If you have steel equipment that needs to be fabricated or repaired, you need a metal supplier who offers welding services. Several different welding techniques can be used in various environments and instances, so a clear understanding of the options can help you find the best provider.

What Are Some Different Types of Welding Services?

1. MIG Welding

MIG welding is one of the most popular techniques, especially for beginners. MIG stands for metal inert gas, as this technique releases gas as a shield over the wire electrode, which is used for heating the two metals that are joined. It requires a power source but no gas connection or specialized equipment, so it’s popular with hobbyists. It’s also especially relevant for those who need to join thin pieces of metal, such as those used in shelves or household objects.

2. TIG Welding

TIG stands for tungsten inert gas. This process uses gas as a shield, just like MIG welding, but it uses a tungsten electrode as the heat source. This enables the equipment to heat thicker pieces of metal, so it can be used on larger scale projects involving steel or non-ferrous metals. It’s common in industrial settings but requires a high level of skill.

3. Stick Welding

Also known as shielded metal arc welding, this technique uses a stick electrode as the heat source. The metal supplier joins the two metals manually by applying the stick electrode to the areas in question. Since it’s a manual process, a fair amount of skill is required. However, it's versatile enough to work in various environments, including the construction of building frames and on repairs at industrial or manufacturing sites.

4. Laser Welding

Laser welding uses a concentrated beam as the heat source to join metals or synthetic materials. This technique is known for its precision, so it’s often used to construct small metal components. It’s also popular in the automotive industry, where it’s used to join parts where manufacturers don’t want visible seams, such as along the roofline and around doors.

If you’re looking for a metal supplier for your company, contact American Metal Supply in Louisville, KY. Serving clients all the way to Cincinnati, OH, this team can handle all of your processing needs, either in-house or through their strategic network. They have experience using multiple techniques and working with various materials, so you can trust them to deliver quality results. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (502) 634-4321 to discuss your needs today.