If you are a normal person who’s not into welding, you might think that there is only one kind of welding machine as long as it does its purpose. But, there are different kinds and each offers different processes.
In this article, you’ll know what are the different types of welding machines, how they are being used, and what makes one advantageous over the other.
So, what are the different types of welding machines?
1. Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding Machine
This welding machine is very beginner-friendly. This is very convenient so you won’t have a hard time operating this machine even if you don’t have any idea.
You can control whatever you’re creating, and you can come up with a great weld without requiring much time. This is indeed a highly recommended welding machine as you practice your welding capability.
Using this, you can weld various kinds of metal like alloy steel, mild steel, and carbon steel.
2. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding Machine
Many welders around the world use TIG welding machines because they are multipurpose. It comes with a gas tank since the welding process requires gas to work.
As I’ve mentioned, this machine has many uses because the TIG torch can weld different kinds of metals such as nickel, aluminum, copper, bronze, and even gold.
To use a TIG welding machine properly, you need to use both hands to hold the pen/TIG torch in one and a filler rod in the other hand. Then, you can use a foot pedal or a hand switch to make the torch work.
Generally, TIG welding machines are not ideal for fieldwork but are perfect for repairing damaging parts.
3. Plastic Welding Machine
When you hear the word “welding”, you eventually think it’s all about metal. But, there is such a thing called a plastic welding machine. It’s not a plastic welding machine designed to weld metal but to weld plastic too. This is where plastics are turned into a great output.
4. Combo Welding Machines
The combo is a short-term combination. Hence, a combo welding machine has combinations of the welding process. This machine can do different tasks so it is ideal if you want to focus on both quality and quantity.
A combo welding machine can weld a wide range of metals including copper, aluminum, and steel.
5. Spot Welding Machine
A spot welding machine is used to join two or more steel sheets overlapping one another. This is made possible by applying pressure and supplying electricity to the pieces of metals to be welded together.
A spot welding machine can weld metals with a thickness of 0.02 inches to 0.118 inches. The pressure point caused by the copper electrodes is the reason why there is a steady welding point.
6. Carbon Arc Welding (CAW) Welding Machine
To produce an output, this welding machine requires metal to be heated with the use of graphite or non-consumable carbon electrodes.
A carbon welding machine aims to join and make a strong bond between different metals, and without an electric arc, this won’t work. Using this machine, the welding process’ temperature can reach up to 3,000 ºC.
Using CAW welding machines has many advantages. Firstly, it won’t cost you much compared to other welding machines.
The equipment included is not too much or complicated so you won’t be spending a lot of money. Nevertheless, the welding process through this machine works well even though you are not machine savvy.
7. Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) Machine
SMAW machines have AC and DC capabilities. This type of machine is also called a stick machine because welders use electrode rods or sticks coated with flux. This flux coating breaks and gives off vapors which become a shielding gas and supply a protective layer of slag.
Moreover, SMAW machines can weld metals of any thickness. These can give constant current (CC) with the use of direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC).
How to Choose the Perfect Types of Welding Machine
After knowing some of the different types of welding machines, you are now off to decide which is best to purchase. Below are some things you need to consider.
1. Know what materials you will weld
First and foremost, you need to know what certain materials or metals you will be welding. It can be carbon steel, stainless steel, or aluminum, which can vary in thickness. Each element requires different machines as it differs from work. With this, you can better decide on which is the best to choose according to your welding plans.
2. Rate your welding machine literacy
If you don’t have experience using any kind of welding machine, you must choose a beginner-friendly one so it will not give you a hard time. Some machines mentioned above can be operated even by unskilled people. Moreover, choosing a machine that is easy to operate will help you practice to become better at welding.
4. Welding Location
The welding location must be considered when purchasing a welding machine. You need to know which more accessible power supply you’ll need, open area conditions, and more.
3. Welding Machine Specifications
Some things you need to consider when buying a welding machine are the available amps, weld quality, welding conditions, metal types and thickness, AC/DC power source, duty cycle, and many more.
These specifications should match your welding plans. Hence, you should not acquire a heavy-weighted machine if its job requires transportation from time to time.
5. Need for Compressed Gasses
Gasses are essential in different welding processes. Some welding machines need compressed gas so you will need the tank to be transported to the supplier for refills and exchange.
Conclusion
Welding machines come in different types which have various ways how they can create a product.
Some work in all kinds of metals but some work in few. After all, the convenience and efficiency of the welding machine matter.
Some machines focus on one technique so it does its purpose well, while others are multipurpose but do not perform best on each. So, you must choose the best machine where you can spend your money wisely for your future welding plans.
It’s important to consider a welding machine’s quality so there will be no problem in the welding process.