Dg Power Systems

What Is Arc Welding?

Arc welding is used to join together materials needing a strong bond, especially for precision work. The arc in welding is the electrical current used to create heat and join two metals. The arc occurs from the base material to the electrode.

All arc welding processes use an electric arc to weld and have at least the following:

An electrode
An electrode cable
A work cable and clamp
Power supply
Metals to join
An arc
So, how hot is a welding arc? The welding arc during the process of any type of arc welding will be around 3500°C.

During the arc welding process, the welder works with two types of metal.

Parent Material: This is the metal parts that are joined together during the welding process.

Consumables Material: This is the additional materials that are heated up in the arc and deposited over the joints to create a stronger bond.

In a basic arc welding process, the power supply is switched on, and the electrode is brought near the base material. Then, intense heat is generated to produce the electric arc. The heat then melts the base metal, electrode core and flux coating. The flux coating then provides a shielding environment to weld. The molten metal is deposited between the two metal work pieces to join them together. Once this solidifies, it forms a strong bond between the two materials. Then, the metal work pieces are left to cool down.

What are the Different Types of Arc Welding?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick Welding)
Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG or MAG Welding)
Flux-Cored Arc Welding
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG Welding)
Plasma Arc Welding
Carbon Arc Welding
Submerged Arc Welding
Atomic Hydrogen Welding
Electroslag Welding
Drawn Arc (DA) Stud Welding