Welder World Blog

Posts Tagged ‘Equipments’

Welding is mostly used for the combination processes i.e. arc, resistance, laser, electron beam, stud and orbital welding.

Weld controllers are required to help the processes used by these tools. Welding machines also work as aid to welding power source. There are also wide-ranging system to cutting machine, torch, feeders, cables, robots and feeders. This article describes the purpose of arc welding in detail.

Arc welding methods and welding machines

For melting the metals at welding point, Arc welding is utilizing welding power supply to produce an electric arc between the base material and an electrode. Arc welding equipments can use either direct current or alternating current, and consumable or non-consumable electrodes. Shielding gas protects welding region using some inert or semi-inert gas and evaporate wadding material. The method of arc welding is broadly recognized for low capital and running costs.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding and TIG welding are the two general specifications of Arc Welding. MIG is also acronym as MAG (metal active gas welding) and regarded as one of the mostly popular arc welding methods. MIG welding equipments uses various kinds of gas like pure carbon dioxide, argon gas and some time blend of both to complete the process.

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding is another latest welding process.  This term stands for its utilization when shaping an arc in between the electrode and the item. Argon is use to inert gas portion in welding. TIG welding is slower compare to MIG and at the same time more expensive.

Arc welding has other methods like flux cored arc welding, gas metal arc welding, resistance seam welding, spot and shielded metal arc welding.

More welding measures serve by arc welding machines

Frictional welding is also a type of welding equipments. Examples of friction welding machines are hot plate welding, plastic welding, electron beam welding and Oxyfuel welding.

Despite the diversities in arc welding procedures, the purposes that are common is it all stops rust, serve varying actions and render water cooling uses. Of course heavy-duty equipment with engine driven generators is the best to fulfill these methods.

Experienced welding operators who want to start their own welding workshop are the ones mostly interested in buying secondhand welding equipments. Buying the right secondhand welding equipment is critically important as this is a business decision and entire future growth of the proposed workshop abjectly depends on this secondhand equipment performing well.

There are many different types of welding, but some are much more common than others. Besides, there are several factors that should influence your buying decision when you are in the market for used welding equipment.

You will have to decide on the brand of the equipment – Miller, Lincoln, Esab or Hobart from amongst the many. Should you opt for a multi process machine capable of TIG, MIG, Flux Core, and stick welding or buy different machines for each of the process. Would you want oxy-fuel cutting outfit or plasma cutter and more importantly, whether you need air compressor or electric grinders.

Many professionals opine that multi process machines are unwieldy and cumbersome and you should opt for it only if you have that type of regular work to warrant its purchase.
For your main TIG welding machine and MIG welding, you may visit e-Bay or Craigslist where you will find several bargain offers. If you have restricted floor space, you can opt for a foldable welding table that can be hung on the wall saving you a lot of moving space.

As regards electric grinders you can easily obtain one or two straight grinders as also 4 1/2 inch angle grinders along with a variety of consumables. If you have a regular workshop away from your home, then go for an oxyfuel cutting, welding, and heating kit. You will never regret this purchase.

It is strongly recommended that you have two argon cylinders – preferably owner cylinders and not leased ones.  Keeping a spare owner cylinder will provide you the required time-gap in getting your main cylinder refilled.

Please know that nearly 500,000 employees in the United States work in factories that do welding work. This means there is a lot of used welding equipments around for sale. Because of the wide choice for used welding equipment – people who are hunting for the equipment should do plenty of research before finally buying.

A useful tip for getting good deals on used welding equipments is to search the local Craiglist listings where you will come across some fabulous offers. However, if buying the welding equipments online, you must insist on seeing true pictures of the welding equipment – particularly if you are planning to buy an expensive item like a Miller Syncrowave 250 or 300.  If a seller refuses to provide a real photo, then negotiate no further and call off the deal.

There are several online auction sites where you can find some really good welding equipment. Of course, the most resourceful auction site is eBay. Then there is UBid that may not be as popular as eBay but it can throw some surprise offers. More importantly, when you buy used welding equipment on the Internet, check what kind of certifications and approvals the company that sells them has.

There are about 2000 eye injuries reported everyday in US workplace. Most injuries occur due to lapses in the usage of protection gears. Flying particles are the reason for 70% of injuries that are related to eye. These injuries can be avoided hands down by wearing the right kind of protective gear required for the job. Welding is in itself a hazardous job. Welders work in an environment that is subject to arc and heat rays, slag from chipping, flying metal and dirt from grinding. Therefore it is most important to choose the protective gear that suits the work type and to wear it consistently. Tips to injuries:

Inspect your welding equipment for any damage. Keep your equipments void of rust by maintaining it properly. Proper selection of protective gear according to the type of work and intensity is very vital. Protective gears should be at reachable distance. Always make it a point to use the safety gears while handling the welding equipments. Wear the eye protection gears under your safety helmet. If your welding helmet has the auto darkening option, you can work peacefully without having to adjust the shade manually. Wearing the right shade of filter in your eye gear is very important. Welding areas are harmful place of work. They should be secluded from rest of the place of work by a curtain that can absorb welding rays. Read manufacturer’s instruction manual thoroughly. And follow the instructions religiously. Keep your cables away from other tools so that they last longer. Avoid usage of cables that are undersized, damaged or spliced. Look for advice of the manufacturer for periodic maintenance activities to be performed on your welding equipment. Keep your helmet down to minimize your chances of injuring your eye from flying particles. Always choose an eyewear that has side shields or goggles and a correct filter shade to protect your eyes. Make sure your safety eye gear meets the heat, filtering and impact requirements. Timely replacement of faulty components will aid in longevity of the equipment. If your welding work is more frequent then it is wise to go in for a welding apron or a welding jacket. Vinyl screens or transparent welding curtains can be used to keep you protected from the harmful rays. Keep your arc welding equipments well insulated to avoid shocks. The workplace should be well ventilated. This will bring in fresh air and flush out the harmful fumes or gases that arise out of work. Laser welding are extremely dangerous to your eyes. Please follow the safety instructions pertaining to the equipment meticulously.