labels indicating the manufacturer and technical parameters of the wire.
The plates are used for electroslag welding. Manual arc welding is performed using a specially coated metal electrode rod called an electrode. Electrodes are divided depending on the thickness and composition of the applied layer and the quality of workmanship.
Depending on the thickness, there are particularly thick, medium and thin coatings. Three groups in GOST serve to divide electrodes depending on the accuracy of manufacture and the content of sulfur and phosphorus in the coating composition.
The type of welding material coated with stabilizing, binding, deoxidizing, and alloying components is indicated by the letters:
- coating with acid additives – A;
- the main classic option is B;
- coating with the addition of cellulose - C;
- mixed materials in the surface layer – P.
Non-consumable welding rods and electrodes for machine welding
To connect surfaces in shielding gases, special welding materials are used. The definition of such welding is given as a process that uses an electric arc between an electrode and a surface as a heat source.
Round tungsten electrodes with a diameter of 5-10 mm supply electric current to the arc area. Pure tungsten is used as a material or additives of lanthanum, yttrium, and sodium dioxide oxides are added.
Tungsten itself cannot be replaced with a cheaper metal, since it is the most refractory, with a high boiling point (5900 ºC) and is used for welding with direct and alternating current.
Oxygen is heavier than air, it promotes the combustion of gases and vapors at high speed, which releases heat and reaches a high melting point. The interaction of compressed oxygen with fatty oils and lubricants leads to spontaneous ignition and explosion, so work with oxygen cylinders is carried out in clean conditions, without the danger of such contamination. Storage of oxygen-type welding materials is carried out in compliance with fire safety standards.
Oxygen for welding is technical, obtained from the atmosphere. The air is processed in special separation devices, carbon dioxide impurities are removed, and the final product is dried. Liquid oxygen for transportation and storage requires special containers with increased thermal insulation.
Use of acetylene
Acetylene is a compound of oxygen and hydrogen. This flammable gas is in a gaseous state at normal temperatures. The colorless gas contains impurities of ammonia and hydrogen sulfide.
The flammable component of the material is dangerous. Welding pressure of more than 1.5 kgf/cm2 or accelerated heating to 400 ºС is enough to cause an explosion.
Gas is produced by an electric arc discharge, which promotes the separation of liquid flammable components or by the decomposition of calcium carbide under the influence of moisture.
Gas substitutes for acetylene
Requirements for welding materials allow the use of liquid vapors and other gases for work. They are used if the heating temperature exceeds twice the melting rate of the metal.
For the combustion of different types of gases, one or another amount of oxygen entering the burner is required. Combustible substances are used instead of acetylene because of their low cost and the possibility of widespread production.
They are used in various industries, but the use of substitutes is limited by their relatively low heating range.
Wire and welding fluxes
Unknown wire of an unidentified brand is not used for welding. The surface of the filler wire is smooth, free of rust, scale, and grease. It is selected according to the melting index, which is lower than this characteristic of the steels being welded.
One of the quality properties of the wire is its gradual melting without sudden splashes.
As an exception, if the required wire is not available, for welding brass, lead, copper, and stainless steel, strips of cut metal from the same material that is being joined are used.
When welding metals such as aluminum, magnesium, copper, brass, cast iron, active interaction of non-ferrous castings with oxygen from the atmosphere or an oxidizing flame occurs.
The reaction leads to the formation of oxides with a high melting point, which create a harmful film and make it difficult for the substance on the surface to transition to a liquid state.
A welding material called flux, consisting of a paste or powder of the appropriate composition, is used to protect the surface of the molten mass. The material is boric acid, calcined borax. Fluxes are not used when welding alloy steels.
Safety water seals
The device for protecting the rubber pipeline and the gas generator from the return of backfire from the burner is called a shutter. The requirements for welding materials determine that the water seal is designed in such a way that it prevents the oxygen or acetylene mass in the hole of the torch or cutter from igniting. A water seal is necessarily included in the equipment; this is a fire safety requirement that must be met.
The valve is placed in the space between the cutter and the burner; according to the instructions, it is in good condition and is periodically filled with water to the required level. This device is the main one in the chain of welding equipment.
Cylinders for storing compressed gases
Cylinders are made in the form of cylindrical steel vessels. The conical hole in the neck area is closed with a shut-off valve on the thread. The cylinder walls are connected using a seamless method; the material is alloy and carbon steel.
External coloring makes it possible to recognize the type of gas placed inside. Oxygen is transported in blue vessels, acetylene cylinders are painted white, the yellow-green tint indicates the hydrogen content, and other flammable gases are placed in red containers.
