Welcome to welding types, this site about welding provides information and welding tips for all of the different types of welding. This includes welding equipment and machines, including Mig welding, Tig welding, and arc or stick welding.

Plus you can find information and resources for welding processes including MIG and TIG welding, resistance welding, solid-state welding, micro welds, plasma arc welding, and learning how to weld.

The main types of welding used in industry and by home engineers are commonly referred to as Mig welding, Arc welding, Gas welding, and Tig welding.

Mig Welding – GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding

More commonly called MIG welding this welding type is the most widely used and perhaps the most easily mastered type of welding for industry and home use.

The GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process is suitable for fusing mild steel, stainless steel as well as aluminum and is the most used type of welding.

This process is also sometimes referred to as metal active gas welding and metal inert gas welding.

This is as the welding process involves a wire electrode fed to the metalwork creating an electric arc to fuse the metal joint. The weld area is protected from contamination by the gas shield produced during the welding process.

Tig Welding – GTAW or Tungsten Inert Gas Welding

TIG welding is comparable in a way to oxyacetylene gas welding where a handheld filler rod is used as filler material at the base of the weld. This type of welding needs a lot more expertise and control from the operator.

This welding process is used in manufacturing and industry for carrying out high-quality work when a superior standard of finish is needed. The finished weld is just that and is free of excessive clean-up by sanding or grinding.

Arc Welding or SMAW

Generally known as stick or arc welding. Arc welding is the most basic of all welding types and is quite easy to master in a home welding situation. (with practice). Arc welding uses a single flux-covered electrode applied directly to the work. This acts as the filler rod for the joint.

Stick welding is used in manufacturing, construction, and repairs.  And in many cases using specialized electrodes for specific jobs.

Arc welding is well suited for heavier metal sizes 1/8 inch thick and upwards. Thinner sheet metals and alloys are usually more suited to the MIG welding types.

Gas or Oxy-Acetylene Welding And Cutting

Not used as widely for general welding of mild steel. Consists of mixing oxygen and acetylene gas to create a flame capable of melting steel. Mostly used today for maintenance work and gas metal cutting. Also common for brazing softer metals such as copper and bronze.

This method is also used for welding delicate aluminum parts such as refrigeration pipes.

Gas Cutting equipment for metal construction and maintenance. The most accessible thermal cutting gear is oxy-acetylene gas cutting and plasma cutting machines. Other methods include the use of a thermal cutting electrode for use with the arc welder machine

Welders Protective Gear.

Any form of welding offers risks to the operator’s health. To minimize these risks we must use the proper and best welding equipment and protective gear possible. The areas of protection required are eyes and bare skin from damaging UV rays, hands and unprotected skin from hot metals, and breathing protection from welding fumes.

Here we provide information and product reviews on welding helmets, glasses, gloves, leather pants and jackets, welding boots and also fume extractors, and specialized breathing apparatus.

Welding Machines Types, Uses, Reviews.

Are you looking to buy a welding machine or welder inverter but aren’t sure about what suits your requirements? Find out what to look for in a welding machine to find the best DIY welder for home fabrication workshop use. Check each category for reviews on Mig, Tig, and Arc welders.

Learn How to Weld

Learning how to weld is a skill that almost anyone will be able to master. From Basic easy-to-learn MIG welding to the more advanced TIG welding method, there are procedures and techniques that need to be learned and practiced to become a proficient welder.

Also, check out the various welding schools that are available in the USA