Fabrication Welding and How Does It Work?
Fabrication welding and welding could appear to be the same thing. There are, however, distinctions between the two. Fabrication welding refers to the entire process of putting a component or structure together.
It entails designing, manufacturing, and installing massive structures such as ventilation ducts. Welding is one element of the creation process, which involves connecting items with a high-temperature torch or force that melts the materials together. After that, a layer of heavier filler material is smoothed over the surface to increase strength.
Difference Between Fabrication and Welding
The clearest way to tell the difference between fabrication and welding is that fabrication refers to the complete metal fabrication process. In contrast, welding refers to a specific portion of the manufacturing process. You may argue that welding is a part of fabrication.
On the other hand, welding will continue to be a part of the fabrication process. You can fabricate metal pieces without welding, but you can't fabricate the complete product. Fabrication welding isn't only about joining two pieces of metal together like traditional welding. There's a lot more to it. When a metal object is large, it must be carved precisely to the desired size and shape. When you need to twist a specific sheet in a precise way, you don't need a welder; instead, you'll need a machine.
Different Welding Processes for Fabrication
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
TIG welding is a form of fusion welding that uses an inert tungsten electrode enclosed in an explosive gas shielding environment, such as argon. If necessary, the excess weld metal can be provided using off-parent metal cutting or a separate filler rod.
A direct current is used to avoid the tungsten electrode becoming too hot and shattering, with the work element remaining electrically positive and the electrode remaining electrically negative.
Metal inert gas (MIG) Welding
MIG welding is a welding technology that uses a consumable electrode that may be braided into the shape of a copper-coated wire. Argon, the same gas used in TIG welding, is utilized to protect the weld from the environment.
A direct current is used, much like in TIG welding. However, to produce extra heat to melt the electrode, the workpiece remains electrically negative, and the electrode remains electrically positive.
Brazing
Brazing is the third and final fabrication welding step. In some unique instances, we need to employ oxy-fuel torches to weld gas or braze the parts. This procedure is now used exclusively when MIG or TIG isn't an option.
A professional welding or fabrication service can help you decide which welding procedure is best for your sheet metal fabrications. Any welded sheet metal parts you find on the internet are only a small part of the huge range of components that can be welded in aluminum alloys, mild steel, brass, stainless steel, zintec, and galvanized steel.
Fabrication welding equipment
Metal fabrication and welding are complex and sophisticated processes; therefore, it's only logical that their instruments are complex and sophisticated as well. Welding and industrial tools have a lot in common.
However, several of the trade instruments have different characteristics. Welders typically employ joining equipment, whereas manufacturers typically use metal cutting, bending, and forming equipment. Another difference is that welders rely on heat to do their work. This is not always the case for producers who do a lot of dry bending and cold rolling.
The following is a list of commonly used tools in the fabrication welding process:
Welding clamps
Abrasives
Vice grips and vices
Adjustable wrenches
Soapstone
Angle grinders
Shears
Arc welders
Acetylene and oxygen tanks
Breaks and benders
Water and laser cutters
Chipping hammers
Consumable electrodes
Computers
CAD software
Fabric welding may need the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) suited for the manufacturing industry in addition to the items listed above. High-visibility clothes, eye protection, leather gloves and aprons, goggles and face shields, and hearing protection are all examples of PPE.
JWBell has executed thousands of aggregate equipment fabrication projects, including retrofits, new aggregate manufacturing plant installations, and railcar and barge loading/unloading aggregate conveyor systems. We're working hard to develop a workforce of highly competent operators that can take raw resources, turn them into functional products, and get them to market quickly and efficiently. Our team will be there for you every step of the process, offering complete aggregate solutions tailored to your needs.
Call us at 319-774-7142 right now. Please take advantage of JW Bell's custom fabrication expertise and let us design the perfect system for you.