Main Types of Welding - Article Example

The deposits left are highly oxidized due to the incomplete joint fusion. It might also be difficult to establish the initial arc in this type of welding.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
This type of welding is employed when high-quality finishes are desired. It is preferred for fusing copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium, magnesium, and aluminum.
Advantages
• Welds can be achieved whether the welder uses metal filters or not,
• The pinpoints heat evenly as compared to those in GMAW, and
• TIG welding does not create spatter; hence very clean.


Disadvantages
• It takes longer to complete the entire welding process,
• It might prove difficult to establish the initial arc.
Arc Welding (SMAW)
It is the basic type of welding. Arc welding is suitable for heavy metal (4 mm and above).
Advantages
• Wind and rain does not influence the quality of the weld, and
• Easy to learn.
Disadvantages
• It produces splatter during the welding process,
• It requires skilled personnel to produce high-quality welds,
• The electrode require replacing after a few inches of welds, and
• The electrodes fail to penetrate deep into the material.
Gas or Oxy-Acetylene Welding and Cutting
The welding process comprises mixing oxygen gas and acetylene gas to create a flame that can melt steel. It is employed to weld delicate aluminum pipes and brazing softer metals.
Advantages
• It is clean; no spatter is produced, and
• Suitable for gas metal cutting.
Disadvantages
• Expensive to acquire, and
• Requires highly skilled personnel.

Consequences of Improper Welding on Aircrafts
According to Baker, (2004), technological advancements in the late 20th century brought about changes in the manufacturing process in the airline industry. Materials such as titanium, aluminum, and magnesium were utilized to construct aircraft. In addition, new processes of welding were adopted in the airline industry. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides airworthiness directives to aircraft inspection and maintenance agencies to ensure that proper welding measures are undertaken.
The FAA attributes improper welding to the following causes;
• Improper operation welding rod and torch,
• Wrong rod alloy,
• Improper joint spacing,
• Using a dirty welding wire,
• Low weld current,
• Overstressed weld, and
• Fast weld speed.
Improper welding on aircraft results in cracks appearing on the aircrafts’ chassis. The cracks include crater cracks, under-head cracks, and longitudinal cracks. In addition, it may result in incomplete fusion between panels. Porosity may also be evident from the deposits left after using dirty welding wire and aren’t material. All the consequences of improper welding expose an aircraft to potential accidents due to the disintegration of panels. Such an event would put the life of passengers at risk of injury or death.