The passport data of the gas is written on the top of the cylinder. The requirement for storing welding materials requires that the cylinders be installed vertically and secured to the wall with a clamp.
The valves of oxygen storage cylinders are made of brass; the use of steel is not permitted due to the corrosion of materials in a gas environment.
The taps of acetylene gas cylinders are made of steel; it is prohibited to use copper and an alloy with a copper content of more than 70%. Acetylene reacts with copper to form an explosive mixture.
Gas reducers
A welding material such as a reducer serves to relieve gas pressure from the cylinder and maintain the indicator at a constant level during the entire operating time, regardless of the decrease in the pressure of the substance in the cylinder. Gearboxes are produced in two-chamber and single-chamber types.
The former work more productively, maintain constant pressure and do not freeze during prolonged use of gas mixtures. To supply gas to the burner, rubber hoses with fabric gaskets are used, which undergo preliminary testing for strength and pressure resistance, about which there are special documents.
Hoses for oxygen and acetylene are used separately. To supply kerosene and gasoline, hoses made of material resistant to gasoline are used.
Requirements for materials for welding
For any type of welding, materials are used in accordance with strict standards, where acceptance and inspection requirements are clearly defined. All batches used for the production of welding materials in the factory are supplied with a certificate indicating the technical indicators:
- manufacturer's trademark;
- symbols consisting of letters and numbers indicating the brand and type;
- serial number of the batch of heat and shift;
- indicator of the surface condition of the electrode or wire;
- chemical composition of the alloy indicating the percentage;
- mechanical characteristics of the resulting weld weld;
- net weight.
The general requirements for all electrodes are a stable burning arc and a well-formed seam.
The metal of the resulting surfacing corresponds to a predetermined chemical composition, the melting of the rod during operation occurs evenly, without splashing or releasing toxic substances.
The wire contributes to the production of high-quality welding, slag from the surface of the seam is easily removed, and the coating of the seam is durable. The electrodes retain technical parameters for a long time.
Every detail is important to complete the welding process. The use of high-quality materials in the work plays an important role in the process of stable and durable joining of metals.
Source: https://FB.ru/article/246942/svarochnyie-materialyi-opredelenie-harakteristika-izgotovlenie-hranenie-osnovnoy-svarochnyiy-material
What types of welding are there (description and advantages)
So, inverter welding - what is it? Essentially, inverter welding is a process that uses a circuit, system, or device whose job is to create an alternating voltage using a direct current source.
Inverter welding
The general circuit of such a welding machine includes a mains filter, mains rectifier, frequency converter, high-frequency transformer, power rectifier and control system.
Naturally, in order to weld metal structures, it is not enough just a welding machine; you will also need to use various accessories - a mask, holders and, of course, electrodes. Welding without electrodes is simply impossible. In the process of inverter welding, three types of electrodes are used - carbon, alloyed and high-alloyed.
The main advantages of welding work using an inverter machine are as follows:
- ignition is easy and quick, the arc burns steadily and has good elasticity;
- high quality weld;
- low energy costs during operation;
- fairly good efficiency;
- supply voltage fluctuations do not affect the quality parameters of welding joints;
- These devices are lightweight and mobile.
Naturally, like any process, inverter welding also has its disadvantages: inverter-type welding machines, like any complex electronic devices, are highly susceptible to the influence of water, dust and frost. For this reason, devices of this type must be stored in a room that provides the required parameters of dryness and warmth.
Another important point is the care of the welding machine; periodically it will be necessary to open the housing and blow through the components of the device with compressed air.
Argon welding
Argon welding is one of the types of welding work that allows welding complex and refractory metals. Using this welding method, aluminum and other metals that undergo an oxidation process when exposed to air are often welded.
Argon welding is most often used in industries such as the automotive industry, during the repair of various vehicle components made of aluminum. In addition, argon welding is used in the metallurgical industry, for example, to carry out hot processing of titanium, tantalum, niobium, beryllium, zirconium, hafnium, tungsten, uranium, thorium and to process alkali metals.
The use of argon as a gas is a fairly common practice; for example, light bulbs also contain it.
Argon welding is a rather complex process that requires high qualifications and modern equipment. However, the result of this process is at the same level - the seams are smooth, sometimes almost invisible, and at the same time very durable.
Argon-arc welding is carried out using tungsten electrodes and a ceramic nozzle. It is through this nozzle that argon is supplied to the welding site, which prevents the metal from coming into contact with the atmosphere. This, in turn, prevents oxidation of the metal and ensures a strong weld.
