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The welding procedure you choose to use can frequently have an impact on the final product's quality and effectiveness when it comes to fabricating structural steel.  

Choosing the appropriate welding techniques depends on the structural steel product's unique set of properties. Check this handy list to determine the correct technique for your project.

Wire Arc Welding

Stick welding, commonly referred to as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), is a welding technique that uses electricity and an electrode with a predetermined length to combine various metals.

Due to its portability and ease of use, structural steel welders should use this procedure in the field as often as possible.

However, this welding method can be cumbersome due to repeated stick electrode replacements and consumption. Thus, this method is suited for locations and applications where only a little welding is needed.

Flux-Cored Self-Shielded Arc Welding (FCAW-S)

FCAW-S is another welding technique in the field. This welding procedure applies to applications needing a lot of welding activity, which significantly increases productivity. 

FCAW-S is also great for large, heavy, and multi-pass welding projects. FCAW-S is only for stationary applications, despite its ability to increase efficiency. Due to the intricacy of its requirements and operations, it also requires the required training.

Flux-cored Gas-shielded Arc Welding (FCAW-G)

Due to its versatility and ease of use, FCAW-G is used by structural steel welders. It has better electrode material selection, deeper penetration, and the capacity to link plates even when impurities are present. 

The slag generated by FCAW-G's wires must be eliminated between passes and after welding. This prevents it from building up on the floor, tools, and fixtures.

Submerged Arc Welding

Indoor structural steel welding also uses submerged arc welding (SAW). Often, this welding method involves significant upfront costs. 

On the other hand, it can increase productivity rates on structural steel applications with multi-pass and continuous welds.

Solid or metal-cored wires are used with SAW because of their higher deposition rate, which can speed up travel times when making welds of the same size and shorten welding times. 

These benefits lessen the need for pricey straightening procedures.

Welding using Metal Inert Gas (MIG)

Indoor structural steel welding is an excellent application for MIG welding as well. Because MIG welding doesn't produce any slag, unlike FCAW-G, chipping and grinding are no longer essential. 

Weld operators can conserve resources like time and money because these post-weld procedures are not necessary. However, MIG welding is tricky to utilize, especially for some welders. With this welding procedure, welding out of position can also be difficult and time-consuming.

Contact a company that offers structural steel welding to learn more.