Arc welding machines have been a game-changer in the industrial world, revolutionizing the way metalwork and welding are done; with the ability to join different metals and alloys, arc welding machines have found applications in a wide range of industries, from construction and automotive to aerospace, shipbuilding and heavy machinery. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how arc welding machines are revolutionizing industrial processes and the benefits they offer in terms of efficiency, productivity, and safety. We have also included examples of arc welders found locally in the Nigerian market for those professionals or DIYers who want to pick up their projects quickly. Arc welding uses an electric arc to create enough heat to melt metal; it cools and results in bonding. This fusion welding uses AC or DC power supply as its heat source.

According to the American welding society, arc welding is a group of welding processes that produces the coalescence of workpieces by melting them with an arc. The processes are used with or without applying pressure and with or without filler metal. This is achievable with an arc welding machine, a powerful tool to fuse two pieces of metal. This machine holds the metal pieces, melts them, and uses pressure to join them. It is an essential tool for any construction-related job which requires metalwork.

The team at GZ Industrial supplies has put together a guide on the different industrial applications of arc welding machines to help you determine which process is the most suitable for your application, such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), and Flux-Coated Arc Welding (FCAW).

Esab warrior 500i Multipurpose Inverter arc welding machine

Industrial Applications of arc welding machines

Electric arc welding applications involve manufacturing industries for generating powerful joints worldwide because of their features like ease & superior welding efficiency. It is broadly used in different industries to protect otherwise renovated works, such as automotive, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Selecting one technique over the other depends on the materials used and the desired final finishes.

1. "From Automotive to Aerospace: How Arc Welding Machines Are Shaping the Future of Manufacturing"

Welding is an integral part of manufacturing, especially in the automotive industry. The components of a vehicle need to withstand a significant amount of wear and tear over the course of a vehicle's lifetime. The process utilizes heat and pressure to provide a consistent, durable component.

Recent research progresses of arc welding techniques are described, focusing on the automotive chassis members or body members. As for welded joint performance, static strength and fatigue strength are improved with increasing steel strength to less than 780 MPa tensile strength. Developed welding materials have made it possible to improve welding activities such as reducing spatters, gap allowance, or weldability of galvanized steel sheets.

Due to the high number of components required for vehicles, the welding processes vary in complexity, volume, and repeatability. For this reason, TIG welding and MIG welding are often used. The precise and controlled application of TIG welding in the automotive industry makes it an effective process for thin workpieces and specialty alloys.

TIG welding machines are equipped to produce many precise, reliable components, including small-diameter and thin-walled piping and tubing for vehicles. TIG welding also provides filler metal options to produce extremely strong welds resistant to corrosion and cracking over time.

MIG welding on the other hand in the automotive industry can produce thicker metals at higher volumes. In the automotive industry, MIG welding is an ideal method for assembling vehicles' body and interior components.

The Electric arc welding machines can also be used extensively by the aircraft industry in manufacturing and repairing aircraft. It can be used satisfactorily to join all weldable metals, provided the proper processes and materials are used.

Kaierda MMA Arc Welder and Welding Machine (ZX5-400)

2. Maximizing Efficiency in Construction With Arc Welding Machines

Welding processes are a foundational aspect of all large-construction industries, ensuring strong, sustainable connections within buildings, bridges, and other infrastructures. Perhaps, the building construction sector is the most popular. This sector often maximizes welding in generating residential, commercial, and industrial buildings and structures. During the construction of these properties, welders would generate structural frameworks by connecting steel I-beams, columns, footers, and so on, ensuring that the walls, floors, and roof are all supported. Welding is also maximized in supplying firewalls, stairs, electrical conduits, ventilation pipes, plumbing components, and utilities. The infrastructure construction sector entails the construction of bridges, dams, water supply systems, highways, and other related structures, which can only be stabilized through welding their structural components.

3. Exploring the Versatility of Arc Welding Machines in Fabrication and Repair Work

TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding machines use tungsten electrodes to heat the workpiece until it reaches its melting point. This machine produces clean welds with minimal spatter or splatter due to its low heat input levels – making it ideal for delicate jobs such as jewelry repair or thin sheet metal fabrication projects. TIG welders can also be used on thicker metals but require more skill from the operator since they operate at lower temperatures than MIG or arc welders.

4. Achieving Precision and Strength: The Role of Arc Welding Machines in Heavy Industry

Due to the high-quality requirements, only TIG and TIG-related welding processes such as ArcTig or Plasma are considered in pipeline and container construction. High-alloy steels such as CrNi, nickel-based alloys, titanium, copper, or duplex are the main materials encountered. Forming is essential to avoid temper coloration and associated corrosion at the root (also called pitting). The most common uses of arc welding include using the process for heavy equipment repair, steel erection, pipeline welding, and many other construction projects.