Argon welding can be divided into two types: manual welding and automatic
So what is good about argon arc cutting and welding of metal structures? To begin with, it is worth noting that due to the fact that this process uses modern equipment, the operating time is significantly reduced. In addition to this, the argon jet during welding work, in addition to protecting the metal from the influence of air, also blows away everything unnecessary and unnecessary.
Lastly, but most importantly, this type of welding work is very economical. This is due to the fact that with the help of argon, the electric arc is compressed and concentrated in a narrow area. For this reason, with relatively low energy costs, it is possible to reach a temperature of the cutting zone of the order of 40006000°C.
Argon arc welding
If you need to weld a steel structure, then, without thinking twice, you will pick up a welding machine and easily cope with this task. But what to do if welding work needs to be done, for example, for an aluminum structure? This is where argon arc welding can help you.
Argon arc welding is welding using an electric arc in an inert argon environment. Consumable or non-consumable electrodes can be used for this welding. A tungsten electrode is most often used as a non-consumable electrode.
The arc burns from the workpiece being welded to a non-consumable electrode (as already mentioned, most likely tungsten). The electrode is fastened to the burner, through the nozzle of which protective gas is supplied. The filler material is supplied to the arc zone from outside and is not included in the electrical circuit.
Argon welding can be performed in manual mode, when the welder controls the torch and filler rod, and in automatic mode, when the movement of the torch and filler wire is carried out without the help of a worker.
When welding with a non-consumable electrode, unlike welding with a consumable electrode, during ignition of the arc the electrode does not touch the product for such reasons. To begin with, argon has a high ionization potential, for this reason ionization of the arc gap using a spark from the electrode to the product is a rather difficult task.
In the case of argon welding using a consumable electrode, after the wire touches the part, the arc zone is saturated with metal vapors, which have an ionization potential almost three times lower than that of argon, as a result of which the arc is ignited.
In addition, if the part touches the tungsten electrode, things such as contamination and intense melting will occur. For this reason, during argon welding using a non-consumable electrode, a device called an “oscillator” is connected in parallel to the power supply network to ignite the arc.
Using an oscillator, to ignite the arc, high-frequency high-voltage pulses are supplied to the electrode, ionizing the arc space and ensuring ignition of the arc when the welding current is turned on. If argon welding is performed with alternating current, when the arc is ignited, the oscillator begins to work as a stabilizer, supplying pulses to the arc when the polarity changes.
This is necessary to prevent deionization of the arc space and ensure stable arc combustion.
During DC welding, the anode and cathode produce different heat. When currents are less than 300 A, the anode generates more heat than the cathode, 70 to 30 percentage, for this reason straight polarity is usually used to ensure maximum penetration of the part and minimal heating of the electrode.
When welding all steels, titanium and other materials except aluminum, straight polarity is used. When welding aluminum, alternating current is used to improve the destruction of the oxide film.
Argon is sometimes mixed with 3–5% oxygen to reduce porosity. This causes more active protection of the metal. Argon in its pure form protects the metal from phenomena such as moisture or other inclusions that enter the welding zone. And with the help of oxygen, harmful impurities are burned out, or released outside. And this helps fight porosity.
Semi-automatic welding machine without gas
If you decide to buy a semi-automatic welding machine without gas, then most likely you are already faced with a huge variety of different options on the market. Let's try to figure out what this device should look like in general.
The welding machine must be inexpensive and powerful. It is best for it to work semi-automatically, from direct current using a melting wire. It is desirable that in the machine, in addition to the mode of operation without gas on flux-cored wire, there is also the possibility of operating on gas (carbon dioxide and argon).
An important factor is the choice of the manufacturer. The manufacturer of the device you choose should be among the leaders in such areas as industrial and household production of equipment for welding work. This company must be officially represented on the market of your country, and have all quality and safety certificates, as well as have service centers.
The wire feed should be adjusted smoothly. It should be possible to implement stepwise power adjustment of welding currents from 50 to 140 A. Even a 5-kilogram spool of wire should be placed in the machine. The device must be equipped with thermal protection and forced air cooling. The machine must be able to operate with power from weak networks.
The winding in the device transformer must be made of copper. The device must be multifunctional; in addition to being used at home, the device must also cope with industrial needs (for example, a repair shop and service station). It would be good if the device is equipped with wheels for ease of transportation.
Well, lastly, and most importantly, when choosing a semi-automatic welding machine without gas, go to the Internet and carefully study the reviews of this device from people who have used it and who have something to compare with.
Source: http://postroyka-dom.com/kakie-vidy-svarki-byvayut-opisanie-i-preimushhestva/