| In an industrial context, welding refers to a fabrication | | | | latest technology in this category use internal |
| process that joins materials such as metals and | | | | combustion engines, where as the conventional |
| thermoplastics, by causing coalescence. This is typically | | | | machines often use an electric motor to drive the |
| done by melting the work pieces and adding a filler | | | | alternator or the generator. However, the |
| material such as a welding rod, to form a pool of | | | | inverter-based machines are entirely controlled by |
| molten material that cools to become a strong joint. | | | | software and implement features such as pulsing the |
| Various processes and energy sources are used for | | | | welding current, variable ratio and automatic spot |
| welding such as a gas flame, electric arc, laser, electric | | | | welding. However, a transformer based welding |
| beam, friction, and ultra sound. All these methods | | | | structure is often expensive but can assist in a variety |
| involve the use of various unique equipments, specific | | | | of applications. |
| to each process. | | | | Electrodes or filler materials are one of the most vital |
| A basic welding process requires certain common | | | | components in welding as they facilitate the intended |
| equipments. These include the power supply, | | | | joint. However, depending on the process, the |
| electrodes, welding rods and arcs, and shielding gas. | | | | electrode is either consumable, in case of gas metal |
| The process of automated welding employs the use | | | | artwork, or non-consumable as in case of tungsten arc |
| of robots. | | | | welding. Filler materials are also available in different |
| A welding power supply is equipment that supplies an | | | | materials such as magnesium and tungsten. |
| electrical current to perform the welding operation and | | | | The shielding gas is used mainly in gas metal arc work |
| often uses a high current, usually over 80 amps. The | | | | to protect the weld area from atmospheric gases. |
| current can be as high as 12000 amps, which is | | | | Robots have become crucial equipment in modern |
| required for spot welding. Power supply equipment | | | | welding process as it facilitates automated welding, |
| includes a transformer, generator, and alternator and | | | | thus increasing the efficiency and enhancing various |
| inverter. Generator and alternator stylized machines | | | | welding processes. |
| convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. The | | | | |