Welding

Welding processes combine two separate pieces of metals to create a cohesive piece. There are numerous types of welding and fabrication services, each of which works best with different materials or in different circumstances. It’s a permanent fastening process that combines heat and pressure with a consumable material, or filler, to combine two pieces.

Popular consumable options include filler wire, consumable electrodes, and materials similar to the parent materials. Some welding methods use filler wire to join the two parent parts, while others use an electrode and gasses to generate heat. Welding services typically operate at high temperatures, and the type of welding chosen depends on the metals used.

MIG Welding

MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or MAG (Metal Active Gas), is a versatile process with two main types. One type utilizes bare wire as a filler, effectively joining thin metal parts. The second type employs a flux core, designed for thicker materials and outdoor conditions, ensuring strong, durable welds in various environments. This diversity makes MIG welding suitable for a wide range of applications.

TIG Welding

TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), uses a rod feed and a torch, which generates the heat and arc, to join pieces. This extremely versatile welding method works well with aluminum, cobalt, copper, nickel, steel, and titanium.

Orbital Welding

Orbital welding techniques use a rotating arc that encircles a stationary set of pieces. This method creates a more consistent weld in different circumstances, such as around a fixed pipe. It is also well-regarded for creating reliable, repeatable results. Customers also gain the advantage of working with a certified welding inspector.

Fabrication

Fabrication is a broad category of different processes and stages of production. Fabrication services begin with selecting materials and fabricating the part. Some of the subcategories involved in fabrication include the following:

Casting

Casting is a process of melting metal into a liquid state and pouring it into a mold. As the metal cools, it hardens into the predetermined shape. With permanent mold castings, fabricators can produce identical metal parts repeatedly.

Cutting

Cutting divides metal work pieces into smaller pieces. It involves techniques such as plasma cutting, water jet cutting, laser cutting, and cutting with mechanical tools. Metal fabricators can cut metal sheets or bars. They select the right cutting methods based on the materials’ resistance to mechanical, water, and heat damage, as well as the intricacy of the design.

Machining

Similar to cutting, machining cuts through the metal to split it into pieces. However, machining processes are used to refine a workpiece by removing excess material, which is then thrown out as scrap or reused. Common machining processes include drilling holes, turning to produce a smoothed shape, and milling to cut away excess material at multiple points.