Even if you don’t work in a machining industry, welding is useful in a variety of ways. Auto body repair shops, construction companies, and many other industries regularly make use of welding. This is why a career as a welder can offer you a diverse selection of opportunities. Understanding the basic terms of the trade can help you get started.

Basic Welding Terms

Before you begin the training for a career in welding, it can be useful to learn a few basic terms. These are commonly used in every machine shop around the country, so taking the time to learn them can give you an advantage.

• Arc Voltage – This describes the electromotive force that travels through the welding arc.
• Base Metal – This is the material you will be welding.
• Bond – A term used to describe the joining of the base metal and the welding material.

Welding Tools Used in Machining Industries 

Just as is the case in any skilled trade, you should differentiate between the tools you will use. In welding, there are several specialized tools with which you should familiarize yourself.

• Cutting Torch – This tool is used in machining to preheat and cut metal.
• Arc Welding Gun – There are a variety of welding guns used to bond various metals. For instance, MIG uses a continuously feeding wire as the welding material, while TIG welding uses a long welding rod that must be fed into a weld puddle.
• Gas Regulator – This is a control nozzle with gauges that allows the welder to manage the distribution of gases.

Materials Used in Welding

You will find that welding requires the use of many different chemical compounds. Some are highly unstable and flammable, so these substances must be handled with care.

• Acetylene – Hydrogen and carbon are used to create this combustible gas, which is used in the welding process. 
• Acetone – Although unstable and possessing flammable properties, this chemical is useful in stabilizing and dissolving acetylene.
• Flux – Before metal can be welded, this substance is used to clean the metal. This ensures any debris and trapped gases are removed to make various welding processes, such as hard chrome plating, safer and more effective.

R. A. Heller Co. offers a variety of industrial services, such as welding and grinding, in the Cincinnati area. In addition to providing quality service, they also pride themselves on employing eco-friendly practices. They consistently recycle machine parts for reuse, cutting down on the consumption of resources in the Cincinnati area. To learn more about their services, visit their website or call them at (513) 771-6100.