Welding is a process of joining two materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is usually done by melting the workpieces and adding a filler material to form a pool of molten material (the weld pool) that cools to form a joint that is usually stronger than the base material. Welding is used extensively in the fabrication of pipes and tubes. There are different welding techniques used for pipes and tubes, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will take a look at the different pipes and tubes welding techniques.
The importance of pipe welding
Pipes play an important role in our society. We use pipes to transport and distribute water and other fluids. Additionally, pipes are also used to carry heat and energy. To accomplish these tasks, the pipes used must be durable, robust, and corrosion-resistant. In order to meet these requirements, the pipes are usually made from stainless steel.
Welded pipes are also widely used in the oil and gas industry to transport fluids from one location to another. On a more domestic level, welded stainless steel pipes are also used in both residential and commercial water distribution systems. Finally, welded stainless steel pipes are also commonly used in a wide range of industrial applications. Welding is used to join pipes made from a variety of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other materials.
Types of welding techniques
There are several different welding techniques that can be used to join pipes and tubes. These include:
To help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each welding technique, we have explained them below in detail.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
This technique is sometimes referred to as either Metal Inert Gas (MIG) or Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding. They use a shielding gas to heat the electrode.
Because it uses semi- or fully-automated tools, this method is more efficient than SMAW in terms of speed, versatility, and productivity. This method also has high deposition rates and no risk of slag entrapment. It produces low fumes.
This technique, however, requires greater control by the welder in order to produce high-quality welds. The tools require constant voltage and a power source. Because the welding gas can be scattered by the wind, it cannot be done outside without enclosures.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Manual Metal Arc Welding (MMAW), Flux Shielded Arc Welding (FSAW), stovepipe, and stick welding are all names for SMAW welding.
This technique involves melting the electrode using heat from an electric arc. This molten material can be manually applied to join sections of metal pipes. SMAW welding has one major advantage: it doesn’t require flux or shielding gas. It is simple, portable, and requires very little equipment.
The SMAW technique, however, is less productive due to the lower travel piece. Welders should ensure that their welding machines have the appropriate electrode for the material.
Welders need to consider arc stability, depth, metal deposition rate, and positional ability in order to produce a high-quality weld. The chemical composition of the flux coating is a major factor in these factors. With this kind of welding technique, professional welding and metal fabrication services in Melbourne can help.
Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
Flux-cored arc welding uses heat from an electric arc to fuse electrode filler wires to sections of metal pipe. The electric arc is applied between continuously fed wires and metal surfaces, melting both.
There are two types of this technique: self-shielded or gas-shielded FCAAW. Gas-shielded uses semi-automated tools for high productivity and speed. However, wind can cause porosity defects and disturb the shielding gases. This is avoided by using a self-shielding technique, which does not require a shielding gas. However, it is more productive overall.
FCAW welding has the advantage of being able to weld outdoors with thicker materials. It is also more portable and easier than the GMAW method. FCAW has a higher deposition rate and better arc stability than GMAW. This method requires less preparation and cleaning than other methods.
This technique has a disadvantage: it emits hazardous gases, which can reduce weld visibility. This technique also produces more smoke than other methods. If the gas cannot disperse before it solidifies, porosity could become an issue. It also produces a lot of slag, which must be removed for each weld layer. It is not recommended to weld thin pipe materials.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is also known as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). It’s the most popular method of stainless and non-ferrous welding. To create the weld, it uses a fixed consumable electrode. This is a more laborious process than even SMAW. Welding and fabrication services in Newcastle, NSW, can help you with these processes.
TIG welding can be used for many metals and applications. This welding method produces high-quality, precise welds.
This quality, however, is heavily dependent on the skill of welders, as it is entirely manual. It has lower deposition rates, higher equipment and labor costs, and is more cost-effective than other techniques.
Submerged Arc Welding
Semi-automatic welding techniques that use a non-visible arc An electric arc is created between the continuously fed electrode (or metal pipe) and this continuously fed electrode. The arc is covered by a layer of powdered fluorine. This flux provides conduction between the metal and electrode when it melts, protecting the weld area.
The electric arc is thus “submerged” under a blanket made of flux. It is therefore more difficult to use since tracing can be very difficult. The highest deposition rates of any pipe welding technique are provided, along with reliable, defect-free welding.
This method works well for experienced welders and projects that call for both circumferential and longitudinal welds. This technique is used to manufacture line pipes and pressure vessel materials.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that the type of pipe you will be welding depends on the application for which it will be used. Stainless steel pipes are great for agricultural, commercial, and residential applications. They are most frequently applied by reputable plumbers in Botany. Pipes made of carbon steel work well in structural and geothermal applications. Others are great for heating and cooling systems because they are excellent thermal conductors, including copper, titanium, and aluminum. We have discussed different welding techniques used for pipes and tubes. I hope this article will help you learn about different welding techniques used for pipes and tubes.