What Are the Four Consumables of Arc Welding?

When an electric arc is used to join metals using heat, it is referred to as arc welding. It can involve the use of either direct current or alternating current. The power supply creates an electric arc between electrode and the base material. The electrode may be a consumable or non-consumable. The intense heat is what plays a crucial role in joining metals. Welding consumables suppliers in India offer four different types of consumables to aid the arc welding process.

Types of Consumables for Arc Welding

Here we elaborate the four important consumables of arc welding provided by welding consumables suppliers:

Coated Electrodes

Coated electrodes are used in general purpose welding and consist of a core wire. The core wire, as the name suggests, has an outer coating. Welding consumables manufacturers and suppliersproduce core wires that meet the set quality standards. The electrodes have a length that falls somewhere between 350 to 450 mm. The length of the uncoated portion is around 20 to 30 mm. 

Welding Rods and Wires

Short welding wires of one metre are beneficial for plasma arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. These wires can also be used in coiled form in spool. Long wires are useful for gas metal arc welding and submerged arc welding. Welding consumables manufacturers give a thin copper coating to these welding wires to protect from rust and corrosion. The coating should not exceed the permissible limit and it is recommended that the weight of the copper should be four percent of the weight of the wire.

These welding rods and wires are ideal to be used in processes where carbon dioxide is used as a shielding gas. Wires that are used to weld structural steel contains 0 to 10 percent carbon. Some wires are known to have increased manganese content. The permissible amount of silicon content in welding wire is up to 95 percent. If the silicon content exceeds the permissible limit, it will create poor welds. 

Welding Flux 

Flux is a vital part of SAW welding. When the flux melts, it protects the molten metal from contamination and other impurities. The nitrogen content helps protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. It aids better fusion of the welding electrode and the parent material owing to its capability to concentrate heat on a small welding zone. Purchase from one of the well-renowned welding consumables manufacturers in Indiato improve the efficiency of welding process with excellent physical properties. 

Shielding Gases

There are two types of shielding gases – inert gases and gases that dissolve and react with the metal. Argon and helium come under the category of inert gases whereas carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen can be listed under the second category. You can use argon, helium and carbon dioxide for gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding and plasma arc welding. One of the welding consumables suppliers can guide you with the right choice of shielding gases. 

Also Read: Understanding Self-Shielded Flux Cored Wire

Conclusion 

Diffusion Engineers is one of the top players in the industry that caters to the needs of various industries by providing high quality welding consumables. Get in touch to choose from a wide range of welding equipment that can help achieve smooth and strong welds. 

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