What A Heavy Equipment Welder Does
ShareHeavy equipment welders are responsible for joining pieces of metals together. We have many welded items around us, which makes us appreciate their work. However, a heavy equipment welder will confirm that welding requires skills and expertise. It would help if you were conversant with the mechanism and equipment applied in the process. Without the skills, you might be exposed to fire accidents since, at times, high temperatures are used.
This welding involves cutting heavy steel fabrications and welding them to develop equipment used for heavy duties. Some of the machinery include agriculture equipment, ship offloading equipment's or vehicles used in mining. This in-depth article shall discuss different types of welding that a heavy equipment welder undertakes. The methods differ and don't use the same materials. You shall also understand where each method applies.
Types of Welding Done by a Heavy Equipment Welder
Gas Metal Arc Welding
This method is also known as GMAW in the short form, and it is one of the most ancient welding methods. A welder uses a core wire with flux coating and a consumable electrode. These wires are available in different sizes.
Once this wire comes into contact with the piece of metal you are welding, an electric arc is formed. This arc is formed at a temperature of 6500o F. The wire is fed to the metal using a gun.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding
This is a standard welding method, and most welders refer to it as stick welding. Its common application is in pipelines, fabrication of steel, and welding fabrication repair. In this method, a heavy equipment welder uses welding rods. The welding rods or sticks are made of flux and filler metal. They weld by running an electric current between the rod and the welded metal. In this process, the rod melts and rests on the metal. The flux in the welding stick ensures the weld remains strong by preventing oxidation. This heavy welding method can be used on almost all types of metals, making it the best for welding fabrication repair.
Conclusion
The work of a heavy equipment welder is massive and should be appreciated. Without them, you wouldn't have the many pieces of equipment you use today. Construction and transport would also be a puzzle. Their role, even in the industrial sector, is evident. The welding methods mentioned above are the most commonly used by heavy equipment welders, especially when carrying out welding fabrication repair.
Contact a local heavy equipment welder to learn more.