Welding Techniques Used in Cylinder Repair: 4 Major Types of Welding

When it comes to metal manufacturing and fabrication, hydraulic cylinder repair, and pneumatic cylinder repair, welding is an essential step in the process. With proper welding, components can be created and implemented in a variety of different machines and systems. Used to create and mend different elements, welding not only bonds metals together but also helps them fuse to create a cohesive system.

As such an essential process, there are many different types of welding used to assist in different systems and scenarios. To better understand what technique is best for you, we are breaking down the top 4 types of welding to assist.

#1. GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG)

So, what kinds of welding are there? One of the most popular types is Gas Metal Arc Welding or GMAW/MIG. This style of welding uses a shielding gas along a wire electrode, joining the two metals by heating them up. In order to properly perform this method, a constant voltage and direct-current power source are required.

Typically, this is thought of as the most common industrial welding process. As one of the main types of welding, GMAW relies on four primary methods of metal transfer:

1. Globular Transfer creates a rougher weld bead due to the splattering and metal droplet size. This is ideal for welding thick metal plates. ‍
2. Short-Circuiting is the process of the welding wire making contact with the base metal in quick repeated taps. With little splattering, this is ideal for any welding position. ‍
3. Spray Transfer transmits small droplets of molten metal in a consistent way to maintain steady contact. While it produces little splatter, it’s best done on horizontal pieces.‍
4. Pulsed-Spray is similar to spray transfer but relies on a high-low current pulse for micro-cooling periods. This can be used on a variety of metal plate thicknesses and many welding positions.

Keep in mind, this type of welding is more complex than other alternatives, like SMAW. Additionally, it can be very sensitive to breezes that can disrupt the shielding gas enough to compromise a welding job.

#2. SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick Welding)

Another popular option among the welding process types is Stick or SMAW. Stick Welding relies on a current flowing through an electrode rod to the parent material to weld two metals together.

Of all the types of welding machines and processes, a stick is considered one of the easier ones to learn and requires the least experience to master. Even on rusty materials, a strong weld can be created with a stick welder. For this reason, this type of welding is well-equipped for outdoor use, especially since it doesn’t require a shielding gas to do it.

Typically, stick welding is used for thicker metals. But it does come with some considerations. In fact, stick welding can only be used with particular metals, and it does cause quite a bit of splatter. In addition, it can produce heavy smoke that requires proper ventilation.

Cons aside, stick welding is a simple and accessible solution, making it wonderful for everyday maintenance and welding needs.

#3. FCAW - Flux Cored Arc Welding

When it comes to welding major types, Flux Cored Arc Welding is the go-to alternative to shield welding. Praised for its high welding speed and portability, this style of welding is commonly used in construction projects and can be used in a number of different welding projects.

When navigating what types of welders there are, this is likely one of the most flexible options. Since FCAW offers many different operating angles, polarity options, voltage levels, and speeds of the wire feed, it can be relied upon for many applications. Additionally, with a faster welding speed, the newly joined metals will cool faster than other alternatives.

Keep in mind, if a welding technician is using a flux-cored wire, it’s important to look for porosity in the welded joint to ensure a strong weld. In addition, due to the smoke and fumes, this is best used outdoors or in a well-ventilated space.

#4. GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG)

When exploring “what are the 4 types of welding,” Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, or TIG, is one of the top 4 types. This type of welding allows for high precision and aesthetic welds that stand out from the rest.

While GTAW offers increased precision and style, it does have some considerations. Most notably, TIG welding is harder to learn and involves a slower process. With this in mind, it is best used to weld hydraulic cylinder structures that are thin and made of stainless steel, magnesium, or copper.

The GTAW/TIG machine shoots a consumable tungsten electrode with a variable current, all controlled with a foot pedal. Unlike other types of welding, which use a continuous wire feed, the technician will hold a consumable filler rod in one hand, while the torch works in the other. This means you control the feed with the torch gun while bracing with the other for a feed entirely in your control.

With this type of welding, you have much more control of the amount of current, and additionally, control the heat with a foot pedal. As a result of this heightened control. You can create a more durable, high-quality weld that’s built to last.

Conclusion

Welding is an essential process in many systems and requires special knowledge and expertise to get right. When welding hydraulic cylinder structures and other projects, understanding the best process to use is what ensures good results. This not only takes practice and mastery of welding but an understanding of the potential issues and alternatives, too.

With knowledge of the types of welding machines and the different types of welding best used in various scenarios, our team at Cylinders, Inc. is equipped to weld and repair your systems with expertise. With our cylinder repair company, you can trust that our welding will be done with precision and is built to last through the years for a secure system, no matter what. Get in touch today and have your cylinders taken care of by our experts!