What Type Of Welder Do I Need For My Construction Site?

Welding is a central part of the construction, manufacturing, and automotive industries. The trade dates back many decades ago. To date, the importance of a welder remains the most reliable way in connecting separate pieces of metal. Any structure you see next to you has some welded pieces or is made from a welded element. 

Like other trades, welding exists in different types, including forge, braze, and arc. Though other methods are available, arc welding remains the most popular and used approach in the current era. The reason is its safety, cost efficiency, quality equipment, and weld. It is also available in different types.

While arc welding is crucial, not every welder can be part of your construction of a site. Some welders have skillsets for working in the automotive and manufacturing industries. Bringing such welders to your site can result in costly errors. 

When looking for a welder for a construction site, you need to consider their skillsets and ensure they are appropriate for such a field. Here are the types of welders that you will need in your construction site:

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) welders

SMAW welders are the most common type in construction sites. These welders use a method known as stick welding or shielded metal arc welding. The technique uses a lightning-bolt-like electric arc between the welding rod, electrode, and substrate. The welders use an electrode that melts and creates a weld.  

The shield prevents any oxidation during the melting process of the electrode. This aspect ensures that the weld remains strong. SMAW welders are essential when the construction site requires joining steel metals and pipes. So, they will be a necessary type of welders you will need on your site.   

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) welders

Sometimes, the construction site might not have electric connections. The welding task might also require low heating to melt. In such a case, you will require a GMAW welder. This approach, called Metal Inert Gas welding, is good when dealing with aluminum metal.   

Like SMAW, MIG Aluminum Welding uses electrodes. But, your welder will feed a solid wire on the welding gun throughout the project. These guns have a flexible design that enables them to accommodate welding wires of different gauges and sizes. 

Also, they do not use flux as the oxidation prevention mechanism. Instead, the MIG welders will use inert gases containing carbon dioxide or a mix of argon and carbon dioxide, which runs via the welding gun. 

The advantage of this welding option is that it can work with different metals and is easy to learn. It is easy to use in remote areas thanks to portable welders. So, you can use it in any location you would desire. 

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) welders

The other name for this welding method is TIG or Heliarc welding. It is another reliable option that you can consider for your construction project. The approach differs from other welding methods in that it does not involve using a consumable electrode. 

Instead, GTAW welding involves the creation of a molten metal for forging the weld using an external rod. This makes it the best option when requiring high-quality and robust welds. Also, it offers attractive and clean welding results. 

However, welders using this option require a higher skillset than those for other welding types. The option also uses an inert gas shield containing argon or a mixture of carbon dioxide and argon.   

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) welders  

Another type of welder that will work perfectly for your construction site is Flux-cored Arc welding (FCAW). This method is a reasonable consideration when efficiency is your preference. The option uses a continuously fed consumable electrode like one in MIG welding. But the difference is that this electrode features a flux core. The core replaces the need for inert gas. 

FCAW is a good idea when you want speed and timely welds. It has high efficiency meaning low wastage. Also, you can find different types of electrodes to use in this welding option. However, not every electrode will fit your project. So, assessing the FCAW electrode available is essential to ensure they are a perfect match for the construction project.

Wrapping up 

In a word, if you are running a construction site, you will need different welders depending on the nature and type of welding material you are using. For instance, MIG welding will be the perfect option when your welding involves aluminum. 

When you are performing steel welding, SMAW will be a good idea. Also, the type you will pick depends on your required weld quality. TIG will be the top choice when quality and clean welds are the needed results. When speed and efficiency are the priority, FCAW is the best option.