5. Arc Welding Machines: The Key to Quality and Durability in Metalworking"

An Arc Welding Machine is a great tool for metalworkers who work in fabrication. This high-energy burst is called an arc. The arc is formed by an electrical current that passes from the welding electrode to the workpiece. It has a temperature of approximately 6400 degrees and can weld titanium or high-carbon steel.

Maxmech AC ARC Welder BX1-315

6. How Arc Welding Machines are Revolutionizing Shipbuilding and Offshore Construction"

Ensuring a water-tight surface is essential. Welding has been the traditional shipbuilding construction method since the advent of the Industrial Age. Inside the ship, welding processes secure hatches, fluid lines, control panels, and many other components critical to a safe and seaworthy vessel.

Most Equipment, if not all, in today's industries, rely on properly functioning equipment, and welding processes are vital to the success of those machines.

7. Arc Welding Machines in the Food and Beverage Industry: Applications and Best Practices

Germs and bacteria have no business being present in the food industry. For this reason, surfaces and welded joints must be as smooth and flat as possible. Weld seams that come into contact with liquids must always be ground flush. In addition, container walls and pipes must not exhibit any spatter or temper coloration after welding. Industry and regional or international standards are authoritative.

Enhancing Productivity and Safety with Modern Arc Welding Machine Technology

A successful transition from traditional welding processes to advanced wire processes can bring about a significant increase in productivity. Precision and consistent weld quality are some of the prime features of advanced fabrication technology. Fabrication shops commonly use MIG and TIG processes. However, these machines have also been designed to meet the demands of field applications. A modified MIG welding process delivers quality arc performance and reduced operator training time. So far as the MIG technique is concerned, short changeover time, higher travel speeds and deposition rates, and better fusion are prime features to consider.

Powerflex welding Machine Argon Arc welder Tig wsm 315

Sustainable Manufacturing with Arc Welding Machines: Benefits and Considerations

1. High Welding Speed

In arc welding, heat concentration is too high, so we can easily do this process very quickly. So, if you want to weld two metal parts very quickly, then arc welding is necessary. In this way, higher welding speeds save you a lot of time.

2. Produces Very Less Distortion

During the welding process, very fewer distortions must be there. Arc welding produces fewer distortions. The reason behind producing fewer distortions is the high speed involved in this welding and the higher concentration of heat.

3. Less Smoke or Sparks are Involved

When other welding processes are usually done, they produce a lot of sparks, spatter, smoke, and flash. This smoke can be harmful to human beings. But in arc welding, sometimes you may see the flash and smoke. But they are present in very less amount.

4. Smooth Welding is Achieved

The most important thing about arc welding is achieving a smooth welding process. That means you get a neat appearance of the welded product.

WS-400 ARC/TIG KAIERDA ARGON WELDING MACHINE

5. Can be Carried Out in Any Atmosphere:

Arc welding is a versatile welding process. That means there are so many types of arc welding processes that can be easily implemented in almost every atmosphere. For instance, you can use the submerged arc welding process in an environment having higher winds.

6. Cheap Cost

Arc welding is an inexpensive process. That means you can execute it on a budget. No extra cost is required while doing it. Talking about the machinery types, there is also no need for any expensive machinery to do this process.

7. Good Impact Strength

The weld joint formed due to the arc welding process has a high impact strength. It is capable of bearing higher loads. Due to the good impact strength of arc welding, many industries prefer arc welding over other processes.

8. Higher Corrosion Resistance

The weld joint produced from arc welding is highly resistant to corrosion. So, we don't require any other corrosion-resisting techniques to prevent the typical corrosion at the weld joint.

Thus, arc welding has many benefits, which is why many major mechanical corporations use arc welding.

Though there are a lot of pros of arc welding, this process also has drawbacks. Now, researchers should work on making this process more beneficial and reducing its disadvantages.

Powerflex Arc welding machine

The challenges of Arc welding

• A highly expert operator is necessary to perform arc welding.
• The rate of deposition can be incomplete as the electrode covering tends to burn and decrease
• The length of the electrode is 35mm and needs electrode changing for the entire production rate.
• These are not clean for reactive metals such as titanium & aluminum.

"Unlocking the Potential of Arc Welding Machines for Small Business and Startups"

Starting your own construction business is a dream that many people share, especially if you are someone who enjoys working with your hands. MIG welding is ideal for those just setting out on their welding journey, which is perfect for a startup construction business too. MIG welding consists of two types of welding, one which uses a bare wire and another which uses a flux core.

The bare wire type of MIG welding is perfect for melding two pieces of thin metal together, such as if you were creating a frame for an aluminum door or window.

MIG welding, which uses a flux core, is perfect for outdoor welding as it does not require a gas supply or a flow meter. The equipment is inexpensive and ideal for small construction projects you will likely have when you start.

