Thermal Joining
The thermal joining techniques we need to know about can be split into two main types. Welding, which fuses two parts together by melting a small part of each; and Brazing/soldering which joins by melting a filler between two parts to connect them. Each type has different strengths and weaknesses and therefore is used for different applications.
More information about Soldering and Brazing can be found on the Soldering and Brazing page
Welding can be broken down into different types:
What is welding?
Welding is a process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together. When the parts cool, they are fused together.
How does it work?
There are two main ways to create the heat needed to melt metal parts together; gas welding, which uses a burning gas to melt an area of the metal and electric arc welding which uses electricity to create a high temperature spark. You will use arc welding during the course.
What types of arc welding will I use?
There are 3 main tyes of arc welding; MIG, TIG and Stick (MMA). Check the links above to find out more details about them.
Welding Safety
Welding can be very dangerous because of the heat generated and also because the arc is incredibly bright and can cause blindness if the correct Safety equimpment is not worn.
This welder has a welding helmet to protect their eyes from the bright arc, they are also wearing leather gloves to protect their hands from the hot metal and a leather jacked to protect their body. We wear boiler suits for the same reason.
The welding setup also has an extraction system (the blue thing) to remove any harmful fumes from the area
Workboots should be worn to protect your feet from hot and heavy metal that may be dropped
Welding curtains or screens are also set up in the workshop to protect passers-by from the bright arc light