Fusion Welding: Its Types, Applications and Benefits
What is fusion welding? Fusion welding is a process that uses heat to join or fuse two or more materials by heating them to a melting point. These welding processes are usually non-contact and non-destructive and are usually faster than other welding methods.
Fusion welding does not involve outside pressure. It includes arc welding, gas welding, resistance welding, and high-energy welders. The different fusion welding processes have advantages and disadvantages over each other.
The advantages of fusion welding processes include that it is an efficient way to join materials together without the use of external pressure.
Types of Fusion Welding Processes
There are three main types of fusion welding processes: gas-shielded, arc-welding, and electron beam welding.
Each type of fusion welding has its advantages and disadvantages.
Gas-Shielded Welding Processes:
Gas-shielded welding processes use a gas shield to protect the weld area from the heat of the arc. This makes it a good choice for welds that are close to metal surfaces or where there is a risk of sparks. The downside is that it takes longer than other types of fusion welding to complete a project, and it can be more difficult to control the join location.
Arc-Welding Processes:
Arc-welding processes use an electric current to create an extremely strong weld joint between two pieces of metal. This process is faster than gas-shielded Welding Processes, but it’s less tolerant of mistakes in the joining process. It also has lower temperatures than other types of fusion Welding, which means you can use thinner metals without risking failure.
Electron Beam Welding:
Electron beam welding uses an intense form of radiation called an electron beam to fuse two pieces of metal. This process is fast and easy to use, but it doesn’t have the strength or durability of other fusion welding processes.
Also, read What is Undercutting in Welding?
Which Type of Fusion Welding Process is Best for Which Application?
- Oxy-Fuel Welding is used for gas welding and is best for applications that require a high energy source.
- Electric Arc Welding is used for high-temperature, short-arc welding and is best for applications that require a durable weld.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding is used for welding metals that have a low melting point and are resistant to corrosion, such as aluminum and stainless steel.
- Shielded Metal Arc Welder (SMAW) uses an electric arc to weld metal without the use of shielding gas, making it the most versatile type of welding process.
- Inert Gas Flame Welder (IGFW) uses an inert gas flame to weld metals that are not compatible with other flame types, such as carbon fiber and titanium alloys.
- Sticky Butt Fusion Welder (SBF) uses a sticky electrode to fuse two pieces of metal without the use of heat or pressure.
There are many different types of fusion welding processes, each with its advantages and disadvantages. It is important to understand the distinctions between each type of fusion welding process before making a decision.
Benefits of Using Fusion Welding
Fusion welding is a type of welding that uses a gas and metal mixture to join two pieces of metal.
The benefits of fusion welding include:
- It’s an environmentally friendly process.
- It’s a fast process.
- It has few restrictions.
Conclusion
What is fusion welding? If you are familiar with the basic steps of welding or have a suitable machine for fusion welding, then it should not be too hard for you to get started. All in all, fusion welding is one of the most popular methods used today because it requires minimum preparation time and low-cost equipment.
Since this method can produce reliable welds that are strong enough to last for generations, I strongly recommend you give it a try!