Welding is a process widely used for industrial applications. Professional welders have plenty of work in the construction and manufacturing industries. DIY enthusiasts often weld for repairs and other home projects.
However, unlike DIY enthusiasts, professional welders master several welding methods. Commonly, different welding methods are grouped into four categories:
- Gas Metal Arc Welding or GMAW, in which the welder uses a wire as the electrode;
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW, in which the welder uses a tungsten electrode;
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding or SMAW, in which the welder uses a consumable metal stick as the electrode. This is by far the most popular welding method and the preferred by DIY hobbyists;
- Flux Cored Arc Welding or FCAW, in which a wire with a flux core is used as the electrode.
Of the above welding methods, GTAW is the most common for non-ferrous metals. This is also one of the most difficult welding methods to learn and master. Common metals, for which this welding technique is quite effective, include aluminum and copper.
This is the reason why some industries in which these materials are used demand GTAW professionals constantly. One of these industries is aerospace manufacturing.