What Is A Welder?
What Is A Welder?
Welders are tradespeople that build a wide range of structures, from ships to bridges to buildings. This can be a fulfilling career choice if you enjoy hands-on work and collaboration.
Before beginning a welding project, a welder will review the blueprints and instructions. This will help them determine what welding techniques and equipment to use.
Welding Processes
Welding is the fusing of metals or thermoplastics to create a durable and secure bond. Welders use various welding processes and equipment to fuse metal materials into the shapes that will ultimately be used for a variety of projects and applications.
In order to make sure that they are completing their work properly, welders will review blueprints and drawings of the items they will be working on as part of their day-to-day routine. They will also take measurements and plan the layouts and procedures that are needed to finish each job.
Some of the welding processes that welders may use include MIG, a process that uses electricity to melt the metal and add filler material, and TIG welding, which combines high heat with concentrated gasses to produce very precise welds. Spot welding is another process that is commonly used for its ability to deliver targeted heat in a small area and for creating narrow and deep welds.
In addition to these welding tools and methods, a welder will also likely need to have access to a soapstone, which is essentially a piece of chalk that can withstand the assault from flames and heat that come from many of the welding tools and machines. They will also need a speed square, an angular measuring tool with a right triangle shape that allows for multiple forms of measurement at different angles.
Welding Equipment
Welders use a variety of tools and equipment to do their work. These include a welding machine, which is used to generate heat to melt metal together. A welder must also have a pair of safety glasses to protect the eyes from the heat and optical radiation produced during welding, and a welding helmet for protection when doing more dangerous types of welding. A pair of ear protection is also helpful to protect the ears from the loud, prolonged sounds of some welding.
A welder must also have a welding torch to create the heat needed to melt and fuse metals. This tool can be hand-held or stand-mounted, and it is typically equipped with a knob to control the amount of gas being used. A welder also needs a variety of welding consumables, such as fluxes and electrodes. Welding gloves help the welder to keep their hands clean while using the welding machine and other equipment.
Other useful tools include a socket wrench, spanners (to tighten and loosen fasteners), cold chisels, wire brushes, a ball peen hammer, pliers (commonly called needle nose or linesmen pliers) and a flint striker. A welder may also use a soapstone, which is a special type of chalk that can be written on metal to make markings or designs. It is able to withstand the high temperatures of the flames from welding machines, and it can be used to mark surfaces that cannot be easily marked with an electronic device.
Welding Procedures
Welding is a skilled trade, and welders must follow strict protocols to ensure they produce strong, durable work. They start their day by reviewing blueprints or project specifications to determine the best welding methods and sequences for each job. They may then lay out metal parts and align them according to specifications before applying heat with specialized equipment to connect and fuse them together.
Welders must also be able to identify and solve construction problems in a reliable and resourceful manner. This requires strong analytical and decision-making skills, along with the ability to work effectively in a team environment. They often collaborate with supervisors, engineers, and other welders to complete projects.
In addition to following standard safety procedures, welders must practice good quality control. This includes ensuring that they use the right equipment for each job and cleaning and maintaining their tools after use. They must also follow best practices for material storage to avoid corrosion or contamination. For example, storing aluminum in a wet location or not cleaning it properly can lead to hydrogen in the weld, which results in porosity.
To practice their welding techniques, many welders write out a preliminary Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS). This is a step-by-step guide that describes the tools and steps needed to perform a particular weld. They then review the pWPS to verify that it is accurate and contains all the essential information.
Welding Safety
Welding can be dangerous work, especially if the proper safety measures are not taken. Welders should be aware of the potential hazards, such as fume inhalation, electric shock and fire or explosions, that could occur if safety guidelines are not followed.
For example, if you are welding metals that may be considered hazardous, you should use only an inert gas (argon, carbon dioxide, nitrogen or helium) to displace the air in enclosed spaces. In these cases, the welder must be working in an area with sufficient ventilation to eliminate any oxygen deficiency not only for themselves but also for others who are nearby. See HSE’s confined space working page and Dangerous substances and explosive atmospheres web pages for more guidance.
Additionally, a welder should avoid working with flammable materials and keep the workspace clear of any tripping or falling hazards. This is important as poor housekeeping can lead to electrical faults and sparks from the welding arc that could ignite the materials or cause an explosion. For this reason, it’s a good idea for welding workplaces to have regular cleaning routines and ensure all tools, equipment and supplies are returned to their storage areas after each use. A clear walkway will also help reduce the risk of slips and trips, which account for a large proportion of workplace accidents.
What Is A Welder? Welders are tradespeople that build a wide range of structures, from ships to bridges to buildings. This can be a fulfilling career choice if you enjoy hands-on work and collaboration. Before beginning a welding project, a welder will review the blueprints and instructions. This will help them determine what welding techniques…