Arc Welding (AW)

 

Arc welding is the most common method of welding metals which uses an electric arc to coalesce metals. Electricity travels from electrode to base metal. It's a fusion process in which coalescence of the metals is achieved by the heat produced by electric arc between an electrode and the work at temperatures ~ 10,000 F (5500 C), hot enough to melt any metal. Most AW processes add filler metal to increase volume and strength of weld joint. A pool of molten metal is formed near electrode tip, and as electrode is moved along joint, molten weld pool solidifies in its wake. Thereare two Basic Types of Arc Welding (Based on Electrodes): 1. Consumable electrodes are consumed during welding process added to weld joint as filler metal in the form of rods or spools of wire 2. Non-consumable electrodes are not consumed during welding process but gradually eroded filler metal must be added separately coalesce = combine (elements) in a mass or whole fusion = joining together to form a single entity pool = a shallow patch of liquid lying on a surface in its wake = following its move spool = reel