However, it should not be your main form of welding because it is intended for smaller projects, so upgrade your equipment when needed.

Having different types of welding equipment and offering different types of welding to your clients is a surefire way to build their interest and stay ahead of the competition. Start by looking into MIG welding as your basis, and include stick welding training for your welders. TIG and laser welding can be added later when you have built your repertoire, and your welders have become more skilled.

Power flex welding Machine Argon Arc welder Tig 400Ai

Welding Safety Tips for Arc welding

It is important that anyone operating an arc welding machine be instructed on its safe use by a qualified teacher or welder, because of their potentially explosive nature, we strongly recommend that no welding, cutting, or hot work be attempted on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers under any circumstances.

If possible, the work to be welded should be placed on a firebrick surface at a comfortable height. Welding should never be done directly on a concrete floor. The heat from the arc can cause steam to build up in the floor, which could cause an explosion. The welder cables should be positioned so that sparks and molten metal will not fall on them. They should also be kept free of grease and oil and located where they will not be driven over.

Electric welding machines can kill by electric shock. If the welding operation must be done on steel or other conductive material an insulating mat must be used under the operator. If the welding area is wet or damp or the operator is actively perspiring then he/she should wear rubber gloves under the welding gloves.

It is easier and safer to establish an arc on a clean surface than on a dirty or rusty one. Therefore, metal should always be thoroughly cleaned by wire brushing or other methods prior to welding. When chipping slag or wire brushing the finished bead, the operator should always be sure to protect his eyes and body from flying slag and chips. Unused electrodes and electrode stubs should not be left on the floor as they create a slipping hazard. Hot metal should be handled with metal tongs or pliers. When quenching hot metal in water, it should be done carefully to prevent painful burns from the escaping steam. Any metal left to cool should be carefully marked "HOT" with soapstone. When welding is finished for the day or suspended for any length of time electrodes should be removed from the holder. The holder should be placed where no accidental contact could occur, and the welder should be disconnected from the power source.

GYS Portable inverter arc welding machine MMA/Single Phase GYSMI 200 P

First Aid

The welding area should always be equipped with a fire blanket and a well-stocked first aid kit. It is desirable that one person be trained in first aid to treat minor injuries that may occur. All injuries no matter how minor they may seem can become more serious if not properly treated by trained medical personnel.

Key Points to consider before welding

• Be sure the welder is properly installed and grounded.
• Never weld without adequate ventilation.
• Take proper precautions to prevent fires.
• Protect your entire body with fire-retardant clothing, shoes, and gloves.
• Wear eye protection at all times.
• Weld only in a fire-safe area.
• Never do any welding, cutting, or hot work on used drums, barrels, tanks, or other containers.
• Mark metal "HOT" with soapstone.
• Keep a well-stocked first aid kit handy

Maxmech Inverter Welding Machine ARC - 200S

How to select the best Arc welding machine

When choosing a welder you will have to ask the right questions and weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each technique against the use you will have of the equipment.

1. Materials:

An MMA welder can weld most metals by changing rods, but welding aluminum with this process is difficult and requires a lot of skill. A MIG/MAG welder can weld all common metals, but you must change the shielding gas for carbon steels (MAG welding). A TIG welder can weld all metals with the same shielding gas, including titanium.

2. Thickness:

Whatever process you choose, the thicker the material to be welded, the higher the current required, so you must choose a welder that can deliver the level of current you need.

3. Power supply:

A single-phase soldering station can deliver a maximum current of 200 A, while a three-phase soldering station can provide between 400 and 600 A.

4. Duty cycle:

The duty cycle is an important parameter in the choice of an arc welding machine because it represents the ability of the equipment to work longer or shorter periods of time without having to be stopped to cool. The duty cycle is expressed as a percentage and corresponds with the continuous-time the welder is used out of increments of 10 minutes. The duty cycle is given for one or more welding current values. The higher the welding current, the faster the welding station heats up and the lower the duty cycle.

Example:A duty cycle of 70% at 100 A means that when the unit is set to 100 A, it can operate continuously for 7 minutes and then must be allowed to cool for 3 minutes before it can be used again.

KAIERDA ARGON WELDING MACHINE WS-200 ARC/TIG

Uses of Arc Welding machines

Conclusion

The arc welding machine applications involved in manufacturing industries for generating powerful joints worldwide are possible because of their features: like ease & superior welding efficiency. It is most broadly used in industries such as automotive, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace.

If this article piqued your interest, remember that welding is a vast field where new material joining techniques are consistently being developed. This is not only interesting in its own right, but welding is a vitally important field as much as the machinery we use.

For this reason, welding will likely remain an important part of various industries for many years. Thus this is all about industrial arc welding machines, and arc welding is the most flexible welding method. Contact our experts at GZ Industrial supplies for the best choice of arc welding machine in Nigeria.