Key Takeaway

• Wide Range of Welding Techniques: Nigeria's welding industry utilizes various methods such as arc welding, gas welding, TIG, MIG, and plasma welding, each suited for specific applications in construction, manufacturing, and oil and gas industries.
• Critical Role in Infrastructure Development: Welding processes are essential for building and maintaining critical infrastructure, including bridges, pipelines, and industrial plants.
• Skills and Technology Integration: The demand for skilled welders and advanced welding technologies is growing to meet industry standards and ensure quality and efficiency in projects.

Introduction

Welders or welding machines as they are popularly called in Nigeria actually works by liquifying metals for the purpose of binding other metals together, as the sparks fly and the heat turns up, welders transform metals into shapes as they are envisioned and desirable. The skills are taught in welding schools such as Epoxy Oilserv industrial training schools in Nigeria.

I have curated the various types of welding, learners must learn and adapt this new skills from basic levels before moving on to other advanced levels, I have always advocated attention to details as one of the basic and most important skills to get used to when learning a new skill and this what makes a great welding tradesmen and potentially will land you your dream of working in the industry of your choice.

Types of Welding processes in Nigeria

Welding services are needed almost in all industries where metals are used, I will briefly explain the various types of welding and the four most important and popular ones used predominantly in Nigeria

1. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)

2. Gas Metal arc welding/Metal Inert Gas (GMAW/MIG)

3. Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

4. Gas Tungsten Arc welding/Tungsten inert gas (GTAW/TIG)

1. Shielded Metal Arch Welding (SMAW)

In this particular type of welding the welder will follow a manual proces of stick welding, the stick uses an electric current both in the form of DC or AC produced from the welding machine to form an electric arc between the stick and the metals to be joined.

The Shielded metal arc welding is used in the construction of steel structures and other industrial fabrications that required to weld steel and iron.

2. Gas Metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG)

GMAW welding operation

Equipment set up

Th other name for this type of welding is Metal inert gas welding, it is involved using a shielded gas along the wire electrode, this heats up the two metal to be joined, this method requires constant voltage and direct current power source, it is one of the most common industrial welding process. There are four primary methods of transferring metal using this welding process. They are

1. Globular

2. Short-circuting

3. Spray

4. Pulse spray

3. Flux cored arc welding (FCAW)

This is characteristically same as shield arc welding, it was developed as an alternative to shield welding, it is semi automatic arc welding that is used often in construction projects, it has a high welding speed and portability. It requires continuously fed consumable tubular electrode containing a flux and a constant-voltage or a contact current welding power supply (constant current welding supply is less common)

4. Gas Tungsten arc Gas welding (GTAW/TIG)

This welding type is also know as Tungsten arc welding (TIG) This is a welding process that uses a non consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld, it uses long welding rods and slowly feeds them into the weld puddle.

Welding machine manufacturers that we carry their products are

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the main welding processes used in Nigeria?

The most common welding processes in Nigeria are arc welding, gas welding, TIG welding, MIG welding, and plasma welding. Each method serves specific purposes depending on the project requirements.

2. Which industries in Nigeria depend on welding?

Welding is essential in industries like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and shipbuilding. It is used for infrastructure projects, pipeline fabrication, equipment manufacturing, and vessel repairs.

3. What are the challenges welders face in Nigeria?

Welders often deal with issues like inconsistent power supply, limited access to advanced tools, inadequate training, and poor workplace safety practices.

4. How do MIG and TIG welding differ?

MIG welding is faster and used for thicker materials, while TIG welding is slower but ideal for thinner materials and high-quality, precise welds.

5. Where can I get quality welding tools in Nigeria?

You can find high-quality welding equipment, consumables, and safety gear at GZ Industrial Supplies. They provide reliable products suitable for all welding processes.

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Conclusion

Welding processes play a vital role in Nigeria's industrial and economic development, supporting key sectors like construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and marine industries. Understanding the various welding techniques and their applications can help businesses and professionals make informed decisions to improve efficiency and achieve high-quality results. Despite challenges like limited resources and training, the industry continues to grow, offering numerous opportunities for innovation and advancement.

Equip yourself with reliable welding tools and supplies to meet your project demands. Visit GZ Industrial Supplies today for high-quality welding machines, consumables, and safety gear tailored to various welding processes. Let us help you power your projects with precision and efficiency!