Plastic Laser Welding

Plastic Laser Welding (1)

Most people are familiar with the concept of welding as a procedure to join two metallic pieces. The image that people have of the said procedure is of an electric arc producing intense light and spatter.

However, welding is not exclusive to metals. Welding can be used to join two or more plastic pieces together. Not just any plastic, though.

And not the traditional welding methods used for joining metallic pieces are used for welding of plastic. Let’s elaborate.

In different industries, joining plastic pieces permanently is sometimes necessary. Examples abound, including some toys, car parts, outdoor furniture, and more. The welding process involves the fusing of the plastic material.

Welding is done with thermoplastics only. This type of plastic has the property of melting with heat. This property facilitates the welding process.

The principle is simple. The plastic pieces are heated until they melt. These parts must be of compatible thermoplastic materials.

Then, a filler material is added as in some metal welding techniques such as MIG and stick welding. In some cases, however, no filler material is needed.

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Manganese Poisoning Caused by Welding Fumes and Parkinsons

Manganese Poisoning Caused by Welding Fumes and Parkinsons
Manganese Poisoning Caused by Welding Fumes and Parkinsons

Welding is a risky work that predetermines much caution. Welders who are daily involved in Stick, MIG, TIG, plasma cutting, and grinding, among others, may be easily exposed to UV/IR radiation and toxic fumes.

The danger especially comes from manganese fumes, as they may harm the breathing system, then the brain, and lead to many severe diseases, including Parkinson’s. Let’s briefly cover this phenomenon and figure out how to prevent manganese poisoning.

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8 Tips for Aluminum Gas Welding Using the Gas Tungsten Arc Process

8 Tips for Aluminium Gas Welding

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.

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History of Welding Helmets

The History of Welding Helmets

Knowing the basics of welding applications also predetermines the knowledge of the history of its equipment. Each professional involved in arc welding or even salesmen should know what welding helmets, in particular, stand for, their upgrade steps since introduction to the market, alongside their numerous pros and cons.

This review of the history of welding helmets may briefly guide you through it and occasionally help you understand who has been first involved in producing this protective headwear, which now saves welders from many risks.

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How to Choose a Plasma Cutter: Every Factor of Consideration You Have to Know

How to choose a plasma cutter

The choice of a plasma cutter is directly connected to the eventual result of your work. A wise decision can make even a total beginner’s project a success.

Plasma cutters vary greatly; you can see anything from classic commercial machines still utilizing Computer Numerical Control (CNC) to lightweight, portable options for mobile specialists. 

We’ll be talking about a more consumer-friendly kind of cutters, as they are used most often. You can use them for small business or home projects, as well as for improving your hobby. There are wonderful art installations made with a single thin metal sheet and a decent plasma cutter. 

Whether you’re a DIYer or a mobile professional, there are a lot of qualities to consider before choosing a plasma cutter. In this article, we’ll go one by one, creating a picture of a perfect appliance for your purpose.

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Hypertherm Plasma Cutters

Hypertherm Plasma Cutter

Long gone are the days when people used to cut metals with a saw. This technique is not very practical. Fortunately, we have plasma cutting machines.

These metal cutters simplify the process of cutting different types of metals greatly. What’s more, they do it fast and smoothly.

Despite the intense heat involved, this type of metal cutting causes little to no deformation to the materials.

One of the best-known manufacturers of high-quality plasma cutters is Hypertherm. They offer different plasma cutters for different needs and budgets. Get to know them in this article.

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Choosing Between MIG vs TIG Welding

Choosing between MIG VS TIG Welding
Choosing between MIG VS TIG Welding

MIG vs TIG welding, you don’t know which one to choose, do you? Traditionally these methods equally serve a purpose for similar tasks, and principles, though the difference in applications, a timeline of works, as well as costs involved, might be challenging.

We’ve decided to figure out what welding type is the best for specific use cases, and which one won’t make you spend hundreds of dollars. If you wonder about the ease of these two, especially when being a newbie to these works, you might find this article helpful as well.

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Best Welding Jacket

Best Welding Jacket

Whether you are a professional welder or a DIY hobbyist, getting the proper protective gear is a must. Welding produces intense light, as well as harmful UV and IR radiation.

Particularly, UV rays are capable of passing through common clothes. As a result, you may get burns on your skin, similar to the ones produced by overexposure to sunlight.

The result of several hours of unprotected welding can be serious. This is why special welding jackets must be worn.

There are different types of welding jackets in the market. You can find them in a variety of materials, from leather to cotton.  Which one is best for you?

To help you to decide, we have reviewed several welding jackets in the market. We have assessed the material, heat resistance, weight and quality of each item. This has led to the following list of the best welding jackets available.

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