Chapter 4 Welding and Cutting Processes
Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Welding is a general term for a number of processes (methods) used to fuse metallic or nonmetallic materials together in a small area. The most common welding processes join metals or plastics by heating relatively small areas of the materials to their welding temperature (point at which the material melts). Filler material is normally added to the weld area while the materials are molten.
However, welds can be made without adding filler material. Other welding processes join the materials using heat and pressure; some processes use only pressure. Not all materials can be welded, but most metals and a number of plastics are weldable.
The American Welding Society recognizes 11 major categories for welding, cutting, and allied processes, as named in the Master Chart of Welding, Joining, and Allied Processes. This introductory section illustrates the many welding and cutting processes used in modern industry. American Welding Society (AWS) standard terminology is used in these descriptions.
Drawings showing the parts and materials used in each process are color-coded for clarity. In each illustration, the welding station is diagrammed. In some cases, details have been enlarged to help explain the process. To more easily understand the material in this chapter, you should refer to the drawings frequently while reading the text.
Each welding process description includes:
Learning Objectives After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
- Cite the advantages of welding over other joining methods.
- Name and identify the various welding and cutting processes currently used in industry.
- Recognize the American Welding Society abbreviation for each of the welding and cutting processes currently in use in industry.
- Describe the operation of each welding and cutting process.
Welding is a general term for a number of processes (methods) used to fuse metallic or nonmetallic materials together in a small area. The most common welding processes join metals or plastics by heating relatively small areas of the materials to their welding temperature (point at which the material melts). Filler material is normally added to the weld area while the materials are molten.
However, welds can be made without adding filler material. Other welding processes join the materials using heat and pressure; some processes use only pressure. Not all materials can be welded, but most metals and a number of plastics are weldable.
The American Welding Society recognizes 11 major categories for welding, cutting, and allied processes, as named in the Master Chart of Welding, Joining, and Allied Processes. This introductory section illustrates the many welding and cutting processes used in modern industry. American Welding Society (AWS) standard terminology is used in these descriptions.
Drawings showing the parts and materials used in each process are color-coded for clarity. In each illustration, the welding station is diagrammed. In some cases, details have been enlarged to help explain the process. To more easily understand the material in this chapter, you should refer to the drawings frequently while reading the text.
Each welding process description includes:
- Its application and purpose.
- The energy source used to produce heat.
- Controls used in the process.
- Operation of the process.
- Safety considerations involved in using the process.
- References to other chapters in the book where additional information is provided.