Welding is one of the basic skills that anyone who works with metals has. Its main purpose is to connect two separate objects. In most cases, workers weld thermoplastics and metals, such as steel structures, using filler materials called welding rods. Many consider welding to be an essential process for making buildings or structures more durable. For this purpose, welders employ a variety of techniques.
As welding has become a must in the manufacturing, automotive, and construction fields, many people have developed their welding skills. Although welding skills are generally necessary to get a job in the aforementioned industries, they are even more valuable because welders can undertake independent construction projects. This way, they can save money since they don't need to hire anyone else for the job, and they can customize the design of any final product they want to create.
If you are an aspiring metalworker or welder, it would be great to learn more about welding in construction. Read on to get just that.
Common welding methods
Metalworkers need to know several types of welding so that they can apply the most appropriate ones to different situations. Generally, fusing metals or thermoplastic materials will require more than one type of welding. From preparation to finishing touches, here are the most common types of welding you should know about:
Spot welding
Welders spot weld when they want to hold metals in place. This type only requires smooth welding spots as its purpose is to join materials for a short period of time. Welders should avoid pressing so hard that the welded spots become difficult to break.
Spot welding is also done to ensure alignment and strength of the material. However, first and foremost, welders must consider the quality and type of metals they use. These attributes affect the durability of the connection and how many welded points are required during the process.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
This process is also known as electromagnetic welding. Just like spot welding, a stick or rod is used to join materials together using this method. But in this case, workers use a metal rod coated with electrode flux and the component to be welded. The fusion of the rod and the workpiece creates a weld.
Gas tungsten arc welding
To do this, the worker uses an electric arc. Metals are welded with a tungsten-based electrode instead of the usual metal rod. During the process, workers may or may not use a filler material. Because tungsten does not burn or dissolve, gas tungsten arc welding is preferred by those who work in aircraft and automotive shops.
Gas Metal Arc Welding
Gas metal arc welding uses a shielding gas and an electrode to fuse components. Additionally, this type of welding is known to protect parts from contamination. Many welders use this method to join aluminum and steel in cars.
Cast Core Arc Welding
This is often used for thick, heavy metals, and involves a hollow tube that is constantly fed and filled with flow. Like the previous two welding methods mentioned, this type welds an electrode and the base materials.
How welding works in construction
Welding Preparation
Before welding, workers need to make sure metals are free of rust, dirt and grease, especially the parts to be fastened. In most cases, welders clean parts with cotton rags or pressure washers if the dirt has turned into hardened soot and rust.
Using protective equipment
Welders need to stay safe during welding processes such as brazing, connecting and cutting metals. In these situations, workers become prone to radiation, sparks, fumes and other welding hazards . Such factors can cause eye injuries and burns. In some cases, workers can even be electrocuted.
To prevent accidents from occurring, welders may choose to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), helmets and, most importantly, safety glasses.
Configuring the workpiece and workspace
Workers often set up a platform for welding. However, they should make sure their workspace is safe and clean to avoid injuries and other problems. A scheduled cleaning should be done before starting or continuing a project.
Proper rod movement and positioning
Place the rods at a steep angle – about 15 degrees from vertical. The rod must move in a straight line. Furthermore, the arc length should be neither too long nor too short.
Reaching the arc
Welders may scratch or bump the end of the base material and the end of the electrode. The time spent scratching and banging depends on the depth or hold the welder wants the metal parts to have. In other words, the stronger the bond between the metals, the longer the welder must scratch or tap.
Creating a good weld
The quality of welding determines the material and bond strength of the joined metals. In most cases, good welds have the following attributes:
- Uniform
- Often welded in straight direction
- Does not break in the middle
- Completely fused
- Well integrated into the original material
- It even has ripples
For best results, welders refine their welds and seams by removing slag and other poorly welded parts.
Cleaning the workpiece and workspace
Cleaning should always be part of the welding process. Reduces the chances of post-work injuries and other problems. Typically, workers or a cleaning crew use homemade cleaning solutions such as baking soda for scum and flour and peroxide for scorch marks. For the finished piece, steel brushing is the typical cleaning method used.
Packing
Without welding, building strong structures would not be possible. Proper welding is necessary to permanently connect separate materials. This results in a durable bond, perfect stitching and an efficient structure. For this reason, many seek to at least learn the basics of welding in construction. Once a person acquires this specific skill, they can work with various contractors to build everything from houses to skyscrapers.
If you really want to be an excellent welder, you can start learning the fundamentals with the help of articles like this one before gaining enough experience and perhaps even earning a welding certification . After that, you'll be able to put your skills to good use by becoming part of the construction industry and helping to meet the demand for all types of buildings.
