Metal Welding 101
Metal welding is an art in which two pieces of metal are joined together. The type of metal that is being welded will often determine the welding technique that will be used to provide the best possible result. There are four common welding techniques, which we will talk about in our next blog post. As the leading iron and steel supplier in Phoenix, our metal fabrication experts at Arizona Iron Supply are standing by for all of your welding needs!
What is Metal Welding?
Welding is the process of joining or melting two or more pieces of metal together using heat and electricity. This process is also used for plastic, but the term welding generally refers specifically to the use of metal. The process of welding reinforces building structures, ships, and modern machinery. Most welding in metal fabrication involves common metals like steel, iron, aluminum, and copper. The most common forms of welding are MIG welding, TIG welding, stick welding, and flux cored arc welding. We’ll get more into these in our next blog post.
The History of Welding
The practice of welding dates back to the Bronze Age, when metal was first used by humans. The earliest examples of this process were welded gold boxes. Welding techniques became more refined in the Iron Age when ancient Egyptians first used welding to make tools. During the Middle Ages, blacksmiths welded various kinds of iron tools by pounding heated metal. The 19th and 20th centuries saw many advances in welding techniques. Methods like arc welding, resistance welding, automatic welding, stud welding were developed, allowing welders to create much more intricate and elaborate structures such as airplanes, ships, and skyscrapers.
Careers in Welding
As global building and construction increases, the demand for qualified welding experts will continue to increase, making it a very viable career option. The majority of companies in the metal fabrication industry cannot find enough qualified welding professionals to meet their needs. Industries that use welding include: infrastructure, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture, and industrial.
Stop by our Warehouse!
Whether you’re a seasoned welder, or just getting started, Arizona Iron Supply in Phoenix is ready to help you with your next welding project. For more than 40 years, Arizona Iron Supply has been offering complete metal fabrication solutions to our clients in a variety of industries. If you’d like to discuss a project or have any questions about our products, please contact us today, or stop by our metal supply warehouse in Phoenix. Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll talk about the different common welding techniques used today.
