Other high-quality products, such as the Uvex Optrel Satellite Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet above, as well as "Welding Helmets, flip, shade, darkening, auto" may be found in this category:
Welding
A Welding Buyer's Guide
The Welding Process
Welding is a process for joining or fastening two pieces of similar metals (workpieces)
by melting and fusing 1) the base metals being joined and 2) the filler metal
applied. Most commonly, workpieces are welded by melting both of them and adding
more molten metal or plastic to form a pool that cools to form a strong joint.
The energy to form the joint between metal workpieces most often comes from
a flame (e.g. oxy-acetylene) or an electric arc. Most welding involves ferrous-based
metals such as steel and stainless steel. Welding covers a temperature range
of 1500º F - 3000º F. Weld joints are usually stronger or as strong as the
base metals being joined.
Whereas soldering uses solder, a lower-melting-point material, welding
applies enough heat to melt the materials being joined.
Plasma Cutting
Plasma cutters are perfect for cutting and fabricating metal — from thin
sheets, to thick beams. Plasma cutting employs a torch which uses a powerful
electric arc to create plasma, made by boosting a gas (nitrogen, argon or oxygen)
to a very high temperature. This creates a stream, or cone, of directed plasma
that can reach a temperature of 30,000°F. Handheld torches can usually cut
up to 1/2 in (13 mm) thick steel plate, and stronger computer-controlled torches
can pierce and cut steel up to 12 inches (300 mm) thick. Unlike laser-cutting,
for example, the process of plasma cutting is only effective on materials that
conduct electricity.
Arc Welder |
Spot Welder |
Wirefeed Welder |
Welding Accessories |
Are you confused by the terminology found
on this page? Use our vendor-partner's
Tool and Equipment Glossary to help you get a better grasp on the jargon.
Click here for
a master list of
all product categories in our extensive catalog.
