Basic Welding Terms
Consumables Defined:
Stick Electrode…
A stick electrode is a welding filler metal rod, consisting of a core electrode that is covered by chemical or metallic materials that provide a shielding of the welding arc against the surrounding air. It also completes the electrical current, thereby creating the arc, and creates a flux that cleans the weld and a protective coating of slag over the weld.
MIG Wire…
In the same likeness’s as a stick electrode, MIG wire completes the electrical circuit creating the arc, but it is continually fed through a welding torch from a spool or drum. MIG wire is a solid, non-coated wire and receives shielding from a applicable gas.
Stainless Steel…
Stainless steel electrodes and wire are used for welding applications where corrosion resistance is required. Stainless steel consumables are designed to match the composition of stainless steel base metals.
Welding Systems Defined:
ARC Welding…
ARC welding refers to a welding process that uses a power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the base material to melt metals at the welding point. They can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. The welding region is sometimes protected by either an inert or semi-inert gas, known as a shielding gas, and filler material is typically used.
TIG Welding…
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is commonly known as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), however since some process variations utilize active (other than inert) shielding gases, the correct technical term is GTAW. In this process a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an electric arc between the tungsten and the work piece. Filler metal usage is optional; a weld when no external filler metal is used is known as autogenously welded.
MIG and Multi-process Welding...
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), commonly called Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding or Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding, is a semi-automatic or automatic arc welding process which utilizes a welding gun through which a continuous and consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas is fed. A constant voltage, direct current power source is most commonly used with MIG welding, but constant current systems, as well as alternating current, can be used.
Plasma Cutting...
Plasma cutting is a process used to cut steel and other metals (or sometimes other materials) using a plasma torch. In this process, an inert gas is blown at high speed out of a nozzle, at the same time an electrical arc is formed through that gas from the nozzle to the surface being cut, turning some of that gas to plasma. This plasma is sufficiently hot to melt the metal and moving sufficiently fast to blow molten metal away from the cut.
Oxy-fuel Gas Cutting...
Oxy-fuel cutting of metal is a process where the subject metal is heated until it glows, with a mixture of either Oxy-Acetylene or Oxy-Propane. When the metal reaches the right temperature, an excess of oxygen is pressured into the gas mixture, to blow and melt the metal with the resulting extra heat, much of which comes from the metal burning rather than from the gas burning.