Welding can be a challenge even for the most experienced of welders. There are a huge number of factors that can affect the quality of a weld. In this article, we will look at some of the steps you can take to minimise the risk of your welding project going wrong.
We will discuss several tips such as investing in the right equipment, ensuring you have new equipment on hand, as well as more simple steps like ensuring your work surface has been suitably prepared before welding.
We will refer to always purchasing high-quality TIG and MIG welding gas to ensure you can consistently get a good weld in your next project.
Investing In The Right Equipment
As the saying goes, if you buy cheap, it will cost you, dear. Nowhere is this more true than when it comes to spending money on welding equipment. Increased global competition in the market has forced fabrication and welding companies to come up with new ways to cut costs.
Most companies try to save money by cutting the cost of production. Quite often, the biggest production expense is equipment. Welding and fabrication companies try to get the best price possible when dealing with equipment manufacturers.
Although it might seem like a great idea initially, it can be ineffective in the long run. Increasing overall productivity offsets the cost of production. Fabrication and welding companies can keep costs down over time by using better equipment to increase productivity.
Investing in one high-quality piece of fabrication and welding equipment now, rather than two or three over the next ten years, saves money. Higher quality equipment reduces waste and delivers improved sustainability.
Ensuring You Have The Right Equipment On Hand
Choosing the right welding machine can be confusing. Welding is still very much a skill. Many welders prefer to stick with the tried and tested methods. Depending on what the result needs to be, a more modern approach might be beneficial.
With new processes comes new equipment and welders must have the right equipment to hand. When it comes to picking the right tools, many factors need to be taken into consideration. The specifics of the job, spatial requirements, location and the skill of the welder all play a part.
Different types of welding processes are used for different jobs. MIG welding is the most commonly used welding process. It allows high-quality results and speedy processes. MIG welding works when a filler wire ignites the welding arc. The MIG welding gas shields the molten weld pool from oxidation. High-quality MIG welding gas is vital for a top-quality weld.
Pure Argon gas is used in MIG welding for aluminium and its alloys. MIG welding gas made up of an Argon CO2 mix is commonly used for steel processes, while Argon/Helium mixes are traditionally used for deeper penetration. MIG welding is relatively easy to learn, and with new digital machines, the process is smoother than ever.
TIG welding uses a shielded gas process. It’s used to produce great quality and seam-free welds. It’s commonly used on stainless steels copper and titanium. This process is found most in pipeline and aerospace industries. As with MIG processes, TIG welding gas is used to shield the workpiece from oxidation. It’s important to have the right equipment on hand to cover weld processes. Top of the list in this equipment should be high-quality TIG gas.
The Importance Of Clean Weld Surfaces
Failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Nowhere is this more important than with welding. Dirty welds can never be strong. Debris can risk the integrity of the weld so clean metal is the key to a good weld, and there are a few materials you can use to prep your metal.
Even new metal has to be prepared before welding. New metals usually come with a coating so that it doesn’t rust in the shipping process. The different types of weld you are carrying out will determine the way you prep your metal.
MIG welding doesn’t need to have the same level of cleanliness as TIG welding. Angle grinders and flap discs are perfect for preparing metal for both MIG and TIG welding. After you’ve used the flap disc to remove the coating from the metal, a wipe down with acetone will leave it clean and ready.
A clean surface and the use of high-quality equipment is vital to the result of every weld. It’s a part of the process that should be carried out before any welding takes place. So if you’re looking for the perfect TIG or MIG welding gas to ensure your weld goes off without a hitch, be sure to consider purchasing from a trusted and reliable supplier such as Adams Gas!
