Welding Defined

Welding is a dependable way to join two pieces of metal.

This basic process can be done in lots of ways, but at its heart welding is about connecting pieces of metal.

This process requires heat and pressure. AÌýwelder uses an electric or gas flameÌýto create intense heat to soften a piece of metal or a metal joint compound. Pressure is applied and two pieces of metal are connected together. Once cooled, the piece is now one with a sturdy joint.

Welding is often used when it isn’t practical to connect two pieces of metal in another way. Rivets, screws, and other fasteners don’t create an airtight seal. They can also cost more and only be used in certain joint types. A weld is a firm joint style that can be used in a variety of ways. As a career, welding combines creating thinking, problem-solving and hands-on skills for a daily job that’s full of excitement and growth opportunities.

The Welding Process

You may be surprised at the number of ways two pieces of metal can be connected. Welding is used in virtually every industry, so welders need to be creative in choosing the right welding type and joint style. Here are some common ways to join two pieces together:

• Edge joint
• ÌýT joint
• Corner joint
• Lap joint
• Butt joint

A welder chooses the type of joint after carefully considering the materials and application. Does the material need to withstand heavy sheer loads or torsional loads? This can affect the best type of joint and which weld type is used.

SomeÌýwelding jobs requireÌýyou to use your problem-solving skills. Would an edge joint or T joint be better for this application? What’s the best filler material and inert gas for this particular application?

Once you have the skills, experiences, and resources from a quality training program, you can easily answer these questions to create secure products for your industry.

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TypesÌýof Welds

All types of welds can be divided into two categories: pressure welding and fusion welding. Pressure welding uses heavy pressure at or above the melting point of the base material. Fusion welding focuses heat at the edge of the material and doesn’t require external pressure. Many fusion welds use an inert gas to improve the strength and other features of the weld.

AtÌýÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ El Cajon, students learn about the most common welding tools, safety gear, and weld styles. You’ll now only learn about these common styles but get a chance to try your hand at welding in real-world applications. Here are the most common welding styles used:

• Gas tungsten arc
• Shielded-metal arc
• Flux-cored arc
• Gas metal arc
• Plasma arc
• Electron-beam
• Laser beam
• Electroslag
• Atomic hydrogen welding

These nine varieties can be divided into three categories: friction, arc, and electron beam. Friction welding uses mechanical friction and can be used even for wood and aluminum applications. It doesn’t use filler metals or requires a shielding gas, so it’s being used in various industries to firmly bond wood and lightweight aluminum products.

Arc weldingÌýis the most popular and familiar style. Whether you pick up a manual, automatic, or semi-automatic welder, it’s important to learn how to create successful joints with an arc welder. TIG, MIG, GTAW, and other common welding styles all fall under this category.

A high-tech welding style is laser welding. This style is commonly automated and used for deep welds. Electron beam welding requires a vacuum, while laser beam welders can be used in air.

Common Applications

Becoming a welderÌýis an exciting way to dive into an essential industry and create cutting-edge mechanical and electronic devices. Prospective welders can enjoy a career in one of these industries:

• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Construction
• Energy
• Art

While much of the automotive manufacturing process is automated, skilled welders are still required for precise tasks, repair projects, and custom-made vehicles. Try your hand at welding a chassis, replacing a body panel, or performing other duties to prepare a vehicle for its first ride.

Airplanes require lightweight components and flawless welds to pass safety standards before taking to the skies. Use innovative welding practices to join lightweight aluminum components. Work side-by-side with engineers to create a private, military, or commercial plane.

Commercial buildings use steel beams and other components to soar above wood construction projects. Try your hand at welding on the construction site to watch a skyscraper or high-rise office become a reality before your eyes.

The energy sector needs welders to fix pipelines, construct well shafts, and finish lithium-ion batteries. Work with a leading oil and gas company or help promote renewable energies by constructing green energy alternatives. Working in the energy sector may give you the opportunity to travel to remote workplaces to repair and install key components around the country.

Finally, some welders are using their technical skills to create artwork for their local community. Create stunning statues and inspiring murals out of steel components.

Welding can complement other artistic mediums or create stand-alone artwork.

Start Your Welding Career at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½

So, how does welding work? If you’re ready to learn more about this practical and highly sought skill, it’s time to head to ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½. Launch a career in automotive, renewable energy, or construction today by enrolling inÌýa welding program at El Cajon, California.

