Welding allows you to easily join two pieces of metal together. There are many different types of welding processes available to the public today, and selecting the right process is critical when it comes to the strength and durability of your weld. Taking a close look at the joint you want to weld will give you valuable information that can be used to select a welding process.
Here are three types of joint considerations that should contribute to your weld selection in the future:
1. The depth of the joint.
The first thing you should look at when trying to select a welding process is the depth of the joint you will be working on.
If the joint is large, then you will need to select a welding process that allows you to quickly and accurately deposit a large amount of filler material to create a heavy weld bead. This type of welding is known as fast-fill welding. If the joint is small, you will not need to factor depth into your weld selection.
2. The location of the joint.
Thanks to the availability of portable welding machines, welds can successfully be completed in many different locations. This gives you the flexibility to work on metal materials that might be in less-than-accessible positions.
If the joint that you are working on is located overhead, you will need to utilize a welding process that allows the bead you are creating to cure quickly. This will prevent molten metal from dripping down out of the joint, compromising the integrity of your weld and creating the potential for serious injury.
3. The visibility of the joint.
Another important factor that must be taken into consideration before selecting a welding process is the visibility of the finished joint. If the joint that you are working on will be hidden behind a wall, then the aesthetic value of the joint won't matter.
If the joint will remain visible or be painted over, then you will want to select a welding process that has the ability to create a smooth and seamless weld bead with no skips or islands. The visibility of the joint is a critical factor that shouldn't be overlooked as you select a welding process in the future.
Being able to utilize the right weld process is important. You can easily gather information that can be used to make your final weld selection by looking at the depth, position, and visibility of the joint you will be working with.
Contact a local welding shop for more information and assistance.
