In
an industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication process that joins
materials such as metals and thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is
typically done by melting the work pieces and adding a filler material such as
a welding rod, to form a pool of molten material that cools to become a strong
joint. Various processes and energy sources are used for welding such as a gas
fire, electric arc, laser, electric beam, friction, and ultra sound. All these
methods involve the use of various exceptional equipment’s, specific to each
process.
A
basic Power Welding Electrodes process requires certain
common equipment’s. These include the power supply, electrodes, welding rods
and arcs, and shielding gas. The process of automated welding employs the use
of robots.
A
Power Welding Electrodes power supply is equipment that supplies an electrical current
to perform the welding operation and frequently uses a high current, typically
within 80 amps. The current can be as high as 12000 amps, which is required for
spot welding. Power supply equipment includes a transformer, generator, and
alternator and inverter. Generator and alternator stylized machines convert
mechanical energy into electrical energy. The latest technology in this
category use internal combustion engines, where as the conventional machines
frequently use an electric motor to drive the alternator or the generator.
However, the inverter-based machines are controlled by software and implement
features such as pulsing the welding current, varying ratio and automatic spot
welding. However, a transformer based welding structure can be expensive but
can assist in a variety of applications.
Electrodes
or filler substances are among the most essential components in welding as they
facilitate the intended joint. However, depending on the process, the electrode
is either consumable, in case of gas metal artwork, or non-consumable as in
case of tungsten arc welding. Filler substances are available in different
materials such as magnesium and tungsten.
The
shielding gas is used mainly in gas metal arc work to protect the weld area
from atmospheric gases. Robots have become crucial equipment in modern welding
process as it facilitates automated welding, thus increasing the efficiency and
enhancing various welding processes.