Welding is a process used to join metal parts to make metal objects. Its use can range anywhere from construction and repair to sculpture and jewelry. Welding is commonly categorized as a thermal process that melts and fuses metal to create a bond between the two components. It’s also a manual process that requires correct preparation, operation, and technique to produce quality welds. Beyond the physical aspects of welding, some complications arise regarding regulations on who can perform this type of work and environmental factors. Here are some of the common problems solved by welding.
1. Replacement Metals
If a metal object breaks, there is no guarantee that another piece of metal identical to the first will be on hand for repair. In this scenario, a welder will cut out the broken area and weld in a replacement. You could also use this to repair parts of objects where one section is rusted away and cannot be replaced entirely with new metal.
2. Hanging Overhead Objects
If a metal object is too large or heavy to be supported by ground posts, it can collapse. Welding can be used to attach the thing directly to an overhead object. It can also be used to create an object with no posts to support it. The object can hang from the overhead object by welding a piece of wire or chain to the object and then welding that piece of wire or chain to another section of the overhead object.
3. Road Repair
Welding can be used to repair cracked or damaged roads and bridges. In this application, a welder might need to perform root-pass welds on multiple layers of material at different depths. Welders need to be familiar with the specific welding code and specifications that their project will require them to comply with to avoid failure in future inspections.
4. Vehicle Repair
Welding can be used to fix broken parts of a car, such as panels or frames. It’s a common practice for car manufacturers to ask for a repair weld to be done correctly to avoid breaking the integrity of their product.
5. Nuclear Containment
Worries about nuclear containment are daily, especially in our current political climate. It would be disastrous if a nuclear reactor vessel were to crack and leak radiation. Welders can repair damaged or broken reactor vessels to prevent this catastrophic event.
6. Repairing Miners’ Equipment
Miners rely on their equipment to make it through the day, especially when working in sterile conditions. Re-welding fractured parts of the tool repair broken tools according to the original design specifications.
7. Hanging Patio Furniture
Welding can be a great alternative when hanging outdoor furniture in an area that cannot support the weight of the furniture. The setup will vary from project to project, but it is not uncommon for heavy equipment and hand tools such as trailer dollies or hoist arms to require to hold and position the furniture.
8. Making Metal Tools
Manufacturing tools out of metal must withstand rough treatment and tough environments. Welding is an alternative to forging when making metal tools, especially if the strength of the material is not as important as its flexibility.
Welding is an art and science that does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. Proper preparation, technique, and welding equipment are all necessary for success in welding. Whether you’re looking for a new career path or are simply trying to repair your old beat-up motorcycle, welding is a service you can trust.