Learn about gas metal arc welding, SMAW pipe fitting and layout, and other key welding skills before applying for jobs in your area or around the country. Learn more about our welding program atÌýÌýto discover a great way to expand your skills or start a new career. Work with small classes, dedicated instructors, and cutting-edge course work to spark your interest in welding for various industries.

Explore the basics of welding, how welding works, common welding tools and how you can receive hands-on welding training at ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½.

The Purpose of Welding

The basic purpose of welding is to join two elements together with a firm connection. Welders typically work with metal or thermoplastic and use durable filler material to bind them together. Welding is used to create many modern constructions in our world, such as skyscrapers, cars, ships and airplanes.

In the past, builders used other methods of joining metal workpieces. Soldering, brazing and riveting are all alternatives to welding. Learn why welding has become the standard joining option for many industries and why it’s such a highly prized skill in industrial applications and manufacturing.

Welding Basics

Welding works by joining two materials together without a separate binder material. Unlike brazing and soldering, which use a binder that has a lower melting point, welding joins the two workpieces directly together. Understanding this difference is key to understanding welding and why it’s preferred for durable, long-lasting construction.

Common Types of Welding

There are three main welding techniques, so it’s important to understand each option and to know how strong is weld material for your welding applications. Here are the three basic welding techniques available to modern welders:

• Gas welding
• Arc welding
• Laser welding

Arc welding uses an electrical arc to melt work material. First, a grounding wire is attached to the material. Next, the welder places an electrode lead against the work material. As the welder draws the electrode away from the material, it creates an electric arc, otherwise known as an ongoing plasma discharge from the electrical breakdown of gas. Arc welders use either AC or DC power and are used to produce a very concentrated, narrow weld point.

Gas welding is another common welding type. Also known as oxy-fuel welding, it’s an older and more common option. Gas is funneled to a welding stick, or point of focus, and ignited to create a high-temperature flame. It’s best used for high-alloy steels. While the weld point is less concentrated than electric welding, it’s much hotter and more suitable for particularly tough alloys.

Laser welding is the latest innovation in welding technology. This technique is currently only used in large industrial applications. Laser welders use a high-energy beam to fuse materials together. It’s a costly system that requires expert control and finesse.

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Benefits of Welding

Compared to other joining methods, welding offers a number of benefits. Here are just a few reasons why many industrial construction processes weld materials together:

• Durable bond
• Flawless seam
• Superior melting point
• Efficient and versatile system

These benefits make welding a highly sought after skill for automotive, construction and industrial companies. Whether you love working with your hands or are interested in an in-demand, highly paid career, find out if a welding technician is the right career path for you.

“Everything we teach is to prepare you for two things: AWS Certification testing and to receive the necessary skills to get you started in the field of your choice of Structural work or Fabrication work.�

Troy Malinowski, Welding Instructor

The Tools of the Trade

Find out what you need to prepare for a career as a welder. Here are some basic gear and equipment that you need to get started as a welder. Check out all these weld tool options and learn more about the pros and cons of each option.

Before you start up any welder, you need the right safety equipment and location. Welding emits an extreme amount of heat, sparks and metal slag. Protective clothing is essential to protect yourself from burns while working. A welding mask protects your eyes from the bright light of a welder. Extreme temperatures create a light so bright that it can harm your eyes.

The sheer variety of welder tools can be overwhelming. Compare them carefully and use your desired application to find the best welder type for you. If you’re training as a welder, ask your instructor about the best welder for beginners. Here are some common welder types to consider:

• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or stick welding
• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or MIG welding
• Submerged arc welding (SAW)
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or TIG welding

Your metal and the type of weld you’re hoping to achieve determine the best welder for your purpose. Some welders are better suited for large, structural welds, while others are best for detailed, surface welds that are easy to buff to a flawless finish.

How To Become a Welder

If you’re ready to become a welder, you need to learn how to weld steel safely and effectively. There are many technical skills required to become a welder, so it can be difficult to break into the industry on your own. Join a welding program in California to prepare yourself for an exciting career as a welder.

ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ has locations across California that train you in the latest technologies of the welding industry. Compare popular ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ trade programs to discover the best option for your interests and career goals. After your training course, you can expect a lucrative and fulfilling career as a welding technician in the construction, automotive, ironwork or factory industries.

Contact us to learn more about our welding program and find out how you can start your journey today. Learn more about the welding process, the latest equipment, our admission process and financial aid for your new course.