Not all metals are easy to weld together. Some metals have different physical and chemical properties that make them incompatible for welding. One of the most challenging combinations of metals to weld is steel and aluminum. Steel and aluminum are very different metals with respect to their melting points, thermal conductivities, expansion coefficients, and solubilities….
When it comes to welding, one of the most critical aspects to understand is the different types of joints in welding that are utilized to create strong and durable welded structures. The joint is where two pieces of metal are fused together through the welding process. Selecting and properly preparing the right type of joint…
AC and DC welding are two different types of welding currents that affect how the arc is created and maintained between the electrode and the workpiece. AC stands for alternating current, which changes its direction periodically. DC stands for direct current, which flows in one direction only. The choice of welding current can have a…
Flux core welding utilizes consumable electrode wires filled with flux to provide shielding for the weld pool. Polarity, or the direction of current flow, is an important but often overlooked parameter when flux core welding. The selection of direct current electrode positive (DCEP), sometimes referred to as reverse polarity welding, direct current electrode negative (DCEN),…
Preventing and mitigating weld spatter (splatter) is essential for ensuring a successful welding process. Not only can weld spatter impact the appearance of the finished product, but it can also create safety hazards and result in added cleanup time. Weld spatter can damage surrounding equipment, contaminate surfaces, and even pose a risk of injury to…
Welding is a profession into which a lot of people fall into by accident. Obviously there are many welders out there who decided, probably early in their working life, that they wanted to be a welder or involved in the welding industry. However, there are probably more who got into welding by accident or through…
Reverse polarity welding and when to use it is a question that crops up regularly. It is an important topic as it will drastically affect the quality of the weld. To understand when you should employ reverse polarity welding you need to have a grasp of current and polarity as a whole. In this article…