WHAT IS ARC WELDING?

Manual metal arc welding is one of the world’s most popular welding processes because of the versatility of the process and the simplicity of its equipment and operation.

Also known as stick welding, Arc welding uses electrodes coated in flux to lay the weld by an electric current – either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) – from a welding power supply, to form an electric arc between the electrode and the metals to be welded together. 

Lincoln Electric explains perfectly that Arc welding is one of several fusion processes for joining metals applying intense heat, metal at the joint between two parts is melted and caused to intermix – directly, or more commonly, with an intermediate molten filler metal. Upon cooling and solidification, a metallurgical bond is created. Since the joining is an intermixture of metals, the final weldment potentially has the same strength properties as the metal of the parts. This is in sharp contrast to non-fusion processes of joining (i.e. soldering, brazing etc.) in which the mechanical and physical properties of the base materials cannot be duplicated at the joint.

As the weld is laid, the flux coating of the electrode disintegrates, giving off vapours that serve as a shielding gas and providing a layer of slag to weld (primarily) iron and steels, including stainless steel.

Arc Welding dominates other welding processes in the maintenance and repair industry; it is also used extensively in the construction of steel structures and in industrial fabrication.

 

This an ARC machine by ProMax

 

How do you set up an ARC MACHINE?

 

 

 

sources : Britannica | PRO-MAX